Feb. 22, 2023
In this Issue: Lake County Democrats Celebrate Presidents’ Day with MSNBC Contributor Jill Wine-Banks ● Thank you, Jimmy Carter ● Weather Couldn’t Stop Holly Kim’s Lunar New Year Celebration ● Volunteer Spotlight ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events Below
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Keynote Speaker Jill Wine-Banks energized, educated, and entertained the crowd in Vernon Hills.
About 170 Democrats, from all over Lake County and beyond, gathered in Vernon Hills on Monday evening to hear from MSNBC contributor Jill Wine-Banks, who told fascinating stories about her time as a Watergate prosecutor, comparing those times and ours. Jill spoke and took questions from the audience and then signed copies of her New York Times best-selling book, The Watergate Girl, for many excited Democrats. Even after the program ended, Jill graciously stayed an extra hour to make sure everyone who purchased a book got it signed.
Speakers included Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, who provided a high-energy kickoff, as well as Congressman Brad Schneider, State Rep. Dan Didech, County Clerk Anthony Vega, Lake County Board Member Esiah Campos, Democratic Intern Coordinator Patrick Kompare, Lake County Dems officer Farah Laman, and Lake County Dems Chair Lauren Beth Gash. The many elected officials, candidates, Democratic Township Chairs, and Precinct Committeepersons who attended were also recognized with applause.
Dessert was provided by nationally acclaimed television personality and pastry chef Gale Gand, a James Beard Award-winning chef.
We can’t wait for the next event!
 Lake Dems Vice-Chair and Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Shepherdson is joined by volunteers at the registration table. |
 Lots of buttons and tee shirts were sold throughout the entire evening so that Democrats can spread our message. |
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Jill Wine-Banks Draws Packed House in Vernon Hills
by Joseph Bilas
With the sun setting over the White Deer Run Golf Club, MSNBC contributor Jill Wine-Banks addressed a packed house on Presidents’ Day in Vernon Hills.
During her remarks at the Lake Dems fundraiser, former Watergate prosecutor Wine-Banks compared the speed of the Watergate investigation to the speed of the many Trump investigations, and how slow the investigations of former President Trump have moved in comparison. She noted the factors influencing this slowdown—including the now-common reaction many officials have to subpoenas: pretend they don’t exist. Wine-Banks also discussed Georgia’s investigation of Trump, and the potential paths prosecutors may take as they seek indictment.
After addressing the countless Trump investigations, Wine-Banks covered the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as well as steps both Biden and Congress can take for the ERA to be officially recognized as the 28th Amendment.
Asked about the U.S. Supreme Court, Wine-Banks made a compelling argument for expanding the number of justices to 13. She noted that most of the Supreme Court’s cases are appeals of decisions from federal Circuit Courts of Appeals and that when Congress set the number of Supreme Court Justices at nine, there were nine such Appellate Courts. Since 1869, the nine Circuit Courts have grown to 13. It would be logical that the Supreme Court’s increased caseload flowing from 13 courts instead of nine would warrant increasing the number of Justices from nine to 13, she explained.
After taking questions from an enthusiastic audience, the former prosecutor signed books and posed for photos.
The event was a reminder of how far we’ve come in the fight to obtain equality for all, and the fight to maintain a fair justice system—for everyone.
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Click here for more Presidents’ Day photos.
See the list of our event sponsors here. We are grateful for their support.
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Thank you, Jimmy Carter
Our thoughts have been with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter since The Carter Center announced that the 39th President has chosen to enter home hospice care. Former President Carter has led a remarkable life, traveling the journey from small town boy to president to 2002 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. He has also been a committed volunteer to important causes, such as Habitat for Humanity. He has our admiration for his incredible service to our country and the world.
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Weather Couldn’t Stop Holly Kim’s Lunar New Year Celebration
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Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim’s Lunar New Year Celebration welcomed the Year of the Rabbit. The event featured the Chinatown Lion Dance Troupe and other cultural performances. A large crowd gathered in spite of the blizzard.
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Volunteer Spotlight
High school student Shiv Patel is an extraordinary volunteer who has been helping local Democrats since the summer of 2022. Starting as an intern, he now serves as a Deputy Intern Coordinator and helps with many projects, including the management of volunteer assignments. We could not possibly accomplish as much as we do without his help.
Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers.
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ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
WATCH: DNC Chair Highlights 2024 Race for the MAGA Base
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Upcoming Events
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22
Waukegan Township Presents Artis Yancey HBCU College Tour Informational Meetings. 5:30pm, Waukegan and online via Zoom. More.
THURSDAY, FEB. 23
Daniel Didech Hosts Blood Drive with American Red Cross. 9am-2pm, Buffalo Grove. More.
SUNDAY, FEB. 26
Jennifer Banek Campaign Kickoff. 2-4pm, Waukegan. More.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1
Waukegan Township Presents Artis Yancey HBCU College Tour Informational Meetings. 5:30pm, Waukegan and online via Zoom. More.
Libertyville Township Democrats Municipal Election Forum. 6:30-8pm, Vernon Hills. 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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