News, Notes & Events: New “Newspaper” Promotes Right-Wing Talking Points

Sept. 21, 2022

In this Issue: New “Newspaper” Promotes Right-Wing Talking Points ● PC and Activist Training a Success ● Promote Candidates with Lake Dems Voter Guides ● Yard Signs Available ● Lake Dems Offers Votebuilder Training ● Candidates Attend Events Across Lake County ● Statement from Brian Hayden, Candidate for Lake County Board, District 1 ● Candidate Q&A: Carissa Casbon ● Volunteer Spotlight ● Upcoming Events

Many of you have asked about a new newspaper landing in some area mailboxes called the “Lake County Gazette.”  We sent an alert this week warning that this was not a legitimate newspaper. It’s right-wing propaganda, peddling made-up stories about progressive politics designed to make the left look extreme.

 

A reporter with Shaw Local News Network (shawlocal.com) has reported on the content of the publication:  “Criminals set to be released into your neighborhood, sparse advertising and contact information, and an alleged teacher with a fake name pledging to teach critical race theory in class. Those are some examples of what can be found in a series of publications that have been mailed in recent weeks to homes across the state, as well as in McHenry County. They are drawing attention – including from Gov. JB Pritzker – for being politically charged and containing right-wing talking points just a couple months before the November election.” For more: https://www.shawlocal.com/news/state/2022/09/17/publications-with-look-of-newspapers-containing-politically-charged-articles-being-mailed-out-across-state/

More than 60 Precinct Committeepersons and activists attended another one of Lake Dems’ “Winning Elections” trainings last week. Speakers included Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s Political Director Ben Head, State Representative candidate Nabeela Syed, communications professional Alyssa Knobel and VoteBuilder Committee Chair Gail Ballengee. The primary message of the session was how powerful voter contact is in getting out the vote. Those who attended were also shown techniques for more effectively contacting voters. More such for PCs and activists will be held in the future.

Lake Dems 2022 Voter Guides have been published!  These colorful bi-fold fliers contain photos of all 58 of our Lake County Democratic candidates. Our Voter Guides are handy tools for making sure people know the names of Democrats who are running.  (People can even take them into their polling places so the Guides are great for handing out at polling places.)  Many precinct committeepersons will receive them from their Democratic township chairs for door-to-door canvasses.  But if you’d like to receive a supply – or other candidate literature or signs — let us know at info@lakedems.org.

Lake Dems has hosted three well attended Votebuilder training sessions in the last two weeks, and more are coming!  Courses that are available include “Votebuilder Basics,” a session for beginners and those wanting to refresh their memories about the program. Also offered is “Votebuilder II – Advanced.” Geared toward intermediate and advanced users interested in helping produce targeted lists of voters for Minivan, walk lists for printing, and phone banks, as well as recording voter data to make sure people come out to vote for our Democratic candidates. Any Democrat who is committed to working to elect our candidates is welcome to attend.  Email info@lakedems.org if you are interested.

Candidates Attend Events Across Lake County

Sheriff John Idleburg and Candidate for Lake County Board District 18, Sara Knizhnik (center) are joined by Highland Park 4th of July Parade survivor Liz Turnipseed (seated right) at an event sponsored by Color of Equity.

IL House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (far left) is joined by (from left to right), Candidate for State House (61st District), Joyce Mason, Candidate for Appellate Court, Judge Chris Kennedy, and Candidate for Lake County Board District 3, Wendy Meister.

Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim (center), meets fellow Democrats at her Apple Picking event in Mundelein.

Brian Hayden released this very important statement. He’s been working hard and gaining tremendous momentum.  We’re confident that Republicans will be attacking him because of the strength of his campaign and they’re clearly worried.  We encourage all our readers to view the entire statement here.

Candidates Q&A

Carissa Casbon

 

Lake County Board, District 7

 

I love Lake County. I’m running for reelection to the Lake County Board because I love working for our community. Our county government has the power to do so much good in the daily lives of our residents. When that power is in the hands of people who embrace that potential and truly want to serve, there is so much we can accomplish together. I’m that person.

