May 24, 2023
In this Issue: Remembering Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day ● Lake County Democrats Well Represented at IDCCA Boot Camp ● State Senator Julie Morrison’s Bill Passes to Bring Justice to Victims of Doxing ● Congressional Representatives Make Services Available in our Neighborhoods ● Let’s Talk Politics Event in Gurnee ● State of the State Report with Lake County Legislators on Zoom ● Save the Date: Lake Dems Celebrate Flag Day with 2nd Annual Democrats Defending Democracy Event ● Erin Cartwright Weinstein’s Preakness Stakes Viewing Party ● Volunteer Spotlight ● Get Your Lake Dems T-Shirt and Show Your Democratic Spirit ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events
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Remembering Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day
On Memorial Day we remember and pay tribute to those who gave their lives to protect our democracy.
With our democracy under attack from enemies at home and abroad, to truly honor those who gave their lives, we must all stand-up to protect our democratic institutions. To truly honor them demands action.
Lake Dems will be participating in several Memorial Day parades around the county. See the Events List below for details. Come walk with us and show your Democratic spirit by wearing an official Lake County Democrats t-shirt. Click here to order.
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Lake County Democrats Well Represented at IDCCA Boot Camp
Lake County Democrats were well represented at the 7th Annual IDCCA Boot Camp in Bloomington-Normal, IL where they learned about campaigning, organizing, and winning.
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, the National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC), partnering with the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA), held their annual Boot Camp for state residents in Normal, Illinois. The 7th annual Boot Camp assembled pre-registered participants for free in-person training to provide tools, skills, and insight to help Illinois citizens become better equipped to begin, continue, or grow their involvement with Illinois Democrats.
Participants in the well-attended session had registered for one of three tracks: candidates, local leaders, or campaign staff. Training focused on four topics: communications, social media strategy, field organization, and fundraising.
Keynote speakers included Lake County’s own Representative Joyce Mason, one of the first alumni of the Boot Camp training program elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, and State Treasurer Mike Frerichs. Both heralded the importance of running for office and executing great campaigns, no matter the outcome.
The 2023 NDTC/IDCCA Boot Camp included a large contingent of Lake County Democrats, and it did not go unnoticed! A consensus was clear: Boot Camp is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Democrats while learning new skills. If you’d like to learn more about the annual event, please reach out to one of the many Lake County members who attended, or visit www.traindemocrats.org.
Pictured above are IDCCA Bootcamp Keynote speaker, Lake County’s own State Rep. Joyce Mason, Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA) President Kristina Zahorik, and IDCCA Executive Board Member and Lake County Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash.
State Rep. Joyce Mason and North Chicago Alderman (and our resident photographer) Kenneth Smith are pictured.
State Rep. Joyce Mason speaks to the crowd.
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State Senator Julie Morrison’s Bill Passes to Bring Justice to Victims of Doxing
State Senator Julie Morrison speaks recently in Springfield.
To give victims of doxing the justice they deserve, State Senator Julie Morrison’s bill has unanimously passed both the Illinois House and Senate and is headed to Governor Pritzker for signature.
“Doxing” is the act of sharing an individual’s personal documents or documented information without that person’s consent and with the intent to cause harm, or in reckless disregard of potential for harm to the individual whose personal information is shared. Victims of doxing are frequently the targets of harassment and sometimes violence. The measure would allow people to sue the person who committed the offense.
According to a press release by the Chicago Anti-Defamation League,(ADL) similar laws exist in Oregon and Nevada, and Washington has a bill under consideration.
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Congressional Representatives Make Services Available in our Neighborhoods
In addition to representing our values when introducing, sponsoring, and voting for (or against) legislation, our representatives in Congress perform a wide range of constituent services. These include helping with federal programs like Social Security and Medicare, or helping with passport renewals, for example.
It may not be widely known that Congressman Brad Schneider, whose 10th District encompasses most of Lake County and parts of suburban Cook and McHenry, makes staff available to provide in-person help, guidance, and information across his district. In addition to his District Office in Lincolnshire, Brad’s staff holds office hours weekly or biweekly in seven different locations across Lake County, plus one location in suburban Cook County. Click here for schedule and locations. This means that constituents can meet with staff, in-person, close to home.
