Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence
NTD NEWS
September 12, 2018
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Last Wednesday, I thought that the biggest political story this week would continue to be the Senate's apparently unstoppable confirmation of
Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, and all of the damage to our future democracy that his confirmation would likely bring. I should have known better.
Living in today's weird world of Trump, it seems that his White House
 reign keeps producing unsettling surprises virtually every week. The latest was
The New York Times' publication of an anonymous letter from a White House staffer who described him/herself as part of "the resistance." The letter appeared almost simultaneously with legendary reporter
Bob Woodward's release of his new bombshell book "Fear: Trump in the White House."
It's too soon to know whether either of those developments will have a meaningful impact on the outcome of the November midterm elections. (They should...but then Trump's outrageous behavior and statements in 2016 should have kept him from being elected in the first place.) We're already seeing vigorous push-back from the White House and the GOP, and millions of right wing dollars are being spent for midterm Republican candidates to counter voter uncertainty.
During the remaining months of Trump's time in office (however long that might be), I'm sure there will be many more occasions when we will learn disturbing facts about "The Don
ald's" behavior as our nation's chief executive. We can hope they don't do too much damage. -- And for now, that's all I'm going to say about this latest strange chapter in our American history.
However, the fact that President Trump dominates so much of our
 attention, even when he doesn't want it, is what's behind my essay today. This reality registered with me at last weekend's
NTDO Annual Picnic. (I will save the details about the actual meeting for a P.S. below this commentary.) As usual, the picnic - indoors this year - drew an impressive group of Democratic legislators, officials and candidates.
As I listened to their comments I realized that in
today's "everything is about Trump" environment, it's easy to lose sight of the critically important contests being waged in our home state - from the governor's race on down the ticket.
Our Township Committeeman,
Dean Maragos, spoke of the U.S. House seats in Illinois that can be flipped from red to blue if we do all we can to get out the vote. Illinois can play a huge role in winning back the House. So,
each week from now until November, further down in this newsletter, you'll find a variety of opportunities to help make that -- and much more --happen. (Wisconsin's on the radar too.)
Comments from
State Rep. Robyn Gabel and State Rep. (and
Senate candidate) Laura Fine made clear how important it will be to keep our state's legislation true to Democratic Party values. As a strong blue state, Illinois can be an important counterforce to the destructive
 Republican policies generated by Trump's radical Republican administration. Illinois
House candidate Jennifer Gong Gershowitz also expressed that concern from her perspective as an experienced immigrant rights lawyer. -- We now know that right wing dark money is flowing into these local races. Conservative reactionaries hate the values that our legislators champion. We must help our candidates win.
But it was when our present
State Senator, Daniel Biss, wrapped up the gathering's comments segment that I realized how
President Trump's media-wide domination of our attention could dilute the attention we need to pay to activities that are immediately important.
In November we will be electing the next governor of our state. This is
 a really big deal. Bruce Rauner has been a lousy governor, but we cannot assume that he will lose in November. Senator Biss spoke passionately about the importance of ending the disastrous policies of the Rauner administration.
Governor Rauner and his misguided theories on governance have, in the words of Senator Biss, actually killed people. And I would add that this is no surprise, given Rauner's financial success using "vulture investment" financial models. It is a shortsighted and heartless approach to governing a state.
We cannot let Trump's antics distract us from the actions we should take to help every one of our candidates win.
So, for the next few weeks let's not think so much about the strange man in the Oval Office. Fascinating as he might be, he's not on any November ballot. Instead, let's think about what's going on right here at home. Each office on the Illinois ballot has the potential to impact your lives. Let's make sure all the winners have Democratic values.
Nels Howard
NTDO member since 1973
P.S. - Last Saturday the New Trier Dems gathered in Wilmette's Mallinkrodt Center for our annual meeting and picnic
. This year's picnic was indoors in Mallinkrodt's conference room due to the renovation of the Gillson Park Lakeview Center. (Next year, we'll be back on the beach.)
