Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence
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NTD NEWS
July 11, 2018
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Commentary:
 This week we learned the name of the person who will, in all likelihood, fill the vacated Kennedy seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. At this point, President Trump's nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, isn't a 100% certainty to be confirmed by the Senate. But unless he commits some rhetorical blunder as he bobs and weaves through questions that might reveal a personal bias too rigid to be acceptable to the Senators, Kavanaugh is going to be confirmed.
So what should we expect from the future Justice Kavanaugh? He is described by virtually all information sources as a "conservative" judge. And for the majority of Americans who are even paying attention to this historic event, that word, "conservative," will no doubt be all the description they need to be either for or against his appointment. It's a label that handily categorizes a large swath of Americans who, for a variety of reasons (some of them naively self-destructive), are against or at least very wary of any positions supported by Democratic office holders or candidates. Right wing media has spent years making sure of that.
To be accurate, being labeled a "conservative justice" should, in fact, carry a different meaning from "conservative politician." However, The New York Times described Judge Brett Kavanaugh as "a fixture in conservative politics."
His judicial record, like many past nominees, gives little direct indication  of how he will vote on key issues as a Supreme Court Justice. But here is what we do know. Judge Kavanaugh's name was added to a list of
nominees
given to President Trump as
pre-approved by The Federalist Society and the Heritage Foundation.
Most of you probably know of these organizations. They have been around for decades. Justice Neil Gorsuch and Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Alito and Justice Thomas all have close ties to the Federalist Society, as did Justice Scalia. - Get the picture?
Here's what the Federalist Society website says they stand for:
"We are committed to the principles that the state exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of governmental powers is central to our Constitution, and that it is emphatically the province and duty of the judiciary to say what the law is, not what it should be."
Personally, whenever I read this sort of language about respecting "what the law is, not what it should be" I think about how events like racially integrated schools nationwide as law made "as it should be" under an "activist" Supreme Court. - That doesn't seem so bad to me.
 The Heritage Foundation adds to our insight of Judge Kavanaugh's likely future behavior with this mission statement: "to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense."
These two organizations are obviously not bastion
s of liberal ideals. In fact, the more I know about them the surer I am that beyond their noble statements about freedom and traditional values
, they're pretty much in it for the money - or at least to protect the moneyed. - You can read references to their activities in the book "Dark Money," along with fascinating facts about the Koch Brothers, Richard Mellon Scaife, the DeVos family and a number of other defenders of American greatness.
So now we know the priorities of the organizations that recommended Judge Kavanaugh to the President, organizations that he holds in high regard. And we know that their strategists have shown a willingness to pander to diverse right wing social causes if it will help accomplish their broader philosophical goals. This reality has a lot of Americans concerned. Particularly those of us who believe a woman's body is hers to control; or believe that no American of voting age should be hindered from voting; or that decent health care should be accessible to every American; or that every American has a right to a future where environmental collapse is not a fact of life.
Perhaps a future Justice Kavanaugh will surprise us all. It's happened before  in Supreme Court history. But I'm not counting on it happening this time. I'm afraid that we are entering a period of Supreme Court conservatism that will attempt to dismantle every vestige of liberal government policy from the New Deal to Obamacare. The Court's future decisions will rarely do this directly. Chief Justice Roberts is too careful about his image and place in history. But the Court may now be able to erode and weaken liberal protections until they become virtually nonexistent.
Such sabotage to America's future must be stopped as soon as possible. To begin that process, Democrats must take aim on controlling both houses of Congress this year and the White House by 2020.
It took the right wing ideologues (and the millions of dollars behind them) decades to reach this momentous point. We can't afford to take that long to counter their Judicial Branch victory. This year must be the start of a string of election victories in polling places across the nation. And those victories have to continue for as long as this Supreme Court exists...and beyond. That's a tall order but the stakes for failure are a whole lot higher.
