Wednesday, September 25, 2024
In this Issue:In Embarrassing Decision, Republican Candidate For North Carolina Governor Mark Robinson Chosen As Speaker For Local Republicans ● Lake Dems Annual Shades of Blue Awards Reception (It’s Kamala’s Birthday!) ● Candidate Corner: Getting to Know Michael J. Conway, Candidate for Lake County Board District 5 ● Seventy-three New Voters Registered at Two College of Lake County Locations ● Do You Have a Plan for Voting? ● Mark Robinson and Donald Trump–Two Peas in a Pod ● Show Your Neighbors You Support Harris-Walz ● Lake Dems Out and About ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events
Contribute or Join/Renew Your Lake Dems Membership
In Embarrassing Decision, Republican Candidate For North Carolina Governor Mark Robinson Chosen As Speaker For Local Republicans
Republican Mark Robinson is running for governor of North Carolina. You may have heard of him. Early last week, Lake Dems sent out an email sounding the alarm that Robinson, a Holocaust denier who’s made news vilifying the LGBTQ+ community and women having abortions, was tapped to headline a Republican fundraiser in the northern suburbs.
Then more shocking details came out. GOP panic set in as Republicans started pointing fingers at each other, desperately trying to distance themselves from Robinson. But, given all he said before then, Mark Robinson never should’ve been invited into our area in the first place. Click here to see what Lake Dems sent out even before the CNN story about Mark Robinson broke.
Lake Dems Annual Shades of Blue Awards Reception (It’s Kamala’s Birthday!)
 |
||
| When: | Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 7:00 to 8:30pm | |
| Where: | Ravinia Green Country Club, 1200 Saunders Rd., Riverwoods | |
| What: | Celebrate Kamala’s birthday with us! Join us at our annual Shades of Blue Awards Reception, a can’t-miss event. Come to this festive birthday party and help us recognize our outstanding Democratic leaders. Individual tickets are $60 for Kamala’s 60th birthday ($100 per couple). Sponsorships available. | |
| To RSVP: | lakedems.org/ShadesOfBlue |
Are you planning to come? We’d love your help with planning and/or staffing the event—please email us at info@lakedems.org to let us know.
Candidate Corner: Getting to Know Michael J. Conway, Candidate for Lake County Board District 5
Michael J. Conway is running for the Lake County Board in northwest Lake County to continue serving as a leader for his community as he has done for more than 32 years.
Michael (Mike) has been providing servant leadership to his community and members of Lake County in many different ways over that time period. He is an attorney with his own practice concentrating in Family Law, Juvenile Law, and Criminal Justice. His experience as an attorney would be a valuable resource on the Law and Judicial Committee of the Lake County Board.
“Educational Leader in the Community and Protecting Tax Dollars
Mike has served as a leader for the Lake Villa District 41 School Board for over 17 years and has been Board President for 12 years. In that capacity, Mike has been monitoring and approving the careful spending of taxpayer dollars for the benefit of the district’s schools, and he will bring that valuable experience to the Lake County Board.
“Education of our youth today is an investment in creating our leaders for tomorrow. Making sound decisions for the benefit of our students directly impacts the community as a whole, both culturally and economically.”
Mike also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the College of Lake County. He has been an instructor in the Business and Social Sciences Division since 1999, and he routinely receives excellent reviews from his students.
Protecting the Environment
Mike is dedicated to protecting the environment and preserving our natural resources. Our area has beautiful forest preserves that require consistent maintenance but also has a substantial portion of the Chain O’ Lakes, which are a crucial resource for business and tourism for Lake County that must be protected.
Mike’s law office has been a sponsor for Lake County Adopt-a-Highway for 22 years. Mike, along with his family, neighbors, and friends in the community, care for the local environment by removing trash and debris from the assigned county road.
It is imperative that community members appreciate the necessity to protect our important natural resources within District 5 as well as all of Lake County.
Connecting with the Community
“I will continue to establish and maintain connections in our community. As a Lake County Board member, I will be engaged with the people I represent. Truly listening to understand the issues of concern for the residents of District 5 is critical. Simply sending out an email once a month with updates isn’t engaging the community. I will have regular meetings or town halls and other similar events to truly be connected with the members of my district. That is the best way to make informed decisions for the community I represent.”