The three other members of Congress whose districts include very small parts of Lake County—Jan Schakowsky (9th Dist.), Bill Foster (11th Dist.), and Mike Quigley (5th Dist.)—also endeavor to make services accessible to their Lake County constituents. Jan Schakowsky’s staff holds office hours in Fox River Grove, in addition to her Skokie District Office. Mike Quigley, whose District Office is in Chicago, offers office hours in Des Plaines. Bill Foster has office hours in Aurora. And all three offer virtual office hours.
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Let’s Talk Politics Event in Gurnee
Join us May 25 at 7pm, at Tacos El Norte in Gurnee, as Tenth Dems, Lake Dems, and Warren Dems co-host another edition of the Tenth Dems University (TDU) Let’s Talk Politics series. This session will focus on reproductive health care rights. Admission is free. Open to Democrats.
Let’s Talk Politics is a series of moderated discussions that provide opportunities for Democrats to talk about important issues of the day with each other and guests that often include elected officials, candidates, political analysts, and authors. Register here.
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State of the State Report with Lake County Legislators on Zoom
When: Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 7:00pm
Where: Online via Zoom
What: Join us for a briefing from many of our Lake County Democratic State Senators and State Representatives. They’ll discuss the recently concluded spring 2023 legislative session live on Zoom.. This event is free. Open to Democrats. Register here.
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Save the Date: Lake Dems Celebrate Flag Day with 2nd Annual Democrats Defending Democracy Event
On the evening of Flag Day, Wednesday, June 14, Lake Dems will host our annual Democrats Defending Democracy event.
Celebrate our victories over right-wing extremism with our Democratic elected officials, candidates, and like-minded people. Stay tuned for more details, including the announcement of our exciting guest speakers.
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Erin Cartwright Weinstein’s Preakness Stakes Viewing Party
Erin Cartwright Weinstein announces her reelection campaign for Lake County Circuit Clerk
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Volunteer Spotlight
Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers. Click here if you’re interested in helping.
Congratulations to Farah Laman, Lake Dems Recording Secretary and a Democratic Precinct Committeeperson in Ela Township, who never abandoned her goal to become a Trustee in Hawthorn Woods, tried again, and won election to this position in April.
Farah ran as a write-in candidate and applied training provided by Lake Dems to maximize her vote. She received an impressive 146 write-in votes to secure her seat and was sworn in this week. We are thrilled to have such a determined and dedicated volunteer on our team.
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Get Your Lake Dems T-Shirt and Show Your Democratic Spirit
For a minimum contribution of $9 (our cost though more is welcome and encouraged), you can show your Democratic spirit with an official Lake County Democrats t-shirt. We can arrange for you to pick them up or, if you want your shirt mailed to you, please select “Optional Shipping” to add $6 postage. Click here to order today!
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ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Illinois Payroll Jobs Up, Unemployment Rate Down in April
Jimmy Carter, 3 Months Into Hospice, is Aware of Tributes, Enjoying Ice Cream
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Upcoming Events
THURSDAY, MAY 25
Women Employed 50-Year Celebration Luncheon. 11am-1:30pm, Chicago. More.
Let’s Talk Politics in Gurnee. 7pm, Gurnee. More.
FRIDAY, MAY 26
Cubs vs. Reds Rooftop Game with Senator Julie Morrison. 12:20pm, Chicago. More.
MONDAY, MAY 29
Walk with the Wauconda Township Democrats in the Wauconda Memorial Day Parade. Line up at 9:30am, step off at 10am, Wauconda. More.
Walk with Democrats in the Lake Villa Memorial Day Parade. Line up at 11:30am, step off at 12:00pm, Lake Villa. More.
SUNDAY, JUN. 4
State of the State Report With Lake County Legislators on Zoom. 7pm, online via Zoom. More.
WEDNESDAY, JUN. 14
Lake Dems Celebrate Flag Day with 2nd Annual Democrats Defending Democracy Event. Stay tuned for details. 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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