As things turned out, Saturday's weather wasn't ideal for an outdoor picnic anyway. The forty+ NTDO members who showed up heard opening comments from Committeeman Maragos, followed by reports from NTDO President Mandel, Secretary/Communications Chair Rich Brill and Treasurer John Ungashick. As the weekly commentator for the NTD News, I also got to say a few words.
The next order of business was the election of NTDO officers for the coming 12 months. President Mandel and Treasurer Ungashick were reelected, as was Secretary Brill in an interim capacity until a new volunteer Secretary steps forward.
The elected officials and candidates who attended the picnic and joined in conversations with NTD members included State Rep. Robyn Gabel, State Rep. (and Senate candidate) Laura Fine, retiring State Senator Daniel Biss, Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin, 58th District House candidate Bob Morgan, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Mike Cabonargi, New Trier Township Trustee Gail Schnitzer Eisenberg and 12th Sub Circuit Court candidate Joel Chupak.
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New Trier Democrats' Annual Dinner with Featured Speaker, JB Pritzker
Sunday, October 14th
Reception 5:00pm - Dinner 6:15pm
If you have any further questions, please contact our office at newtrierdemocrats@gmail.com or 847.446.8030.
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Take Action Now - Local Opportunities To Help Get Out The Vote
Thursday Nights from 5:00-8:00pm
JB Pritzker For Governor Phone Bank at New Trier Democrats' Office
When: Thursday Nights from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: New Trier Democrats' Office, 800 Oak Street, Suite 112, Winnetka
What: A phone bank to get out the vote for
JB Pritzker for Governor
in this important midterm election. This phone bank will also support Kwame Raoul for Illinois Attorney General as well as other down ticket races in Illinois. You must bring a cell phone and please bring a laptop computer if you can. Training and all necessary materials will be provided. For questions or to RSVP, call Jonathan Alter at 312-848-2925.
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Tuesdays through Fridays at 5:30pm
Phone Banking for IL Midterm Candidates with Our Friends at the Democratic Party of Evanston
 When: Tuesdays through Fridays at 5:30pm
Where: Democratic Party of Evanston's Office, 747 Custer Avenue, Evanston
What: The DPOE will continue to host daily phonebanking events at its headquarters throughout Sept. and Oct. to help support IL Democratic candidates in November. Please bring your cell phone, laptop, and charging device. Thank you!
Postcard Parties with Our Friends at Indivisible Evanston
What: This is the final push to send get out the vote postcards for the Nov. 6th Midterms! Right now Indivisible Evanston has addresses to reach voters in IL District 6 (where
Sean Casten
is running for Congress against Peter Roskam). As they get more opportunities to postcard for other districts and/or candidates, they will add them to their parties.
POSTCARD PARTY DATES AND LOCATIONS
Friday, September 14: 3:00pm - 6:00pm at 1100 Florence Ave. in Evanston.
Monday, September 17: 4:00pm - 9:00pm at 319 Wesley in Evanston.
Tuesday, September 18: 7:00pm - 9:00pm at 1104 Colfax Ave. in Evanston.
Wednesday, September 19: 4:00pm - 9:00pm at 319 Wesley in Evanston.
Sunday, September 23: 4:00pm - 9:00pm at 319 Wesley in Evanston.
Monday, September 24: 4:00pm - 9:00pm at 319 Wesley in Evanston.
Tuesday, September 25: 4:00pm - 9:00pm at 319 Wesley in Evanston.
Wednesday, September 26: 6:00pm - 9:00pm at 2712 Ewing Ave. in Evanston.
Thursday, September 27: 5:00pm - 9:00pm at 1216 Madison St. in Evanston.
Monday, October 1: 4:00pm - 9:00pm at 319 Wesley in Evanston.
Tuesday, October 2: 6:00pm - 9:00pm at 2712 Ewing Ave. in Evanston.
Sunday, October 7: 1:00pm - 4:00pm at 319 Wesley in Evanston.
Tuesday, October 9: 6:00pm - 9:00pm at 2712 Ewing Ave. in Evanston.
Wednesday, October 10: 4:00pm - 9:00pm at 319 Wesley in Evanston.
Tuesday, October 16: 6:00pm - 9:00pm at 2712 Ewing Ave. in Evanston.