Mike, a 28-year resident of Lake Villa, lives with his wife Lori and their two daughters. To learn more about Mike’s campaign, please check out his website at ConwayForLakeCounty.com or email him at MichaelJConway24@gmail.com.
County Board District 5 covers all or part of Lake Villa, Antioch, Fox Lake, Ingleside, McHenry, and Spring Grove.
REV Up with Lake Dems!
Lake Dems is REV-ing up to Reach Every Voter and we need your help! Lake Dems organizers are busy providing support for volunteers in the field—knocking doors, phone banking, text banking, and more—and we need all hands on deck.
We will provide lists, candidate literature, and our Lake Dems Voter Guide (provided as a folded pamplet—see printer proof below). Please contact info@lakedems.org with “REV” in the subject line and let us know if you want to help in any of these areas—especially if you are willing to lead a project.
Details to come! Watch your email, lakedems.org/events, and this publication.
Candidate Corner: Getting to Know Jennifer Banek, Candidate for Re-Election as Lake County Coroner
Coroner Banek Provides Caring and Compassionate Leadership
Jennifer Banek is running for re-election to enhance community health and provide improved support to families in Lake County, all while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
“As Lake County Coroner, I support families at one of the most difficult times of their lives while also working hard to reduce preventable deaths in our community. I am proud of what the Office of the Coroner has achieved under my leadership, but there is so much more to do.”
As coroner, these are Jennifer Banek’s key priorities:
Addressing the crisis of opioid-related deaths. The Coroner’s Office works closely with community organizations backing proven, victim-focused solutions to help all Lake County residents struggling with substance use disorder. Coroner Banek has prioritized timely reports of opioid-related deaths and is tracking overdose “hot spots” to aid law enforcement efforts.
Improving services while saving taxpayers money. After taking office in 2020, Coroner Banek immediately instituted expert processes to ensure efficient operations. Under her leadership, the office has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars while dramatically improving support services for families.
Turning tragedy into hope. Coroner Banek has partnered with the Gift of Hope organization to streamline the process of organ donations. Since the implementation of this initiative, the number of referrals for organ and tissue donations has grown significantly.
Jennifer Banek is also a:
- Major in the Army Reserve
- Member of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board
- Board member and Treasurer, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
- Supporter of Live4Lali, a substance abuse prevention organization
She is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) trained in all aspects of the human body, including opioid abuse—a major cause of early death in Lake County.
To get your free Banek for Coroner yard sign, please email banekforcoroner@gmail.com.
Lake County Early Voting Begins September 26, 2024
A major reason for early voting, whether by mail or in person, is to encourage greater participation in the election process. People who travel for business, work long hours, or are otherwise inconvenienced by the hours the polls are open on Election Day may find it easier to vote early.
Starting September 26, all registered Lake County voters are eligible to vote early at the Lake County Main Courthouse lobby in Waukegan. Beginning October 21, more early voting sites will be open across the county. To vote early, unlike on Election Day, Lake County voters can use any site countywide regardless of where they live. Click here to find your early voting location.
Debate Watch Parties Around Lake County
Kamala Harris soundly defeated Donald Trump in last week’s debate. Democrats gathered at watch parties throughout Lake County to cheer her on.
 |
 |
| With candidate Maria Peterson in Barrington | Lake Dems meet at Wayfarer Theatre, Highland Park |
 |
 |
| Lake Villa Dems at Lake Dems Grayslake HQ | Waukegan Township Dems gather in Waukegan |
Laura Loomer, Trump’s Racist Sidekick and Alter Ego
Probably about ten days ago, no one had heard much about who Laura Loomer was. With so many crazies on the right, it’s hard to keep track of who is who. However, it has come to light that she is an aggressive confrontationist and wild conspiracy theorist who is now part of Trump’s inner circle.
In short, Loomer is a far-right media personality wannabe who is known for her highly provocative behavior and combative style.
One of the most controversial aspects of Loomer’s behavior is her virulent anti-Islamic rhetoric. She has referred to herself as a “proud Islamophobe” and has been harshly criticized for making inflammatory and derogatory remarks about Muslims. A 9/11 conspiracy theorist who accompanied Trump to the 9/11 memorial … on 9/11!!
