In this Special Edition: Shades of Blue Fundraiser Draws Overflow Crowd ● A Proclamation on National Clean Energy Action Month ● It’s Not Too Late – Get Your Lake Dems Hat! ● It’s Always Lake Dems T-shirt Season! ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events ● Photo Gallery

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∗ Special Edition ∗
Shades of Blue Fundraiser Draws Overflow Crowd

See more photos at the end of the newsletter.

Thank you to all of our incredible speakers, sponsors, event committee members, awardees, attendees, and volunteers who made our 2nd Annual Shades of Blue Awards Reception such a success. Democratic speakers and candidates up and down the ballot energized an overflow crowd in Deerfield.

Chair Lauren Beth Gash welcomed the crowd and explained that we celebrate Shades of Blue to show how Lake County has changed from bright red to purple to now mostly blue, and how the night’s awardees have helped to do that. She spoke of what Lake Dems has been doing to engage precinct committeepersons and get ready for the next election, including Connection Canvassing and helping elected officials and candidates.

Bobbie Hinden, long-time Events Committee leader, thanked the team for pulling it all together, and spoke about upcoming events to watch for.

Milt and Lew King, 14-year-old twins, impressed the audience with their eloquence and told of how they began walking in parades for Brad Schneider at the age of six. They volunteer for Democrats because of the impact politics will have on their and future generations.

They then introduced Members of Congress Bill Foster, Jan Schakowsky, and Brad Schneider, who energized the room with humor and rousing remarks about what is at stake in the 2024 election. Noting that he could “feel the strength in this room,” Congressman Schneider reminded the group that “we know what matters, we know why we’re fighting.”

Celeste Flores, Vice President of the Warren Newport Library District, Rachel Jacoby, Movement Organizer for March for our Lives, and Carolyn Pinta, Director of the Pinta Pride Project and BG Pride Parade organizer, spoke movingly about some of our Democratic values. Celeste spoke about the importance of access to libraries and books for all, and the freedom to think for ourselves. Rachel celebrated how electing Democrats has made a significant difference in passing gun violence prevention legislation in Illinois and what needs to be done in the future. And Carolyn spoke about how the importance of electing Democrats is critical for protecting LGBTQ+ rights.

Barbara Altman, a Lake Dems Vice Chair, spoke about our Election Protection program, which furthers these and other Democratic values by helping to make sure that everyone eligible to vote knows how to vote and is allowed to vote.

Lake County Board Member Esiah Campos gave a stirring speech about why we must protect democracy and why Democrats are the ones who can do it because only they think it’s important. Click here to hear his inspiring speech.

Fremont Township Democrats Chair Matt Lowry received the Lake Dems Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedication to creating an effective group of local volunteers. He was introduced by Kasia Kondracki, last year’s awardee.

Candidate for State Representative Maria Peterson introduced Painters District Council 14 Business Representative Todd Overdorf, who was named Lake Dems Labor Leader of the Year. Maria talked about how helpful Todd has been to Lake County candidates over the years, including herself. Todd was joined by many of his fellow union members from Local 863. In speaking about the importance of electing Democrats, Todd said, “If you want to change something from red to blue, call a painter!”

Lake Dems Vice Chair Nancy Shepherdson gave a moving tribute to Ed Erwin, former Lake Villa Township Chair, who passed away in September. Nancy said she would always remember that Ed was eternally optimistic about achieving Democratic victories, even in northwest Lake County.

State Representative Joyce Mason introduced colleague State Representative Rita Mayfield, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Rep. Mayfield is the Dean of the Lake County legislative delegation and has done so much for Democrats and our causes.

Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim energized the crowd with her speech and then introduced Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, the night’s Special Featured Speaker.

The Lieutenant Governor spoke about Illinois Democrats being the party of fiscal responsibility. Illinois has passed a balanced budget for the past three years, our credit rating has increased significantly, and small businesses are flourishing from the state’s values-based leadership. She also stressed the Democrats’ steadfast protection of both women’s reproductive rights and gun violence prevention.

While introducing Leadership Award winner Eric Rinehart, the Lieutenant Governor pointed out that as State’s Attorney, Eric Rinehart has demonstrated true leadership on important initiatives such as the Illinois Pre-Trial Fairness Act and the recently-enacted assault weapons ban.

The crowd was excited to hear from our Keynote speaker Renato Mariotti and he did not disappoint. A legal analyst often seen on MSNBC and other media outlets, he offered his perspective on former President Trump’s mounting legal challenges. A former federal prosecutor, Mariotti said he would not be surprised if Trump were convicted before Election Day. We were so honored that he was willing to travel to Lake County to speak to us.

Ending on a high note, Tom Maillard, 10th District State Central Committeeman, sent everyone on their way feeling inspired to work smarter than ever for Democratic values and candidates. Let’s make Lake County even bluer in 2024!

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A Proclamation on National Clean Energy Action Month

America is once again leading the world in the fight against climate change — reducing pollution, lowering energy costs, creating good-paying jobs, and making sure clean energy technologies are made in America. During National Clean Energy Action Month, we celebrate that historic progress and commit to continue working to build a more sustainable and energy secure nation for future generations.

Click here to read the White House Proclamation on National Clean Energy Action Month.

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It’s Not Too Late – Get Your Lake Dems Hat!