Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence
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NTD NEWS
March 14, 2018
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(This week's commentary is a bit unusual. It presents opinions that might be controversial within the Democratic Party. They do not represent any official position of the NTDO, our Committeeman or our membership. The opinions are solely my own -- N.H.)
Last week, my NTD News commentary stirred up far more conversation than any other subject I've ever discussed. By now, it's a good bet that everyone reading this has identified the political contest I
obliquely refer-
enced a week ago. It is the 17th District Illinois House race. And at this point it seems silly to continue using vague language.
 When our State Rep. Laura Fine decided to run for Daniel Biss's soon to be vacated 9th District Senate seat, the 17th House seat became open. The quality of the Democrats who quickly declared their candidacies for that office was very encouraging. It was one more sign that the Trump era is energizing an impressive new generation of future Democratic office holders.
These 17th District candidates--
Mary Rita Luecke, Candance Chow,
Peter Dagher, Peter Lee, Alexandra Eidenberg,
and Jennifer Gong Gershowitz (who was endorsed by the NTDO's membership at our Jan. 14 endorsement meeting) took on their roles as candidates with impressive energy.
Now, I know there is always some competitive slamming between office seekers in any closely fought political race. But from what I've learned of the personal lives and past activities of these candidates, all six are decent human beings who care about improving life for the people they hope to represent. Some were drawn into the pursuit of public service through their involvement with specific issues: education... women's rights... gun violence. All admirable causes.
And here's the thing, the NTDO has long encouraged smart caring  people to step forward and run for offices at every level of government.
Here in New Trier, we voters appreciate candidates who run on clearly stated positions with honest presentations. So, the appearance of sleazy, Machine-style mailings in support of one of the 17t
h's candidates disturbed a lot of New Trier residents, including the NTD Executive Committee.
The March 7 commentary titled "Nasty Mailings" was my response. It generated some heated language between several of the candidates' campaigns and their supporters. Some said, "the other guys 'went negative' first." But that's no justification for sleaze. Yes, giving voters negative information about an opponent, if it is factual, is part of the process. As they say, "politics ain't beanbag." But that doesn't mean the accepted standard should now be mud-wrestling.
As part of this mess, it is no secret that Illinois' Democratic Party  Chairperson, Mike Madigan, has a strong hand in the funding of media for the candidates endorsed by the party. Also, his crew of media tacticians are the geniuses who choose the style of the
campaign literature that is financed by the party's PAC. These are the people directly behind the worst mailings.
A PAC-supported candidate should have no involvement in the creation of PAC funded advertising and mailings. So, it is quite possible that our endorsed candidate, Jennifer Gong Gershowitz, wasn't aware of the content of the offensive mailings before they were launched. What is disappointing is that she didn't disavow those mailings once they appeared. If Jennifer, a political campaign novice, had personally decided or had been advised to tell the PAC, "stop it now!" she would have impressed many voters. Ah well. C'est la vie.
But here's the point I hope this week's and last week's commentary communicate. The issue that should concern us most is not about a campaign mistake made by a promising Democratic candidate. It's about something much larger: The continued tolerance for the crude, truth-deficient communication that is the go-to tactic of "politicians without borders." It's the anything goes approach developed by guys with no scruples like the late Lee Atwater and the creepy Karl Rove. It's  the Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity disregard for facts. It's the absence of information ethics championed by the disgraced Roger Ailes and his Fox News editors. And it's the free-wheeling slanders of our crafty, if delusional, President Donald Trump. It's a style of politics a lot of us (I think the vast majority) have grown to truly hate.
Apparently Mike Madigan's creative team admires that messaging style. They not only inserted it in our local race but it's showing up in a number of other Illinois campaigns supported by their PAC.
Overall, it has been heartening to see the dedicated campaigning of each of the 17th District's candidates. Whatever the outcome of this political contest, I hold the hope that any intra-party rancor caused by the Madigan PAC mailings won't discourage any of these engaged citizens from pursuing future public service. - I don't think it will.
Full disclosure: Over the next few days I'll be distributing door hangers with the full list of NTDO endorsed candidates, including Jennifer G.G. It's not a problem for me. When it comes to almost every issue that I care about, I want Democrats elected.
So, if you haven't yet voted, please don't forget. And be sure to vote for the "down ticket" candidates too. Every race is important.
