Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence
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NTD NEWS    August 8, 2018
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  Commentary     --   Events     --   Your Legislators 

Last night, two separate experiences had me caroming from a heartfelt sense of optimism for America's future, sure of its underlying strengths, to a feeling of foreboding, questioning whether the United States truly does have the institutional stability to come out of its present chaos whole. -- Today I thought a bit more about last night's mental journey.  
     I'll start with what initially put me in such a good mood. Tuesday night was the monthly meeting of the New Trier Dems Executive Committee. These meetings aren't always mood enhancers. They're often just about routine stuff (although, it is always enjoyable to gather with fellow democrats who have a fierce concern for the health of our democracy).
     But at this meeting, we welcomed a special guest who'd been invited to speak to us. Lauren Underwood is the Democratic candidate running to unseat Republican Randy Hultgren in Illinois' 14th Congressional District. If you Google the 14th District map you'll see that it covers a huge area, southwest, west and north of Chicago. It spans seven Illinois counties and includes tracts of rapidly growing suburban communities as well as expanses of farmland.  
     Randy Hultgren has been the district's unremarkable Congressman since 2010. According to the website Five Thirty Eight, he has voted in line with President Trump 98.7% of the time. His career party-line voting record is 99%. (Not exactly an independent thinker.)  
     Lauren Underwood has already shown herself to be a formidable candidate. In the March Primary, she defeated six other Democrats, winning over 57% of all votes cast! Hultgren knows he's in trouble.  
     Lauren is a Naperville native, a registered nurse who previously served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Human Services (HHS). A pre-existing heart condition as a child inspired her to become a nurse. Understandably, her personal experiences have given her valuable insights into what our present health care system (or lack of it) needs.  
     But as Lauren presented her views and answered our questions, we quickly learned that she is not a one-issue candidate. She has an appealing agenda of progressive goals that appears to be resonating with many voters in her district. She is young, a "Millenial," but her maturity and intelligence are apparent as soon as she speaks. There wasn't one question from our Exec Committee members that she didn't handle with skill and confidence.  
     Although Lauren Underwood doesn't represent New Trier voters, she left us convinced that her presence in Washington will benefit every Illinois resident. I know that the NTDO will be looking for ways to help her win a U.S. House seat in November.  
     So, as our meeting adjourned, I was definitely in a positive mood. When I got home, I turned on the TV, watched the Cubs wrap up their latest win, then switched channels to watch Frontline on WTTW. The Frontline documentary was about the neo-Nazi violence that hit Charlottesville, Virginia one year ago this week. - What I learned erased my cheerful mood.  
     As all of you no doubt know, Charlottesville, Virginia was the scene of a terrible tragedy during demonstrations supporting the removal of Jim Crow era statues of Confederate heroes. A fanatic white nationalist drove a car into the crowd, killing a young demonstrator, Heather Heyer. But what I didn't know is that there was a much larger story behind the Charlottesville violence. There were two days and nights of thuggish activity by the white nationalist neo-Nazis in which the local police seemed to be more "violence observers" than peace enforcers.  
     Beyond that disturbing fact, the history of those neo-Nazis leading up to their appearance in Charlottesville is much more complex than the impression given by news bites at the time of the tragedy. These warped, angry young men (and some women too) weren't just local right wing agitators. They traveled in from other parts of the United States as far away as the West Coast. Many wearing their red MAGA Trump ball caps. (Recently, I heard a reporter note that many license plates on cars gathered at "local" Trump rallies, are often from out-of-state.)  
     In a nation of 325 million people, the number of such fanatics has always been relatively small, and they've usually been fairly inconspicuous. But since the campaign and election of Donald Trump, with his inflammatory language and tacit approval of violence and racist views, these dangerous fringe groups have become emboldened to step out of the shadows. They are recruiting and, so far, it doesn't appear that the Trump Administration is doing much to stop them.  
     The actions in Charlottesville were just a few steps removed from the 1920's Nazi Brown Shirts who helped pave the way for "their Fuhrer." In fact, I've long wondered how those bloody confrontations in the Weimar Republic were allowed to occur. Where were the local police or the government peacekeepers? Where was the outcry from the nation's leadership? Did they just view it all as unfortunate occurrences between "good people on both sides?"  
     I'm not saying we're approaching anything close to the Weimar Republic's collapse. Our democracy and economy are still strong and our free press still has a influential voice. But even so, our best hope for leading our nation away from the sort of violent abyss demagogues love continues to be our political system. It still allows good men and women to come forward and gain a voice in our government. Those candidates, thoughtful, dedicated men and women (this year, especially women) are out there right now. They're running in dozens of races across the United States that, with the help of people like us, they will win. I met one of them last night. And thinking about that now does put me back in a better mood.