 

It’s been an exciting two years on the Lake County Board, and I’m just getting started. As Vice Chair of the Board’s Legislative Committee, I proposed adding Health Benefits for Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits to our Legislative Agenda.  It passed unanimously. We informed our federal legislators, and the President signed the Pact Act into law this summer, which extends presumptive health benefits to veterans exposed to these toxins. This is a massive win for the veterans of Lake County.

 

As a Stormwater Management Commissioner, I have identified projects in my neighborhoods and matched them with grants to bring life-changing relief to people who live with the daily  stress of flooding.

 

In addition to my County Board and Lake County Forest Preserves responsibilities, I serve on four other boards and commissions including the Visit Lake County Tourism Bureau and the Lake County Housing and Community Development Commission. These additional leadership roles have expanded my understanding of our county. 

As a County Board member, I have been present for our community. I have personally handled constituent concerns, attended over 150 events and meetings, and more. I have formed solid relationships with my fellow community leaders, resulting in more cohesive service for our residents. We all have each other’s backs, and I think our community can feel that.  

 

I love Lake County and I’m just getting started. I would be honored to have your support!

Volunteer Spotlight 

 

Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers:

Debbie Rakestraw, an educator from Gurnee, a Democratic election judge, and a Deputy Voter Registrar, is a hard-working, versatile Lake Dems volunteer who takes initiative to help fellow Democrats. As one of the leaders of our Deputy Voter Registrar effort, Debbie has been assisting our teams of registrars to get to events to make sure more eligible voters, especially young people, are registered.

Upcoming Events

Events below are taken from the complete list of Upcoming Events at LakeDems.org/events. Click here to submit your event for consideration.

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21

Deputy Voter Registrar Training in Libertyville. 3:00pm, Libertyville. More.

Moraine Dems September Meeting. 5:30pm, online via Zoom. More.

Wauconda Township Dems September Monthly Meeting. 

6:00pm, online via Zoom. More.

TDU Presents “Illinois Supreme Court: What’s at Stake.” 8:00pm, online via Zoom. More.

 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 22

Identifying Victims of Sex and Labor Trafficking in Lake County. A presentation of the Lake County Coalition Against Human Trafficking. 8:30am-noon, Round Lake Beach. More.

Autumnal Equinox Fundraiser for Lake County Board Candidate Alicia Timm (District 17). 4:30-7pm, Lake Zurich. More.

March to Support the Assault Weapons Ban. 5:30-6:30pm, Lake Bluff. More.

Reception for Lake County Board (District 11) Member Paul Frank Featuring Brad Schneider. 6-8:00pm, Highwood. More.

Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg Re-Election Event. 6-8:00pm, Waukegan. More.

 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 23

Friday Night with Wendy Meister, Candidate for Lake County Board (District 3). 6:30pm, Chicago. More.

 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 24

Meet & Greet with Sheriff John Idleburg, Holly Kim, Michael Karner and Anthony Vega. 8:30-10am, Zion. More.

Virtual 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Awareness & Prevention. 10:00am, online. More.

Politics in the Park with Newport Township Democrats. From 10:00am-noon, Wadsworth. More.

Day of Action for State Senate candidate (District 32) Allena Barbato and Brad Schneider. 11:00am. Address provided upon RSVP. More.

Day of Action to Re-Elect State Rep Joyce Mason, Sheriff Idleburg and Gina Roberts (Lake County Board, District 4). 11am-3pm, Zion. More.

Early Voting Day of Action for Candidate Maria Peterson (State Senate, 26th District). Noon-6pm, Barrington. More.

 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 25

Shields Township Dems Day of Action. 11:00am-noon, Lake Bluff. More.

Holly Kim’s KBBQ Birthday Dinner. Noon-2:00pm, Niles. More.

Day of Action for Joyce Mason (State Rep. 61st District). Noon-4:00pm, Gurnee. More.

Meet & Greet “Fun”Raiser for Senator Adriane Johnson. 1-3:30pm, Waukegan. More. 

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28

Reception for Daniel Didech, Nabeela Syed, Sara Knizhnik and Marah Altenberg. 5-7pm, Long Grove. More.

Postcards for Anthony Vega, Candidate for Lake County Clerk. 6-8pm, Mundelein. More.

Buckthorn Removal Best Practices from Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioners Sandy Hart and Paras Parekh. 6:30pm, Lake Bluff. 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.