August 24, 2022
In this Issue: County Chairs Gather in Springfield ● Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky in Vernon Township ● Summer Days Parade Brings Out the Democrats ● Gun Sense Rally Highlights Issue in Lake Zurich ● Lake County Democratic Women Celebrate at Gala ● “Party With Our Party” a Success in Highland Park ● Volunteer Spotlight ● Candidate Q&A: Sheriff Idleburg and Anthony Vega ● In Case You Missed It ● Upcoming Events
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County Chairs Gather in Springfield
The Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Brunch drew a big crowd in Springfield on August 17.
Illinois’ Senator Tammy Duckworth addresses the gathering.
Lake County Democrats were well represented at the Springfield brunch. From left are Nabeela Syed, candidate for State House District 51; Lauren Beth Gash, Chair of the Lake County Democrats; Holly Kim, Lake County Treasurer seeking reelection; and Nancy Shepherdson, Vice Chair of the Lake County Democrats.
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky in Vernon Township
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, whose district now includes part of Lake County, got a warm welcome at a meet-and-greet event in Vernon Township on August 21. She later attended another meet-and-greet in Ela Township.
Several Lake County Democratic officeholders had the opportunity to talk with Congresswoman Schakowsky at the meet-and-greet. From left are State Sen. Adriane Johnson, Congresswoman Schakowsky, Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg, Lake County District 20 Board Member Marah Altenberg, and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim.
Summer Days Parade Brings Out the Democrats
State Senate Candidate Mary Edly-Allen was among candidates in the Summer Days Parade in Grayslake.
Lake County Dems were out in force for the Summer Days Parade. Participants included, from left, Nancy Shepherdson, Lake Dems Vice Chair; Lake Dems Chair Lauren Beth Gash; and Tenth Dems interns Drew Spiegel and Grace Harris.
Gun Sense Rally Highlights Issue in Lake Zurich
Taking part in the Gun Sense Rally in Lake Zurich, from left, are Mike Ziri; Jordan Kane; Mary Morgan, Candidate for House District 52; Maria Peterson, Candidate for State Senate District 26; Cameron Baltrum; Sara Knizhnik, Candidate for County Board District 18; Sheri Williams; and State House District 54 Candidate Mary Beth Canty.
From left, Maria Galo, Palatine Township Democrats Chair; Nabeela Syed, Candidate for State House District 51; Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi; Mary Beth Canty, Candidate for State House District 54; and Sue Walton, former Palatine Township Democrats Chair were also at the rally.
Lake County Democratic Women Celebrate at Gala
Among the crowd of candidates and supporters were State Sen. Adriane Johnson, Circuit Court Candidate Sharmila Manak; District 9 Lake County Board Member and candidate for reelection Mary Ross Cunningham, Illinois Supreme Court Candidate Judge Elizabeth Rochford, Jeffery Facklam, and Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg.
“Party With Our Party” a Success in Highland Park
Democratic candidates mingled with supporters at the Moraine Township Democrats “Party With Our Party” on August 21 at a home in Highland Park.
Candidate Q&A: Sheriff John Idleburg
Why Are You the Best Candidate for Lake County Sheriff?
Since becoming your Sheriff, engaging with our community has been my fundamental goal. Being visible in the community fosters trust and also helps steer lives in the right direction. My deputies and I care about every person that we serve.
I am very proud to say that to date, under my direction, the Lake County Sheriff’s department has taken over $10 million in illegal drugs off of the streets in Lake County. I have aggressively dedicated resources to pursue trafficking in all of its forms (guns, human and drugs) to keep our community safe. I will continue to be deeply committed to consistently collaborating with community members, organizations and government representatives to keep you and your families safe.
Our marine unit has set new records this summer in the number of arrests made while patrolling the Chain of Lakes. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving a boat is illegal. We are there to ensure that the lakes stay safe and fun for everyone.
Our K-9 units have saved lives; detected drugs, guns, and money; and located people who have mistakenly wandered away from their families. I can’t say enough great things about our K-9 units. When they say that a dog is man’s best friend, that definitely includes being the sheriff’s best friend as well.
For more information on the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, please go to your app store and download my free Sheriff’s Department app. It is full of information for the Lake County community. You can submit an anonymous tip, check to see if there is an open warrant on someone you know, check for registered sex offenders, and find information on inmates that are currently in the Lake County Jail.
