Wednesday, September 18, 2024
In this Issue: Lake Dems Annual Shades of Blue Awards Reception (and Celebration of Kamala’s Birthday!) ● Postcard Stamps Needed ● REV Up with Lake Dems! ● Candidate Corner: Getting to Know Jennifer Banek, Candidate for Lake County Coroner ● Lake County Early Voting Begins September 26, 2024 ● Lake Dems Host Debate Watch Parties Around Lake County ● Laura Loomer, Trump’s Racist Sidekick and Alter Ego ● Harris-Walz YardSigns Are Here! ● Lake Dems Out and About ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events
Contribute or Join/Renew Your Lake Dems Membership
Lake Dems Annual Shades of Blue Awards Reception (and Celebration of Kamala’s Birthday!)
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| When: | Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 7:00 to 8:30pm | |
| Where: | Ravinia Green Country Club, 1200 Saunders Rd., Riverwoods | |
| What: | Celebrate Kamala’s birthday with us! Join us at our annual Shades of Blue Awards Reception, a can’t-miss event. Come to this festive birthday party and help us recognize our outstanding Democratic leaders. Individual tickets are $60 for Kamala’s 60th birthday ($100 per couple). Sponsorships available. | |
| To RSVP: | lakedems.org/ShadesOfBlue |
Postcard Stamps Needed
We’re connecting with voters all over to make sure we elect Democrats up and down the ballot. But we need all hands on deck to reach every part of Lake County. You can help us have the resources to get the word out about our candidates by chipping in here: lakedems.org/contribute or by buying a roll of postcard stamps—or two … or five … or even more—and then getting them to us, either by delivering the postcard stamps to us or arranging to have us pick them up.
Every bit of help makes a difference in this election that means so much. Click here to contribute or email us at info@lakedems.org if you can give us a roll (or more) of postcard stamps for our Democratic work.
REV Up with Lake Dems!
Lake Dems is REV-ing up to Reach Every Voter and we need your help! Lake Dems organizers are busy providing support for volunteers in the field—knocking doors, phone banking, text banking, and more—and we need all hands on deck.
We will provide lists, candidate literature, and our Lake Dems Voter Guide (provided as a folded pamplet—see printer proof below). Please contact info@lakedems.org with “REV” in the subject line and let us know if you want to help in any of these areas—especially if you are willing to lead a project.
Details to come! Watch your email, lakedems.org/events, and this publication.
Candidate Corner: Getting to Know Jennifer Banek, Candidate for Re-Election as Lake County Coroner
Coroner Banek Provides Caring and Compassionate Leadership
Jennifer Banek is running for re-election to enhance community health and provide improved support to families in Lake County, all while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
“As Lake County Coroner, I support families at one of the most difficult times of their lives while also working hard to reduce preventable deaths in our community. I am proud of what the Office of the Coroner has achieved under my leadership, but there is so much more to do.”
As coroner, these are Jennifer Banek’s key priorities:
Addressing the crisis of opioid-related deaths. The Coroner’s Office works closely with community organizations backing proven, victim-focused solutions to help all Lake County residents struggling with substance use disorder. Coroner Banek has prioritized timely reports of opioid-related deaths and is tracking overdose “hot spots” to aid law enforcement efforts.
Improving services while saving taxpayers money. After taking office in 2020, Coroner Banek immediately instituted expert processes to ensure efficient operations. Under her leadership, the office has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars while dramatically improving support services for families.
Turning tragedy into hope. Coroner Banek has partnered with the Gift of Hope organization to streamline the process of organ donations. Since the implementation of this initiative, the number of referrals for organ and tissue donations has grown significantly.
Jennifer Banek is also a:
- Major in the Army Reserve
- Member of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board
- Board member and Treasurer, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
- Supporter of Live4Lali, a substance abuse prevention organization
She is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) trained in all aspects of the human body, including opioid abuse—a major cause of early death in Lake County.
To get your free Banek for Coroner yard sign, please email banekforcoroner@gmail.com.
Lake County Early Voting Begins September 26, 2024
A major reason for early voting, whether by mail or in person, is to encourage greater participation in the election process. People who travel for business, work long hours, or are otherwise inconvenienced by the hours the polls are open on Election Day may find it easier to vote early.
Starting September 26, all registered Lake County voters are eligible to vote early at the Lake County Main Courthouse lobby in Waukegan. Beginning October 21, more early voting sites will be open across the county. To vote early, unlike on Election Day, Lake County voters can use any site countywide regardless of where they live. Click here to find your early voting location.
Debate Watch Parties Around Lake County
Kamala Harris soundly defeated Donald Trump in last week’s debate. Democrats gathered at watch parties throughout Lake County to cheer her on.
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| With candidate Maria Peterson in Barrington | Lake Dems meet at Wayfarer Theatre, Highland Park |
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| Lake Villa Dems at Lake Dems Grayslake HQ | Waukegan Township Dems gather in Waukegan |
Laura Loomer, Trump’s Racist Sidekick and Alter Ego
Probably about ten days ago, no one had heard much about who Laura Loomer was. With so many crazies on the right, it’s hard to keep track of who is who. However, it has come to light that she is an aggressive confrontationist and wild conspiracy theorist who is now part of Trump’s inner circle.
