April 5, 2023
In this Issue: Right-Wingers Lose Big ● Waukegan Referendum Defeated ● Amazing Job, Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega! ● Thanks for Voting ● Happy Holidays from Lake Dems ● Lake Dems Hosts The Nuts and Bolts of Campaign Finance Filing — Register Now ● Show Your Support – Get Your Rhinestone Donkey Pin Today ● Volunteer Spotlight ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events
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Right-Wingers Lose Big
Last night right-wingers were defeated all over Lake County by people who share our values.
For example, ultra right-winger Robert Tomei was defeated for reelection to the College of Lake County Board. Instead, Allena Barbato, who ran as a Democrat for State Senate, appears to have won a seat. (Election results are unofficial until April 18.)
In Barrington, a well-financed, organized group of extremists, Action PAC, was defeated for school board and early returns show they are likely to be defeated for library board as well. Five of the six candidates running against these fringe opponents are leading in their races.
We also did very well in the northwest quadrant of Lake County in Lake Villa Township and Antioch Township where volunteers worked tirelessly to defeat reactionaries who aspired to take over our school boards.
These are just some of our wins. It was a good night.
We need more help to continue our work to stop right-wing takeovers. Please click here to volunteer.
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Waukegan Referendum Defeated
In Waukegan, the referendum that would have eliminated neighborhood wards was soundly defeated, thanks to the efforts of the strong “Save Our Wards Coalition,” which Lake Dems helped organize after our Democratic Central Committee voted overwhelmingly to oppose the ballot question.
The Coalition held a press conference, dropped lit, made calls, knocked doors, and planted many “Vote NO” yard signs. Congratulations to all who worked so hard for this wonderful achievement.
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Amazing Job, Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega!
A hearty congratulations and thank you to our recently-elected Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega. He and his staff did an amazing job of overseeing this election, including obtaining the court order to extend voting hours at polling locations that temporarily closed due to a police incident.
Despite almost 600 candidates running in these elections, Anthony was able to post the results quickly after the polls closed.
We heard from many throughout the county who were very impressed by his performance. Elections do have consequences, and we are very glad we elected Anthony Vega in 2022.
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Thanks for Voting
Lake Dems thanks everyone who took time to register to vote, requested and sent back a Vote by Mail Ballot, or braved bad weather to early vote or vote on Election Day in person. We also thank our many volunteers, candidates, and other Election Heroes. (See Volunteer Spotlight below.)
“Voting is the foundation stone for political action.” – Martin Luther King
Follow the election results here.
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Happy Holidays from Lake Dems
Wishing our readers a very happy Passover and/or Easter! If you observe either holiday (or both), may your celebrations be filled with joy.
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Lake Dems Hosts The Nuts and Bolts of Campaign Finance Filing — Register Now
When: Wednesday, April 12 at 6pm
Where: Online via Zoom. Register here
What: Free seminar about how to comply with campaign finance filing requirements with prominent election attorney Ross Secler. During this interactive session, Ross will give an overview of the filing process, discuss the requirements for filings, and answer questions. This is particularly important for candidates, treasurers, lawyers, accountants, and interested campaign volunteers.
The Zoom link will be sent the day of the seminar. One hour of CLE credit will be available for attorneys. Open to Democrats.
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Show Your Support – Get Your Rhinestone Donkey Pin Today
Lake Dems continues the year-round fight for wins against right-wingers, and we need your support.
You can help by purchasing one (or more) of our Democratic donkey pins. These sparkly silver-tone and rhinestone donkeys make great gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Flag Day(!), for that special person in your life — or for you!
This wonderful 1-3/4″ x 2-1/4″ pin is available for a $20 donation. Of course, additional donations are welcome. There will be pick-up available at various locations in Lake County. We’ll contact you to make arrangements. Or we can mail them to you if you add an additional $5 for shipping and handling.
Click here and order your Rhinestone Donkey Pin today!
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Volunteer Spotlight
Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers.
This week, we turn the spotlight on all the Democrats who did their part to make the April 4 election something to celebrate. Whether you ran for office, delivered yard signs, went door-to-door or made phone calls/texts encouraging people to vote, dropped off campaign literature, worked as a pollwatcher or election judge, volunteered on our Election Protection Team, marched in a parade, or helped in another way, we salute you! We couldn’t have done it without you.
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ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
DNC Statement in Celebration of Arab American Heritage Month
Liberals take over Wisconsin Supreme Court — with major implications for abortion
Readout of White House Roundtable Affirming Transgender Kids
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Upcoming Events
WEDNESDAY, APR. 5
Lake Villa Dems April Meeting. 7-8pm, Lindenhurst. More.
SATURDAY, Apr. 8
Antioch Easter Parade. Line up by 10am. Step-off at 10:30, Antioch. More.
MONDAY, Apr. 10
Antioch & Grant Township Democrats April Meeting. 6:30-8pm, Lake Villa. More.
WEDNESDAY, Apr. 12
The Nuts and Bolts of Campaign Finance Filing. 6pm, online via Zoom. More.
For the complete list of Upcoming Events, go to lakedems.org/events.
Click here to submit your event for consideration.
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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.
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