Thursday, October 18: 5:00pm - 9:00pm at 1216 Madison St. in Evanston.
RSVP on
Facebook for the dates you can come. Please bring postcard stamps and we'll provide the postcards and refreshments! If you want to write and send postcards from home, we can arrange to get you the cards and the list of names and addresses. Want to host or organize a postcard party? We'll provide info for ordering postcards and other instructions, and publicize it for you. But even if you don't RSVP or can't contribute stamps, come anyway at any time you can! THANK YOU!
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Saturdays & Sundays
Canvassing for Sean Casten (IL 6th District) and Lauren Underwood (IL 14th District) with Our Friends at Indivisible Evanston
 When: Saturdays with canvasses starting at 10:00am, 1:00pm and 4:00pm; Sundays with canvasses starting at 1:00pm and 4:00pm
Where: Carpools leaving from DPOE, 747 Custer Ave, Evanston one hour before start of canvass. All should plan to arrive at this location at canvassing start times: Barrington Campaign Headquarters, 141 S. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL.
What:
Sign up online to Canvass for Sean Casten, candidate for Congress in IL 6th District.
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Other events of interest:
This Sunday, September 16 in Deerfield - Meet and Greet with Bob Morgan
When: Sunday, September 16, 2018 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Deerfield address provided upon RSVP
What: Join Bob Morgan, candidate for State Representative, District 58, for a meet and greet in Deerfield. For additional information or to RSVP,
register online.
Monday, September 17 in Northbrook - Sen. Julie Morrison Legislative Update Town Hall
When: Monday, September 17, 2018 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Northbrook Public Library, Pollak Room, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
What: State Senator Julie Morrison provides a legislative update from Springfield as well as a discussion of the issues facing our communities in the 29th District. For more information, visit
Senator Morrison's website
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Thursday, September 20 in
Highland Park - Fundraiser for Congressman Brad Schneider's Re-election Campaign
When: Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where: Address of Highland Park home to be provided upon RSVP
What: Please come for appetizers, refreshments and conversation with Congressman Brad Schneider. To RSVP,
register online
or email Jeff Winton at JWinton@Radionic.net.
Friday, September 21 in
Chicago - Citizen Action / Illinois Annual Awards Dinner
When: Friday, September 21, 2018. Reception: 5:30pm; Dinner and Awards program: 6:30pm
Where: Chicago Hilton & Towers Hotel, 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago
What: Citizen Action/Illinois holds its annual Egan-Evans Awards Dinner honoring Cook County Board President
Toni Preckwinkle. A special recognition award will be presented to Attorney General
Lisa Madigan. For additional information or to RSVP,
register online.
Sunday, September 23 in Libertyville - The Stevenson Center Presents "How To Save Constitutional Democracy"
When: Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 2:00pm
Where: The Adlai Stevenson Center on Democracy, 25200 N. St. Mary's Rd., Mettawa (Libertyville)
What: Tom Ginsburg, the Leo Spitz Professor of International Law at the University of Chicago, currently co-directs the Comparative Constitutions Project. Coffee and conversation will follow the presentation. For additional information or to RSVP, visit the
Center website,
register online, email info@stevensoncenterondemocracy.org or call
773-633-5661.
Tuesday, September 25 in Chicago - Happy Hour Reception for Bob Morgan
When: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron St., Chicago
What: A happy hour reception in support of Bob Morgan, Democratic nominee for State Representative, 58th District. To RSVP,
register online
or email Joey Slater at joey@newchicagollc.com or call 312-448-8014.
Saturday, September 29 in Racine - Southern WI Voter I.D. Project Canvass
When: Saturday, September 29, 2018 - from 11:30am to 5:00pm
Where: Racine, WI - Materials can be picked up and dropped off at the Common Grounds coffee shop, 5159 6th Ave, Kenosha
What: Please join Indivisible Evanston for voter I.D. canvasses in Racine, WI!They will be using the model Molly McGrath of the ACLU presented last December. If you were not at the training but are interested in participating, please call Nancy Bruski with questions. I
ndivisible Evanston will arrange carpools or you can go on your own. Brief training, walk packs, data sheets and a script will be provided. Materials can be picked up and dropped off at the Common Grounds coffee shop, 5159 6th Ave, in Kenosha. A representative from Indivisible Evanston will be there to hand out and collect all the materials from 11:30 - 5:00. We highly recommend you pick up packets no later than 12:30. Common Grounds is also a great spot to recharge, and grab a cup of coffee! If the weather is seriously inclement, we might need to reschedule, so check your email.