In short, Loomer is a far-right media personality wannabe who is known for her highly provocative behavior and combative style.
One of the most controversial aspects of Loomer’s behavior is her virulent anti-Islamic rhetoric. She has referred to herself as a “proud Islamophobe” and has been harshly criticized for making inflammatory and derogatory remarks about Muslims. A 9/11 conspiracy theorist who accompanied Trump to the 9/11 memorial … on 9/11!!
Loomer is also known for her attention-grabbing stunts to make political points. She has disrupted events, including political rallies and social media conferences, to protest what she views as unfair treatment of conservatives.
Ironically, Marjorie Taylor Greene spoke out against Loomer’s racism. Last week MTG stated that Loomer’s “rhetoric and hateful tone is concerning and a problem and doesn’t represent MAGA as a whole.” Although it was quite rich of MTG, the Queen of Conspiracy Theories, to be calling out Loomer’s bigotry, it was nevertheless still notable.
So why has Trump given Loomer a warm seat on his plane and made her a part of his team? Perhaps he is living vicariously through her racist malignant narcissism that has always defined Trump’s own behavior.
Harris-Walz Yard Signs Are Here!
(Delivering to the Lake County, Illinois and 10th Congressional District area only)
And we have signs for our Lake County Democratic candidates! Watch your email for more information.
Lake Dems Out and About
We love to include event photos in our newsletter! To be considered for inclusion, please send yours to info@lakedems.org with a brief description of the event. Have an event coming up? To submit future events for consideration for our website and emails: lakedems.org/submit-an-event.
Reminder: Throughout September and October
● Lake Dems Postcard Pros Write Hundreds of
Postcards Across Lake County
● Lake Dems Knock Doors to Help
Win Over Wisconsin (WOW!)
Lake Villa Dems Day of Action
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Lake County Democrats Day of Action for Maria Peterson
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Ela Township Dems “Kamala and Kringle”
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
NBC News: The first graders who survived Sandy Hook will vote in their first presidential election.
CNN: Trump allies do damage control as Harris rides fresh momentum post-debate.
Military.com: JD Vance would consider privatizing some VA services if elected.
Upcoming Events
WEDNESDAY, SEP. 18
Write Postcards with Lake Dems to Elect Democrats. 2:00pm, Highland Park. More.
State Sen. Laura Fine and State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz Summer Reception. 5:00pm, Glenview. More.
Wauconda Township Democrats September Meeting. 7:00pm, Wauconda. More.
THURSDAY, SEP. 19
Lake Dems and Fremont Dems Postcard-Writing Event. 6:00pm, Grayslake. More.
SATURDAY, SEP. 21
Coffee and Talk with Antioch and Grant Township Democrats. 9:00am, Fox Lake. More.
Grant Township Democrats Roadway Clean-up. 10:00am, Ingleside. More.
Lake Dems Writes Postcards in the Grayslake Office. 10:00am, Grayslake. More.
Knock Doors with Lake Dems to Help Win Over Wisconsin (WOW!). Noon-4:30pm, carpools will leave Lake County locations. More.
Holly Kim’s Korean BBQ and Karaoke Birthday Party. 5:00pm, Niles. More.
SUNDAY, SEP. 22
September Coffee Club with Brad. 11:00am, Libertyville. More.
Lake Dems Canvassing Training and Knocking Doors in Highland Park. 11:00am, Highland Park. More.
Knock Doors with Lake Dems to Help Win Over Wisconsin (WOW!). Noon-4:30pm, carpools will leave Lake County locations. More.
Curt’s Cafe Gala, “Driving Dreams.” 5:00pm, Chicago. More.
MONDAY, SEP. 23
Personal PAC’s 31st Annual Luncheon. 11:00am, Chicago. More.
2024 Hire Lake County Job Fair. 11:00am, Lincolnshire. More.
Meet Your Illinois State Reps. 4:00pm, Wheeling. More.
A Celebration of Fall with State Reps. Laura Faver Dias, Joyce Mason and Stephanie Kifowit. 6:00pm, Chicago. More.
TUESDAY, SEP. 24
Bowling Fundraiser for Commissioner Vance D. Wyatt. 6:00pm, Waukegan. More.
WEDNESDAY, SEP. 25
Write Postcards with Lake Dems to Elect Democrats. 2:00pm, Highland Park. More.
For the complete list of Upcoming Events, go to lakedems.org/events.
Click here to submit your event for consideration.
How Do I Join Lake County Democrats?
Lake County Democrats is made up of people like you, people who are passionate about building better communities and a better world. We’re a grassroots political organization, working with Democrats in all parts of Lake County – from Antioch to Highland Park, Libertyville to Waukegan, Barrington to Zion. Become a member online now (individual: $35/couples $60 – though more is always appreciated), or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.