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Every Thursday Night at New Trier Dems' Office
From Now Until Election Day
JB For Governor Thursday Evening Phone Bank
Thursday Nights, July through November, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Where
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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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This Monday, July 16th
It's the ANNUAL NEW TRIER DEMOCRATS
MEET AND GREET
at AVLI ESTIATORIO
566 Chestnut, Winnetka
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Delicious Greek nibbles, refreshing drinks (cash bar)
and lots of liberal conversation
with fellow Democrats, office holders and candidates.
Don't miss this event!
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Other events of interest:
This Friday & Saturday, July 13-14 in Winnetka - Visit New Trier Democrats at the Winnetka Sidewalk Sale
 When: Friday and Saturday, July 13 & 14, 2018
Where: Downtown Winnetka
What: Visit New Trier Democrats at their booth during the Winnetka Sidewalk Sale. 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. If you are interested in volunteering to work our booth for this or any other Sidewalk Sale, please contact Joan at [email protected].
This Saturday, July 14 in Lincolnshire - Congressman Brad Schneider Presents "Activate IL-10"
 When: Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Where: UAW, 680 Barclay Blvd., Lincolnshire
What: An opportunity to connect with Democratic campaigns and organizations.
Six training and information sessions on topics such as running for office, engaging legislators, creating neighborhood teams and using social media effectively. Free admission. For additional information and to RSVP,
register online.
This Saturday, July 14 in Highland Park - JB For Governor Canvass and Phone Bank
When: Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 10:00am to 6:00pm; Shift times begin at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm
Where: Tenth Dems, 474 Central Ave., (2nd floor above Mizuki Grill), Highland Park
What: A canvass launch and phone bank to help recruit volunteers to get out the vote for JB Pritzker for Governor in this important midterm election. Training and all necessary materials will be provided. Plenty of free parking in the lot a half-block to the east of the office.For questions or to RSVP, email Hannah Amundsen at [email protected].
This Sunday, July 15 in Northbrook - 9th Annual Waraich Family Bowling Fundraiser Benefiting Curt's Cafe
When: Sunday, July 15, 2018 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Where: Pinstripes, 1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook, IL
What: For their 9th annual fundraiser, the Waraich Family is hosting a bowling fundraiser for Curtʼs Café, which has two locations in Evanston and is looking to expand to a third site in Highland Park to serve Lake County. Curtʼs Café employs young adults living in at-risk situations to teach them life skills and build a positive future for them. Curtʼs Cafe teaches marketable skills and then assists in securing employment. They teach culinary techniques but also provide instruction the students will need to fill in educational gaps, gain confidence, and become job-ready. The Waraich Family hopes you all can make it and support this wonderful organization!
Admission: Minimum $15 donation per person - Appetizers and drinks will be included. You may
purchase tickets here. For more information, contact Mohsin Waraich at 847.702.5727 or [email protected].
Monday, July 16 in Chicago - Second Annual Women's Rights & Resistance Lunch
  When: Monday, July 16, 2018 at 10:30am (doors opens), program begins promptly at 11:30am
Where: Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
What: Second Annual Women's Rights and Resistance Lunch hosted by JB and Juliana.
Special Guests: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand & Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx. The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided. RSVP is required to attend. RSVP to [email protected].
Monday, July 16 in Chicago -
League of Women Voters "Food for Thought" Lunch with David Orr
When: Monday, July 16, 2018 from 11:30am to 1:00pm
Where: DePaul Club, DePaul University Center, 11th Floor, 1 E. Jackson, Chicago (corner of State Street and Jackson)
What: The League of Women Voters of Cook County presents a program on different aspects of Cook County government - with food! Featured speaker: Cook County Clerk David Orr. He will talk about what he is working on now and what he would like to see happen in the future. Proceeds benefit the League of Women Voters of Illinois Education Fund. Reservations are required.
Register online or for questions, call Priscilla Mims at 312-861-0166.