VOTE for John D. Idleburg—your Lake County Sheriff. Visit votejohnidleburg.com.
Candidate for County Clerk: Anthony Vega
What’s worse to you, Lake County Democrats? That Clerk incumbent Robin O’Connor cost Lake County taxpayers over a half a million dollars in whistleblower lawsuits in her first two years on the job?
Or in her announcement that she was switching parties in February 2022, she said that when it came to election operations, the Republican Party aligned with her values?
Anthony is running to restore the public’s trust by bringing back good government to the Lake County Clerk’s Office. He is a true steward of service—from serving as Chief of Staff to Lake County’s first Black Sheriff to working for Sierra Club to elect pro-environment candidates to being a volunteer teacher for immigrant families. He will always put the people of Lake County first. His reputation tells you so.
Visit www.votevega.org.
Volunteer Spotlight
Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers:
Volunteers were crucial to the success of our Lake Dems booth at the Lake County Fair. They signed on to set up the booth, ferry supplies to the fairgrounds, donate giveaways, and greet visitors—day in and day out. Wauconda Township Democrats were especially helpful, doing whatever was needed. Special thanks to the Wauconda crew, including Gail Ballengee, Barbara Brown, Jake Hadden, Dennis Leslie, Mary Morgan, and Ruth Stevig.
In Case You Missed It
Gun Sense Rally in Lake Zurich: The Time is Ripe for Reform, Advocates Say
Federal lawmakers, candidates for state and county offices, and a witness to the mass shooting at Highland Park’s Independence Day parade gathered Sunday in Lake Zurich’s Paulus Park to rally for sweeping gun law reform. (Daily Herald)
Redistricting, Abortion Supercharge State Supreme Court Races
Two seats are open on the Illinois Supreme Court, which has a 4-3 Democratic majority. Democratic Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth Rochford is seeking to defeat former Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran, an anti-choice extremist. The second district, which includes all of Lake County, is one of two swing districts that will determine the partisan make-up of the court.
Upcoming Events
Events below are taken from the complete list of Upcoming Events at LakeDems.org/events. To submit your event for consideration, click here.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 24
Indivisible Western Lake County (IWLC) August Meeting with Moms Demand Action. 7-8:30pm, Lindenhurst. More.
Assessment Appeal Workshop with West Deerfield Township Assessor. 7pm, Deerfield. More.
THURSDAY, AUG. 25
Deputy Voter Registrar Training in Waukegan. 3pm, Waukegan. More.
Support Asian American Candidates. 5:30-7:30pm, Chicago. Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon invite you to support Asian American legislative members and candidates. More.
County Board District 18 Candidate Sara Knizhnik General Election Campaign Kickoff. 6:30-8:30pm, Hawthorn Woods. More.
Warren Township Democrats August Meeting. 7pm, Gurnee. Guest speakers are District 61 State Rep. Joyce Mason, candidate for State Senate District 31; State Senate District 31 Candidate Mary Edly-Allen; and Lake County Clerk Candidate Anthony Vega. More.
FRIDAY, AUG. 26
Picnic Supporting Laura Faver Dias, Candidate for State Representative, 62nd District. 5:30-7:30pm, Round Lake. More.
SATURDAY, AUG. 27
Team Carissa Casbon (County Board District 7 Candidate) Day of Action. 10am-1pm. Warren Township. More.
Coffee with the Candidates – Lake County Board Member Jennifer Clark and State Senate Candidate Mary Edly-Allen.10-11am, Libertyville. More.
Black Lives Matter 2nd Annual Black Business Expo.1-5pm, Waukegan. More.
TUESDAY, AUG. 30
Supreme Court Candidates Judge Mary Kay O’Brien and Judge Elizabeth Rochford hosted by Jane’s Army. 6:30-7:30pm, online. More.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 31
Brews & Tacos with State Senator Julie Morrison. 5:30-7pm, Highland Park. More.
How to Run for Local Office – with Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and the Fremont Democrats. 6pm, online via Zoom. More.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 1
Gina Roberts County Board District 4 Reelection Kickoff. 5:30-8pm, Beach Park. More.
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 or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.
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