Nels Howard
NTDO member since 1973
P.S. One reason this NTD News was a bit late is because I stopped to watch the WTTW Q&A with J.B. Pritzger, Chris Kennedy and our endorsed candidate, Daniel Biss. -- I thought he was great.
NOTE:
The NTDO wants to make it clear that any mailing that includes the NTDO in the list of fund sources under the "Paid for by Friends of JGG" heading is incorrect. The NTDO Executive Committee in response to the offensive PAC mailings supporting JGG, voted not to provide any of our organization's funds for this effort. The inclusion of the NTDO's name during printing was an error.
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 MWRD Commissioner Debra Shore has asked the
NTD News to make a special effort to present the names of the the MWRD candidates that she hopes to have as partners on the board. They are all recommended by the NTDO leadership.
Note: The
Cam Davis write-in is extremely important because he must receive over 8000 write-ins to be elected. The voting machines allow you to type in his name. Remember it.
CANDIDATE NAME BALLOT #
Marcelino Garcia 61
X Martin J. Durkan 64
COMMISSIONER, METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT
2 Year Term(Unexpired Term), Vote For 1
CANDIDATE NAME BALLOT #
COMMISSIONER, METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT
2 Year Term(Unexpired Term-Bradford Vacancy), Vote For 1
CANDIDATE NAME BALLOT #
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Early Voting for the Democratic Primary
Is Happening Now
Election Day is Tuesday, March 20th
Go Vote!
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Help Get Out The Vote!
This Sunday, March 18th
Doorhanger Canvass for NTD's Endorsed Candidates
When: Sunday, March 18, 2018 at 1:00pm
Where: New Trier Democrats' office, 800 Oak Street, Suite 112, Winnetka
What: New Trier Democrats will be walking precincts in our Township to place doorhangers listing our endorsed candidates for the upcoming Democratic Primary. Stop by our offices at 1:00pm Sunday to pick up walk sheet assignments and doorhangers.
If you have any questions, please contact newtrierdemocrats@gmail.com.
AND
On Election Day, Tuesday, March 20th
V
olunteer to help Get Out The Vote for New Trier Democrats' endorsed candidates! We will be distributing our endorsements at polling places throughout New Trier Township and helping the Biss and Kaegi campaigns with GOTV. Stop by our office anytime from 9:00am through 6:00pm.
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GOTV For Daniel Biss
Every Day From This Saturday, Mar. 17th
Through
Election Day, Tuesday, Mar. 20th
When: Sign up for a 3 hour shift on Saturday, March 17 from 9:00am to 9:00pm; Sunday, March 18 from 9:00am to 9:00pm; Monday, March 19 from 9:00am to 9:00pm; and Tuesday, March 20 - Election Day - from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
Where: New Trier Democrats' office, 800 Oak St., Suite 112, WInnetka
What: We are in the final stretch to Election Day, so it's time to Get Out The Vote for Daniel Biss, New Trier Democrats' endorsed candidate for Governor!
You may choose times to work on the days listed above in 3 hour shifts AND you may select whether you wish to phone bank or canvass. You will be talking to voters about Daniel. All you need to bring is a phone (if you are phone banking), and his campaign will provide other materials. There will be a short training at the beginning.
To sign up to volunteer, please use this google form created by the Biss campaign.
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Tomorrow Night, Mar. 15th
Phone Bank for Daniel Biss
at New Trier Democrats' Office
When: Thursday, March 15 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm
Where: New Trier Democrats' office, 800 Oak St., Suite 112, WInnetka
What: Phone bank for progressive gubernatorial candidate Daniel Biss, our official New Trier Dems endorsed candidate! You will be talking to voters about Daniel. All you need to bring is a phone, and his campaign will provide other materials. There will be a short training at the beginning.
RSVP for Thursday night here.
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This Sunday Afternoon, Mar. 18th
Phone Bank For Fritz Kaegi,
Candidate for Cook County Assessor
at New Trier Democrats' Office
When: Sunday, March 18 from 12:00pm until 6:00pm
Where: New Trier Democrats' office, 800 Oak St., Suite 112, WInnetka
What: Join Team Fritz - New Trier Democrats' officially endorsed candidate - to phone bank for the next Cook County Assessor at our office! We'll speak with Cook County voters about Fritz Kaegi, an endorsed Democrat from progressives like Chuy Garcia and Congressman Danny Davis and organizations like Our Revolution Illinois! We welcome all newcomers. Leave with a yard or window sign! This is a big volunteer push across Cook County. Phone banking is a key way to reach new and potential voters for the primary election. You are encouraged to bring: Cell Phone, headphones, and laptop/tablet.