Wednesday, July 18 in Highland Park - Fundraiser in Support of Betsy Dirksen Londrigan for Congress
When: Wednesday, July 18, 2018 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where: The Home of Mayor Nancy Rotering (address available upon RSVP)
What: Betsy is running in a nationally targeted race here in Illinois. After watching her son fight a life-threatening illness,
Betsy stepped up to run for Congress when she saw Republican Rep. Rodney Davis vote to take away affordable health care. Betsy is a small business owner, former teacher, and an advocate for affordable healthcare. Betsy's District 13, which includes Urbana, Springfield, and Decatur, went for President Obama twice.
RSVP online.
Friday & Saturday
, July 20-21 in Wilmette -
Visit New Trier Democrats at the Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale
When: Friday and Saturday, July 20 & 21, 2018
Where: Downtown Wilmette
What: Visit New Trier Democrats at their booth during the Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale. 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. If you are interested in volunteering to work our booth for this or any other Sidewalk Sale, please contact Joan at [email protected].
Saturday, July 21 in Highland Park -
JB For Governor Canvass and Phone Bank
When: Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 10:00am to 6:00pm; Shift times begin at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm
Where: Tenth Dems, 474 Central Ave., (2nd floor above Mizuki Grill), Highland Park
What: A canvass launch and phone bank to help recruit volunteers to get out the vote for JB Pritzker for Governor in this important midterm election.
Training and all necessary materials will be provided. Plenty of free parking in the lot a half-block to the east of the office. For questions or to RSVP, email Hannah Amundsen at [email protected].
Thursday, July 26 in Chicago - Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV) Birthday Bash
When: Thursday, July 26, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Old Crow, 149 W. Kinzie, Chicago
What: ICHV celebrates its 43rd Birthday. The event includes appetizers, cocktails and a raffle. For additional information or to purchase tickets, register online.
Saturday, July 28 in Highland Park -
JB For Governor Saturday Canvass and Phone Bank
When: Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 10:00am to 6:00pm; Shift times begin at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm
Where: Tenth Dems, 474 Central Ave., (2nd floor above Mizuki Grill), Highland Park
What: A canvass launch and phone bank to help recruit volunteers to get out the vote for JB Pritzker for Governor in this important midterm election. Training and all necessary materials will be provided. Plenty of free parking in the lot a half-block to the east of the office. For questions or to RSVP, email Hannah Amundsen at [email protected].
Monday, July 30 in Chicago -
Deputy Voter Registrar Training in Downtown Chicago
When: Monday, July 30, 2018 at 12:00pm
Where: DeBofsky Sherman & Casciari P.C., 200 W. Madison St., Chicago (9th floor conference room)
What: A training for Deputy Voter Registrars will be held.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in Cook County. The event is open only to Cook County residents who are interested in helping to register new voters. Deputy Registrars must be trained in the county in which they live, but once trained, can register voters anywhere in Illinois. Training takes less than an hour. This training is being held through the County Clerk's office and is free of charge. Sign-ups will be taken up to five hours before the class starts. In most cases, late sign-ups will not be added to the class.
Register online in advance. For additional information contact [email protected], or call 847-266-VOTE (8683).
Wednesday, August 1 in Chicago - Inaugural Women's Reception "Feminists for Foxx"
When: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (rescheduled from June 27th)
Where: Taste 222, 222 N. Canal St., Chicago
What: Night of discussion, food and drink in support of Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx. For more information, contact Liz or Lauren [email protected] or 312-806-2743.
RSVP here.
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Save The Date!
2018
New Trier Democrats' Events
Friday & Saturday, July 13-14, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at the Winnetka Sidewalk Sale
Monday, July 16, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Meet & Greet at Avli in Winnetka
Friday & Saturday, July 20-21, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, September 8, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Meeting and Picnic at Mallinckrodt Center
Sunday, October 14, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Dinner at Maggiano's in Skokie
Thursday, December 13, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Holiday Party at Wilmette Wine Cellar
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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
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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
*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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