Tength Congressional District Democrats

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

In this Issue: World AIDS Day is December 1 ● Two Years of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Where Trump Failed, President Biden is Delivering for Illinois ● One Year from the Presidential Election ● Tenth Dems University (TDU) Events Continue to Draw Large Crowds ● Candidate Nominating Petition Filing Opened Monday, November 27 for the 2024 General Primary Election ● Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega Announces Major Upgrades for Elections: How YOU Can Help ● Help Keep People Warm This Winter ● Volunteer Spotlight ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events ● More Photos!

Every year on December 1, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for individuals living with and affected by HIV, and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. The Biden administration remains committed to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States and around the world, and to fighting the discrimination that too often keeps people with HIV from getting the services they need and living the full lives they deserve.

Two years ago, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which is rebuilding roads and bridges and providing clean drinking water, affordable internet, and more. Meanwhile, MAGA Republicans want to roll back these historic investments for families and give tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy.

Where Trump failed, Biden delivered. From new jobs to new bridges, the BIL continues to rebuild Illinois from the bottom up and the middle out.

Projects like Metra commuter railroad improvements, the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, and the Calumet River Bridges rehabilitation wouldn’t be possible without Biden’s signing the law two years ago. If it were up to many MAGA Republicans, Illinoisans would never be reaping the benefits. Click here to read more about what the BIL is providing for Illinois.

By Kim Stone, Highland Park City Council Member

The Washington Post recently published an alarming piece about the prospect of another Trump presidency titled Trump doesn’t just want to win. He wants revenge. I’ve heard from people who plan to vote in the Republican presidential primary to try to help someone other than Trump win the race. Given that all of the Republican candidates hold views that are out of step with the values of a majority of Americans — particularly on climate change, abortion, and guns — I do not think that is the answer. Instead, our strategy should be to work to ensure that people understand the enormous successes that President Biden has delivered, and that they vote in all Democratic elections, up and down the ballot. We also need to get rid of the Electoral College so that the president is elected based on the popular vote, but that is a longer-term goal. 

We will all need to get to work now to ensure that Trump is not elected President in 2024 (or ever again) and that Democrats win the Presidency, Senate, and House of Representatives. Lake Dems is doing the work on the ground to elect Democrats up and down the ballot and needs your help. To volunteer click here. To contribute click here. Lake Dems appreciates anything you can do to help support our work to elect Democrats!

Over 75 people attended the latest free TDU event, “The Threat to Democracy is Bigger Than Trump.” They heard from special guest speaker Sheila Nielsen, former Assistant U.S. Attorney, author of The Markin Report, and host of “The Zoom Where It Happens.”

Sheila gave an insightful, informative, and comprehensive talk on topics we all wish weren’t so relevant. She focused on the very real and growing threats to our democracy and personal freedoms, not at some distant time in the future, but right here and now. Especially in the form of Donald Trump. 

Before the talk, folks enjoyed good food and conversation. The evening concluded with a lively Q&A with our guest speaker. Attendees left the room more informed, and more determined than ever to work to elect Democrats with so much at stake.

Tenth Dems is an MCLE (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education) credit provider and arranged for attorneys to receive free MCLE credit for attending the program. 

Enjoy more pictures from this TDU event at the bottom of this newsletter. 

The Lake County Clerk’s Office is now open for petition filing for the upcoming 2024 General Primary Election. The office will be open to receive candidate petitions on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. until December 4, 2023. It’s important for candidates for other public offices to check with their local administrators regarding filing requirements and office hours.

Hilary Winiarz files her petitions to run for Lake County Board in District 2 which covers most of Wauconda, Hawthorn Woods, Mundelein, and Round Lake Park.

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart files petitions for reelection.

Lake County Board Member Diane Hewitt is joined by Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega as she waits to file her petitions.

Waukegan Township Democrats Chair Matt Muchowski looks on as Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek files her petitions.