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Other events of interest:
Tomorrow Night, Mar. 15 in Northbrook - Townhall With Nancy Rotering: Gun Violence Prevention
When: Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 7:30pm to 8:45pm
Where: Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
What: Action for a Better Tomorrow (ABT) hosts a Townhall on Gun Violence Prevention with Nancy Rotering, Democratic candidate for Illinois Attorney General and Mayor of Highland Park. The evening will be structured in a Q & A format, giving attendees an opportunity to have their questions answered. To RSVP,
register online.
This Saturday, Mar. 17 in Glencoe - Brad Schneider's "Congress on Your Corner"
When: Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Where: Glencoe Village Hall, 675 Village Ct., Glencoe
What: Congressman Brad Schneider holds his next "Congress on Your Corner" in Glencoe. He will answer questions from constituents and brief attendees on his work in Washington.
This Saturday & Sunday, Mar. 17 & 18 in Evanston - Weekly Canvass for Cam Davis, Candidate for MWRD Commissioner
When: Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 10:00am until 12:00pm; and Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
Where: 747 Custer Avenue, Evanston
What: Canvass for
Cam Davis, candidate for Commissioner at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD). Cam served as
President Barack Obama's "Great Lakes Czar" in Washington, D.C. and Chicago from 2009 until 2017. Cam was responsible for coordinating 11 federal departments, including the White House Council on Environmental Quality, EPA, and Corps of Engineers. Cam needs all the help he can get as a write-in candidate - he is seeking to fill a seat vacated by the recent death of Commissioner Bradford (who passed away 2 days before the deadline to to file petitions to get on the ballot - there will be no candidate on the ballot for the Bradford vacancy). He is not running against any of the MWRD candidates on the ballot - he is running in addition to them.
Go here to RSVP for this event or for more information, please contact info@camdavis.org. To learn more about Cam, please visit
https://www.camdavis.org
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This Sunday, Mar. 18 in Evanston - Open Communities Fun-Raiser and Awards Ceremony
When: Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Where: Northwestern University Stadium Club of Evanston, Ryan Field, 1501 Central Ave., Evanston. Park by Gate N for easy access to the Stadium Club.
What: A chance to meet Open Communities' new board members and hear about their plans for 2018 and beyond. Three local social justice champions will be honored. For additional information or to RSVP,
register online.
Tuesday, Mar. 20th - ELECTION DAY - VOTE! & VOLUNTEER TO GET OUT THE VOTE
Friday, Mar. 23 in Chicago - ACLU Lunch: Fighting for a More Perfect Union
When: Friday, March 23, 2018 from 11:00am to 1:30pm; Registration/reception: 11:00am, lunch and program: 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Where: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
What: ACLU Illinois is hosting its Annual Lunch - Fighting for a More Perfect Union. The guest speaker is
Amy Siskind, author of THE LIST: A Week-by-Week Reckoning of Trump's First Year.
Ari Afsar and other cast members of Hamilton will perform an original song, "We Won't Sleep," inspired by the work of the ACLU and the Resistance.
Purchase tickets for the ACLU Lunch here. For questions regarding the event, please contact Liesl Pereira at (312) 201-9740 x337 or visit
ACLU Illinois' event page
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Saturday, Mar. 24 in Chicago - March for Our Lives Chicago
When: Saturday, March 24, 2018 starting at 11:00am
Where: Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago
What: From March for Our Lives Chicago -
"On March 24th we will march for the change that is decades overdue. The lack of gun reform has left too many of our classmates dead. It's time for change. March with us." For information about the Chicago march,
check out their
Facebook event. For more information about the national March for Our Lives movement,
visit their website.
Wednesday, Apr. 11 in Chicago - Susana Mendoza Re-Election Launch Party
When: Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: Texas De Brazil, 210 E. Illinois St., Chicago
What: A campaign kickoff reception in support of Susana Mendoza's re-election as Illinois Comptroller. For additional information or to RSVP,
register online or email Katy Langenfeld at katy@kjdstrategies.com or call 312-600-9496.
