Wisconsin state Sen. Jon Erpenbach, among 14 Democrats who drove to Illinois last year to deny a quorum on controversial budget legislation, will be the keynote speaker at the Kootenai County Democrats 10th annual Democracy Dinner on April 28.

"He's a dynamic speaker and a communications specialist when he's not a legislator," said Jerry Shriner, a spokesman for the local Democrat group. "We're looking forward to hearing him."

The event at the Coeur d'Alene Casino starts at 6:30 p.m. with a no-host social, followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $40 per person, and $500 for premium tables near the speakers. Tickets can be purchased at www.kootenai-democrats.org or by contacting Shriner at 667-2949 or jerryshriner@gmail.com.

Erpenbach, elected to Wisconsin's Senate in 1998, will speak about the battle for union rights.

He and other lawmakers' protest actions morphed into the current recall effort against Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Erpenbach will host a special reception before the dinner from 5-6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person.

The local Democrats will also present the Art Manley Lifetime Achievement Award during the dinner.

Another speaker at the event will be Jimmy Farris, a 1st Congressional District candidate seeking incumbent Raul Labrador's seat.