This year’s Estes Kefauver Dinner is expected to be one of the biggest in years, according Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman Paul Smith.

“Enthusiasm for re-electing the president and electing our highly qualified local candidates, combined with an outstanding slate of speakers, has already generated great response,” said Mr. Smith. “We have sold a number of tables and fully expect to be oversold on the night, Oct. 10.”

Held every year in honor of the former 3rd District Congressional representative, U.S. senator and vice presidential candidate, the 2012 dinner will renew commitments to issues Estes Kefauver believed in, Mr. Smith said. “Estes Kefauver fought alongside FDR for consumer protections, anti-trust legislation and the rights of labor. Following in his footsteps, Democrats pledge to continue his fight.”

Speakers this year include U.S. Representative from Tennessee’s 9th District, Steve Cohen (keynote speaker), State Senator from the 30th District Beverly Marrero, President of Service Employees International Union Local 205 Doug Collier, attorney D. Bruce Shine, and Rev. Kenneth Love, Pastor of St. Paul’s AME Church in Chattanooga.

Rev. Kenneth Love serves as the HCDP’s executive director, and is a proven community leader, speaking out for voting registration, voting rights, and leading the fight to end violence in the inner city.

D. Bruce Shine is a distinguished Kingsport, Tn., attorney. An expert on labor law, he served as legislative aide and state field secretary to Estes Kefauver from 1953-1963. During the program, he will relate the story of the late congressman and senator.

Doug Collier, who began his labor work as a union coal miner in West Virginia more than 30 years ago, was elected president of Service Employees International Union Local 205 in 2007, and has also been elected to serve on the International Union’s Executive Board.

State Senator Beverly Marrero has shown herself a fighter for social justice and families, earning a leadership role in Nashville.

Rep. Steve Cohen (keynote speaker) has been called “the conscience of the freshman [Congressional] class of 2008.” He has also been endorsed by President Barack Obama, who called him “a proven leader in the U.S. Congress and a strong voice for Tennessee.”

The dinner will be on Wednesday, Oct. 10, with a 6 p.m. cash bar, 6:30 p.m. dinner, and 7 p.m. program. It will be in the Imperial Ballroom, Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St., Chattanooga. General admission is $60, students, $35, and a sponsorship table for eight, $1,500. Tickets must be reserved by Oct. 1. Reserve by mail: Make checks payable to “Hamilton County Democratic Party” and mail to HCDP, P.O. Box 4090, Chattanooga Tn. 37405. For more information, call 423 266-4125.