Loomer is also known for her attention-grabbing stunts to make political points. She has disrupted events, including political rallies and social media conferences, to protest what she views as unfair treatment of conservatives.
Ironically, Marjorie Taylor Greene spoke out against Loomer’s racism. Last week MTG stated that Loomer’s “rhetoric and hateful tone is concerning and a problem and doesn’t represent MAGA as a whole.” Although it was quite rich of MTG, the Queen of Conspiracy Theories, to be calling out Loomer’s bigotry, it was nevertheless still notable.
So why has Trump given Loomer a warm seat on his plane and made her a part of his team? Perhaps he is living vicariously through her racist malignant narcissism that has always defined Trump’s own behavior.
Harris-Walz Yard Signs Are Here!
(Delivering to the Lake County, Illinois and 10th Congressional District area only)
And we have signs for our Lake County Democratic candidates! Watch your email for more information.
Lake Dems Out and About
We love to include event photos in our newsletter! To be considered for inclusion, please send yours to info@lakedems.org with a brief description of the event. Have an event coming up? To submit future events for consideration for our website and emails: lakedems.org/submit-an-event.
Reminder: Throughout September and October
● Lake Dems Postcard Pros Write Hundreds of
Postcards Across Lake County
● Lake Dems Knock Doors to Help
Win Over Wisconsin (WOW!)
Lake Villa Dems Day of Action
 |
 |
Lake County Democrats Day of Action for Maria Peterson
 |
 |
Ela Township Dems “Kamala and Kringle”
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
NBC News: The first graders who survived Sandy Hook will vote in their first presidential election.
CNN: Trump allies do damage control as Harris rides fresh momentum post-debate.
Military.com: JD Vance would consider privatizing some VA services if elected.
Upcoming Events
WEDNESDAY, SEP. 18
Write Postcards with Lake Dems to Elect Democrats. 2:00pm, Highland Park. More.
State Sen. Laura Fine and State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz Summer Reception. 5:00pm, Glenview. More.
Wauconda Township Democrats September Meeting. 7:00pm, Wauconda. More.
THURSDAY, SEP. 19
Lake Dems and Fremont Dems Postcard-Writing Event. 6:00pm, Grayslake. More.
SATURDAY, SEP. 21
Coffee and Talk with Antioch and Grant Township Democrats. 9:00am, Fox Lake. More.
Grant Township Democrats Roadway Clean-up. 10:00am, Ingleside. More.
Lake Dems Writes Postcards in the Grayslake Office. 10:00am, Grayslake. More.
Knock Doors with Lake Dems to Help Win Over Wisconsin (WOW!). Noon-4:30pm, carpools will leave Lake County locations. More.
Holly Kim’s Korean BBQ and Karaoke Birthday Party. 5:00pm, Niles. More.
SUNDAY, SEP. 22
September Coffee Club with Brad. 11:00am, Libertyville. More.
Lake Dems Canvassing Training and Knocking Doors in Highland Park. 11:00am, Highland Park. More.
Knock Doors with Lake Dems to Help Win Over Wisconsin (WOW!). Noon-4:30pm, carpools will leave Lake County locations. More.
Curt’s Cafe Gala, “Driving Dreams.” 5:00pm, Chicago. More.
MONDAY, SEP. 23
Personal PAC’s 31st Annual Luncheon. 11:00am, Chicago. More.
2024 Hire Lake County Job Fair. 11:00am, Lincolnshire. More.
Meet Your Illinois State Reps. 4:00pm, Wheeling. More.
A Celebration of Fall with State Reps. Laura Faver Dias, Joyce Mason and Stephanie Kifowit. 6:00pm, Chicago. More.
TUESDAY, SEP. 24
Bowling Fundraiser for Commissioner Vance D. Wyatt. 6:00pm, Waukegan. More.
WEDNESDAY, SEP. 25
Write Postcards with Lake Dems to Elect Democrats. 2:00pm, Highland Park. More.
For the complete list of Upcoming Events, go to lakedems.org/events.
Click here to submit your event for consideration.
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.