Sign up online
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Call or email Nancy with canvassing questions: 847-373-7755 (cell); nancysbruski@gmail.com. For carpool questions: email indivisibleevanston@gmail.com
Sunday, September 30 in Highland Park - Women For Brad Fundraiser
When: Sunday, September 30, 2018 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Where: Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West, Highland Park
What: Please join Women For Brad for an afternoon tea in support of Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) with special guest Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17).
You may register online for this event. If you have any questions please contact: Emanuela Frankel - emanuela@schneiderforcongress.com (312) 213-3588; or Allison Schieber - allison@schneiderforcongress.com (616) 516-0734.
Monday, October 1 in Wilmette - Fundraiser for Sean Casten
When: Monday, October 1, 2018 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: Home of Dave Lundy & Jen Jobrack, Wilmette Address Received Upon RSVP
What: A fundraiser to support Red to Blue Candidate Sean Casten, candidate for Congress in the 6th District of Illinois.
Politico named Sean's race one of the Top 10 races to watch in the U.S. This seat is one of the most flippable in the country. Right now, polls shows the race in a statistical dead heat. A scientist, environmental advocate, and clean energy entrepreneur, Sean has dedicated his life to fighting climate change. Whether creating clean energy jobs, working with policymakers to find win-win solutions to our problems, or writing about the important work we must do to protect our planet, Sean has never shied away from big challenges.
RSVP online. If you have any questions, c
ontact (312) 806-2743 or Olivia@CastenForCongress.com.
Thursday, October 4 in Evanston - Reception Supporting Rep. Laura Fine for State Senate with Sen. Daniel Biss
When: Thursday, October 4, 2018 from, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: The home of Carol Lind, 2333 Lincoln St., Evanston
What: A reception supporting State Representative Laura Fine's candidacy for State Senate with special guest, State Senator Daniel Biss. For additional information or to RSVP, email carly@ilsenatedems.org.
Thursday, October 11 in Chicago - Cook Co. Dem Party Cocktail Reception with Congresswoman Maxine Waters
 When: Thursday, October 11, 2018. Private reception: 4:00pm to 5:00pm; Main reception: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: Hilton Chicago Hotel, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
What: A Cook County Democratic Party cocktail reception with special guest Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA). To order tickets,
register online. For questions, call 312-263-0575.
Saturday, October 13 in Chicago - March to the Polls With Women's March Chicago
 When: Saturday, October 13, 2018, 9:00am Voter Village Opens; 11:00am Rally & March
Where: Grant Park, Chicago
What: Join women and allies to send a clear message to our government we are engaged in protecting our democracy - and WE VOTE! Visit the Voter Village at the rally site: meet candidates and activists - discover actions you can take to improve life in your community. Celebrate first time voters: march together in support of new voters. And VOTE! City of Chicago and Cook County polling sites will be open for early voting so
residents can literally March to the Polls. For more information and updates, or to RSVP, visit
womensmarchchicago.org.
Monday, October 15 in Chicago - EMILY's List Cocktails for Change
 When: Monday, October 15, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
What: A reception with EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock featuring Lauren Underwood, Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (IL-14). Light refreshments will be provided (21+ only). For additional information or to RSVP,
register online.
Monday, October 15 in Chicago -
Democratic Party of Illinois Fall Reception
When: Monday, October 15, 2018 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E. North Water St., Chicago
What: The 2018 Fall Reception for the Democratic Party of Illinois hosted by Michael J. Madigan, Chairman. For more information or to RSVP, call Emily at 312-578-1554 or email ewurth@ildems.com.
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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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| 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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