News & Events


May 29, 2019

So many candidates --
Too many choices?

The other day I got to thinking about the number of Democrats who have declared their candidacy to be our next president. At this point there are 24 names to consider.
 
First I wondered: Does this number set some kind of record?
 
After a limited amount of research it appears that our field of 24 Democratic candidates is not record breaking, but it is big. Larger numbers of candidates vying for the presidency have appeared periodically. It can happen when no incumbent is running or when the incumbent is vulnerable, and/or when the country is in a particularly high level of turmoil and uncertainty. (Situation sound familiar?)
 
For instance in the 1860 election just before the Civil War began, there was a total of 27 candidates representing 6 political parties competing to be nominated by their parties. Eventually there were 4 candidates from 4 parties on the presidential ballot. Lincoln won a plurality of the popular vote (39.8%) and a majority of electoral votes. – Definitely a good outcome.
 
After World War I in 1920, there was no incumbent president vying for reelection. So, there were 17 Democrats and 12 Republicans competing for the presidential nomination at their respective party conventions. The president who eventually won the election was Warren G. Harding. His administration was scandal plagued, as was his personal life. He feared impeachment and died in office. – Outcome: not so good.
 
In 1968 with the Vietnam War raging, there was a total of 19 Republicans and 23 Democrats who declared themselves for the presidency. The sitting president, Lyndon Johnson, withdrew his name for a second full term and candidate Robert Kennedy was assassinated. After the major party conventions ended, Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey faced off, along with Governor George Wallace in his third party. When the votes were counted. Nixon won. – You all know how that turned out.
 
Today, we have a different dynamic for handling presidential nominations. The big party conventions with various “favorite sons” on the first ballot and political deal making behind closed doors are no more. They’ve been replaced by nationwide primary elections in each state. By the time a convention is held, everyone knows who the presidential candidate is.
 
In 2008, after experiencing eight years of George W. Bush, there were 10 Democrats and 11 Republicans running for president. The Democratic Party's eventual candidate was known two months before the party’s August gathering when Hillary Clinton conceded to Barack Obama. The Republican candidate, John McCain, was recognized even earlier. – Outcome: we got an inspiring president and a skilled secretary of state who eight years later would win the popular vote for president, but lose the electoral vote.
 
And the political process isn't all that has changed. The fundraising capabilities of Internet savvy campaigns now make it possible for lesser-known candidates to quickly rise into the national conversation. Today’s central party organization has less power to anoint their party’s next choice for president.
 
2016 saw 6 Democrats, 17 Republicans and 4 figures from lesser-known parties vying to be president. That year, you can bet the Republican Party’s central organization had no desire to see Donald Trump head up their party's ticket. But it happened. And now we're learning how big a role the Internet (and Russia) played in the results of that election. Outcome: Terrible!
 
So after delving into these bits of history, I’m now asking myself: With so many Democratic contenders and quite likely a contentious primary battle ahead, can we end up with the strongest candidate to defeat Donald Trump while nominating the best president for our United States? -- So far, I don’t know the answer to that. However, I am certain of one thing. Anyone who can remove Trump from the White House will instantly make America a better place to live.

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973

For a fascinating interactive look at the last 10 presidential primary campaigns, visit this Bloomberg page:  

P.S. There’s a news item further down in this newsletter that refers to a political action group I hadn’t heard of. The group is the “Sister District Project.” They are having a fundraiser in a Winnetka home for a Virginia House of Delegates candidate. Since I was unfamiliar with the group I looked them up on the Internet. Their mission recognizes the importance of taking control of state legislatures in as many states as possible before the 2020 census is completed. Whichever party controls their state’s legislature in 2020 will control the post-census congressional district boundaries for the next ten years.
Here’s their address: Check them out. In the coming campaign year you may want to give them a hand.
New Trier Democrats' Events
Visit New Trier Democrats this Summer at Area Sidewalk Sales

Visit us at the upcoming Glencoe, Winnetka and Wilmette Sidewalk Sales. We would love to see you – whether to chat politics, sign up to become a member, check out local volunteering opportunities or fill out a political survey.

Glencoe Sidewalk Sale: June 29, 2019 from 9:00am to 3:00pm

Winnetka Sidewalk Sale: July 19, 2019 from 9:00am to 3:00pm

Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale: July 20, 2019 from 9:00am to 3:00pm
July 22, 2019: New Trier Democrats’ Annual Meet & Greet

When : Monday, July 22, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
What : It’s our Annual Meet & Greet at Avli! We will have delicious Greek nibbles, refreshing drinks and lots of liberal conversation with fellow Democrats, office holders and candidates. This is a great opportunity to see your local representatives in person, as well as candidates running for office. Don’t miss this event!
Other Events of Interest
Inclusion in our "Other Events of Interest" List – whether it’s a fundraising event for a specific candidate or an event concerning a particular issue – does not mean that the New Trier Democrats have endorsed that candidate or adopted that position on an issue. 
Monday, June 3, 2019: Joint Action Committee Power of Women Luncheon

When : Monday, June 3, 2019 from 11:00am to 1:30pm
Where : Bryn Mawr Country Club, 6600 North Crawford Ave., Lincolnwood
What : The JAC holds its 2019 Power of Women Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Sarah Hurwitz, former Speechwriter for President Barack Obama and for First Lady Michelle Obama. Special guest: Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States from 2009 – 2017. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Cam Davis
Monday & Tuesday, June 3 & 4, 2019: Cam Davis’ Brewer & Sewer Tour in Evanston

