As Republicans rally behind gubernatorial hopeful Mitt Romney in Lowell on Saturday, Citizens for Participation in Political Action (CPPAX), a progressive group based in Boston, will celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Founded during the Vietnam War, CPPAX now advocates for a wide array of issues, including campaign-finance reform and universal health care. The group’s message is needed now "more than ever," says CPPAX organizing director Eric Weltman. "We’re facing a lack of democracy both in the State House and in Washington, DC," he explains. "I’d like to emphasize the importance of revitalizing democracy — bringing people into the process and taking the government out of the control of the special interests and the leadership on Beacon Hill."

In the coming year, the group will concentrate its attention as much on Beacon Hill as on Washington. "Our focus is going to be electing progressives to the legislature, promoting rules reform, and championing democracy," Weltman says. In the past, CPPAX opposed the Vietnam War, fought for human rights in Burma, and battled for the Clean Elections Law in 1998.

The anniversary celebration, to be held at the Park Plaza on April 6, will attract its share of big names. Keynote speakers will include Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California and former Massachusetts congressman Robert Drinan. And, as the invitation says, "dancing to follow."

To purchase tickets ($75 each), contact CPPAX at www.cppax.org, or call (617) 426-3040.