Saturday, Apr. 14 in Deerfield -
Wine Women & Shoes Benefitting A Safe Place
When: Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 5:30pm
Where: Venue One North Shore, 550 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL
What: If you're a wine, shoe or fashion enthusiast, then this is the place for you! All proceeds will help
A Safe Place provide lifesaving services for survivors and children of domestic violence. Tickets on sale now,
RSVP online or call (847) 731-7165.
Monday, Apr. 23 in Chicago -
Jan Schakowsky's 17th Annual Ultimate Women's Power Lunch
When: Monday, April 23, 2018 at 12:00 noon
Where: Chicago Hilton, International Ballroom, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
What: Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky holds her 17th Annual Ultimate Women's Power Lunch. This year's Keynote Speaker is
Stacey Abrams, former Georgia House Minority Leader and candidate for Governor of Georgia. If elected, she will be the first African American Governor in U.S. history. For more information or to reserve your seat,
visit Rep. Schakowsky's website.
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 One of the exciting activities we will be pursuing across the state line in 2018...
will be to help the Democratic candidate for Congress,
Randy Bryce, defeat Wisconsin's Congressman
Paul Ryan. This is going to be a hard fought campaign and Randy Bryce can win it. To see his first campaign message
click here.
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Your Legislators:
 Democratic Legislators
who represent New Trier Township in
Washington, Springfield and Cook County
You'll be hearing a lot from these exceptional public servants. --
And they want to be hearing a lot from you.
The fact is, they need to hear from you and want to hear from you in order to represent you most effectively. So, the first thing you can do is get to know who these people are. The links below to their campaign websites are a good place to start.
Jan Schakowsky
, 9th U.S. Congressional District Representative
and Chief Deputy House Democratic Whip. The new Ninth District boundaries include all of New Trier except for Glencoe.
Brad Schneider
, 10th U.S. Congressional District Representative which includes a number of precincts in Glencoe.
Daniel Biss,
State Senator for Illinois' 9th State Senate District.The Ninth District includes all of New Trier Township.
Julie Morrison, State Senator for Illinois' 29th State Senate District. The district includes New Trier's northernmost precincts.
Robyn Gabel,
IL 18th District State Representative. The 18th District includes much of New Trier up to Hazel Avenue and Dundee Road.
Laura Fine
, IL 17th District State Representative.
The 17th District includes the East Glenview and West Wilmette areas of New Trier Township.
Scott Drury
,
IL 58th District State Representative.
The 58th District includes the northernmost precincts in Glencoe.
Larry Suffredin, Cook County 13th District Commissioner. The 13th District includes all of New Trier, Evanston and Niles Townships.
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Have you visited Senator Biss' website "The Road Back" --
click on the link to his video -- then, throughout the year follow his plan's development on the website.
Daniel explains a lot about how Illinois got where it is today and how we can begin the journey on the road back toward achieving our state's tremendous economic potential.
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| Dear Fellow Democrats, If you are not already an NTDO member, and enjoy our Newsletter, we hope you consider joining us as a dues-paying member. NTDO is a not-for-profit political action organization. We depend on our membership dues to support our Democratic causes and candidates. There are two options for dues payments: by check or credit card. By Check: Make check payable to NTDO and mail to our office: NTDO 800 Oak St., Suite 112 Winnetka, IL 60093 OR By Credit Card: visit our website by clicking here Click on the "Join/Contribute" button
Find the link for "contribute with ActBlue"
or go directly to ActBlue by clicking here.
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Still not a member of the New Trier Democrats? Your participation in grassroots political action will make a difference. -- Come join us.
 When you're a member of the New Trier Democratic Organization, you have an active role in affecting the political process; participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, playing a role in deciding which candidates are endorsed. You'll also gain free admission to select forums and events throughout the year.
Come be a part of New Trier's grassroots political community.
About Us:
The New Trier Democratic Organization is made up of hundreds of grassroots volunteers dedicated to advancing progressive ideals through the political process. We welcome your participation.
Sincerely,
Dean T. Maragos, Committeeman New Trier Township
We are located at 800 Oak Street, Suite 112, in Winnetka, IL. Ph: 847-446-8030
Contact: newtrierdemocrats@gmail.com.
*This Internet communication paid for by the New Trier Democratic Organization and not authorized by any federal or state candidate or campaign committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available for purchase from the State Board of Elections in Springfield, Illinois.
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