When : Monday, June 3 & Tuesday June 4, 2019 – 6:00pm to 7:30pm each night
Where : June 3 – Sketchbook Brewing Company, 821 Chicago Ave, Evanston ; June 4 – Temperance Beer Co, 2000 Dempster St, Evanston
What : Using the power of beer, MWRD Commissioner Cameron Davis is circumnavigating Cook County to promote local microbreweries and to educate people about water. A ticket gets you two beers & hors d’oeuvres, and you’ll hear about water and beer while helping Cam win re-election as he works for our water (and the things we make out of it). The Brewer & Sewer Tour will launch with events June 3 and 4 in Evanston. More dates and places to follow.  Click here  to find out more about the tour and get your tickets to drink beer, talk politics, and save democracy.
Thursday, June 6, 2018: Evanston Fundraiser For Marie Newman

When : Thursday, June 6, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where : The Home of Candance Chow, Evanston – address provided upon RSVP
What : A fundraiser event for Marie Newman, candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 3rd District. Marie is challenging Daniel Lipinski in the 2020 Democratic primary. For more information or to RSVP,  register online .
Thursday, June 6, 2019: ICHV Race Against Gun Violence

When : Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 6:30pm
Where:  Arvey Field, Grant Park, Chicago
What : Illinois Council against Handgun Violence (ICHV) holds its 5th annual Strides for Peace featuring an 8K run, 5K run, 2-mile walk and Tots for Peace Sprint. Proceeds support ICHV’s mission to stop gun violence. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online or email [email protected]
Thursday, June 6, 2019: Highland Park Reception With Kirsten Gillibrand

When : Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 6:45pm
Where : Private residence in Highland Park. Address provided upon RSVP
What : Please join Co-Hosts Dana Gordon and Steve Sheffey for a reception in support of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and her 2020 campaign for President.  Link to contribute or RSVP online . For more information or to RSVP please contact Wendy Heltzer at (312) 339-9513 or [email protected].
Friday, June 7, 2019: End-of-Session Town Hall With Rep. Robyn Gabel

When : Friday, June 7, 2019 from 10:00am to 11:30am
Where : Glenview Park Center, Lakeview Room, 2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview
What : State Rep. Robyn Gabel holds a town hall meeting to tell what has been accomplished in Springfield this session and all the work yet to be done.
Thursday, June 13, 2019: Jewish Council On Urban Affairs’ Acts Of Change Dinner

When : Thursday, June 13 at 5:45pm
Where : Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St., Chicago
What : The JCUA holds its 2019 Annual Acts of Change Dinner honoring Rabbi Capers Funnye. For additional information or to purchase tickets,  register online  or contact Jill Katz, Director of Development, at 312-663-0960 or email [email protected].
Tuesday, June 18, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s June Meeting

When : Tuesday, June 19, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Lorraine G. Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room, 4th Floor, 2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston
What : Indivisible Evanston hosts it’s June Monthly Meeting. The topic for this meeting is, “Fighting for election integrity – before it’s too late.” Presenters include: Jay Young, Executive Director of Common Cause Illinois, who will discuss “H.R.1 – A Roadmap for Fairer Elections”; and Georgia Logothetis, Assistant Director of Common Cause Illinois, who will discuss “Money in Elections – Leveling the Playing Field.”
Wednesday, June 19, 2019: Sister District Project’s Winnetka Wine, Dessert & Skype Fundraiser With Alex Askew

When : Wednesday, June 19, 2019 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where: Home of Lisa Flanagan (Address provided after RSVP)
What : Join Sister District Project for an opportunity to learn about the crucial importance of state legislatures, and to meet their candidate,  Alex Askew ! Alex, candidate for the 85th District of the Virginia House of Delegates (Virginia Beach), will join them by Skype at 7:45 pm. Democrats are just one seat down in both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate. Sister District is helping candidates like Alex win so they can flip both houses of the legislature blue. Virginia is one of the most gerrymandered states in the country. The legislature that is elected in 2019 will redraw district maps for the next decade. For more information or to RSVP,  register online .
Thursday, June 20, 2019: MWRD Commissioner Debra Shore’s Summer Solstice Celebration

When : Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where : Erie Café, 536 W. Erie, Chicago
What : Come celebrate the Chicago River’s continuing revival at Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner Debra Shore’s Summer Solstice event. Free valet parking. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Wednesday, July 10, 2019: State Sen. Gabel’s Chief of Staff Available for Assistance

When : Wednesday, July 10, 2019 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Where : New Trier Township Hall, 739 Elm St., Winnetka
What : Robyn Gabel’s Chief of Staff, Karen McCormick, will be available to answer questions about State of Illinois services. Township residents and neighbors are encouraged to drop by during the scheduled office hours.
Tuesday, July 16, 2019: Rooftop Reception For Robyn Gabel

When : Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where : Five & Dime Rooftop, 1026 Davis St, Evanston
What : Join Robyn Gabel, Illinois State Representative for the 18th District, for her Annual Summer Reception. To RSVP or for more information contact Katy Langenfeld at 312-600-9496 or [email protected], or  register online .
Need help contacting your
representatives in government?

Visit our website for a complete list of everyone who represents the residents of New Trier Township - from Federal to Village level - and links to contact them.
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 by: participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, and 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 Township's grassroots political community.    
New Trier Democrats memberships are on a calendar year basis. We encourage our members to renew their dues annually every January.
Paid for by the NTDO-FED and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available on the Board’s official website (www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.