Lake County Board Member Sara Knizhnik files petitions for reelection along with Brendan Stewart, Lake County Dems Voter Engagement Chair who is running for Precinct Committeeperson in Waukegan Township.

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart looks over petitions before filing as Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim stands by.

Others filing petitions include Lake County Board Member Mary Ross Cunningham. Also seen are Bonnie Berger-Neel, Lake Dems Corresponding Secretary, who filed over 100 petitions for candidates that day.

Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek filed petitions for reelection with Lake County Precinct Committeeperson Louise Donahue.

By Laurie Schiller, Lake Dems Communications Co-Chair

Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega has announced some major improvements to how elections will be run in Lake County. All the old pollbooks, which are the computers used for checking in voters, will be replaced by new pollbooks, which will allow the voter to sign electronically. The Election Judge will then print out the correct ballot, right at the check-in station. This will eliminate the need to get a ballot at another station and will save time, resources, and trees by printing out only the ballots that are actually being voted. 

Vega also obtained a significant pay increase for Election Judges, who work long days to ensure that elections are run fairly and efficiently. The Democratic-run Lake County Board is to be congratulated for approving the funds for these critical upgrades in the Clerk’s Office in the just-passed 2024 budget. Yet another example of how having Democratic officeholders actually helps improve the lives of the people of Lake County.

We also need YOUR help. The Clerk’s office is always in need of additional Election Judges. You can apply here (https://www.lakecountyil.gov/326/Election-Judges#Application). 

Lake Dems also needs your help for our Election Protection Team, and you don’t have to be a lawyer to be a poll watcher. Volunteer here to help Lake Dems on Election Day. Either way, your service is wanted and needed.

Many people in Illinois are unhoused with few possessions. They need warm coats and clothing to help them get through the winter. Fortunately, there are national organizations as well as local groups in and around Lake County that accept and distribute winter coats, warm clothing, and other items to people in need. Just some of these are listed below. (Check your local newspapers or websites for more.)

Cradles to Crayons is the only large-scale organization addressing clothing insecurity: the lack of access to affordable, adequate, and appropriate clothing. The organization provides essential items to children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations. Find a local drop-off or shop their Amazon Wish List.

One Warm Coat is a national nonprofit organization that provides free coats to children and adults in need while promoting volunteerism and environmental sustainability. Find a place to donate coats near you by searching by zip code or you can register to hold a coat drive.

PADS Lake County is a community-based organization that provides trauma-informed support, resources, and shelter to individuals and families experiencing homelessness amidst a critical housing shortage. Click here to see PADS’ current donation wish list or shop their Amazon Wish List.

Deerfield Rotary Club’s Coat off Your Back drive through December 15. Click here for drop-off locations and more information.

The Grayslake Fire District is hosting a coat drive to collect clean, gently worn, or new coats now through December 15 in the front vestibule at all three of their fire stations. Click here for drop-off locations and more information.

Wauconda Coat Drive through January 21, 2024. Click here for drop-off locations and more information.

Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers. Click here if you’re interested in helping.

This week, we recognize all of the volunteer attorneys who work our petition events throughout Lake County, utilizing their expertise to ensure no errors are made that would keep our candidates off the ballot.

Lake County Board Adopts 2024 Budget

FRIDAY, DEC. 1

World AIDS Day Event – Waukegan. 6-7:30pm, Waukegan. More.

SUNDAY, DEC. 3

Holiday Recycling Event in Libertyville. 11am-1pm, Libertyville. More.

MONDAY, DEC. 4

Senator Julie Morrison Holiday Reception. 5:30-7pm, Chicago. More.

Kickoff Event for Dawn Milarski, Candidate for McHenry County Board. 6:30-9pm, Woodstock. More.

TUESDAY, DEC. 5

Holiday Evening Fundraiser for Eric Rinehart in Chicago. 5:30-7:30pm, Chicago. More.

Chili Cook-Off Supporting Maria Peterson. 6-8pm, location provided upon RSVP. More.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

Holiday Celebration with Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega. 5:30-7:30pm, Highwood. 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.