                                                                           Nels Howard
                                                                           NTDO member since 1973    
 
P.S. Here's the link to the Frontline wesite and their Charlottesville documentary:
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/documenting-hate-charlottesville/
 
 
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Every Thursday Night at New Trier Dems' Office 
From Now Until Election Day 

JB For Governor Thursday Evening Phone Bank JB Prtizker

When : 
Thursday Nights through November, 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.  

*
Due to beach house construction at Gillson Park,  
we moved this year's Annual Meeting and Picnic indoors  
to the Mallinckrodt Center in Wilmette


New Trier Democrats' Annual Meeting and Picnic at Mallinckrodt Center
Saturday, September 8th



 
Annual Members' Meeting 1:00pm-2:00pm
Picnic for Everybody 2:00pm-4:00pm

Mallinckrodt Center, 1041 Ridge Road, Wilmette

At our Annual Members' Meeting, you'll hear what we've been up to this past year, as well as our plans for the 2018 election season and beyond. We'll also vote to elect New Trier Democrats' Officers for 2 year terms. Please note that the Annual Meeting is restricted to Members only - If you're not currently a member, why not join right now?

Our Picnic will begin immediately after our Annual Meeting and everyone - family, friends, neighbors - are welcome to attend. Our Picnic is always a great opportunity to meet fellow Democrats and hear from some of our local elected officials and candidates. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Other events of interest:

Tomorrow Night, August 9 in Evanston - Deputy Voter Registrar Training 

When: Thursday, August 9, 2018 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: YWCA Evanston/ North Shore, 1215 Church St., Room 207, Evanston
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. This training is being held through the County Clerk's office and is free of charge. If you are interested in participating, please contact Trish & Anne, Voter Services Co-Chairs for the League of Women Voters, at  voterslwv@gmail.c om.

This Saturday, August 11 in Highland Park - JB For Governor Saturday Evening Phone Bank

When: Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 5:00pm to 7:30pm JB Prtizker Where: Tenth Dems, 474 Central Ave. (2nd floor above Mizuki Grill), Highland Park
What: A phone bank to help recruit volunteers to get out the vote for JB Pritzker for Governor in this important midterm election. 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 hannah@jbforilgov.com.
 
This Sunday, August 12 in Prospect Heights - Canvass for Joel Chupack

When: Sunday, August 12, 2018 from 10:45am to 1:00pm Joel Chupack Where: Dunkin Donuts, 1204 N. Elmhurst Rd. (south of Hintz Rd.), Prospect Heights
What: Door-to-door canvass in support of J oel Chupack for Judge, 12th Judicial Subcircuit of Cook County. For additional information or to RSVP,   register online.

Wednesday, August 15 in Chicago - Reception for Tom Dart

When: Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm Tom Dart Where: Lagunitas Brewing Company, 2607 W. 17th St., Chicago
What: A reception and fundraiser supporting  Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart in the November election. To RSVP,  register online.



Sunday, August 19 in Wisconsin - Southern WI Voter I.D. Project Canvass 

When: Sunday, August 19, 2018 & Saturday, August 25, 2018 - from 11:30am to 5:00pm each day
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. Indivisible 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 .  Call or email Nancy with canvassing questions: 847-373-7755 (cell); nancysbruski@gmail.com. For carpool questions: email indivisibleevanston@gmail.com

Thursday, August 23 in Wilmette - Fundraiser for Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

When: Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm Where: Wilmette Private Home - address will be provided upon registration
What: Join Democrats for Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz as they unite the 17th District and rally around Jen as our next State Representative. At this special event you will get to connect, network and support one another. Together us Democrats can do anything! For more information or to register,   please visit their Facebook event page.

Saturday, August 25 in Wisconsin - Southern WI Voter I.D. Project Canvass 

When: Sunday, August 19, 2018 & Saturday, August 25, 2018 - from 11:30am to 5:00pm each day
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. Indivisible 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. 
Call or email Nancy with canvassing questions: 847-373-7755 (cell); nancysbruski@gmail.com. For carpool questions: email indivisibleevanston@gmail.com

Saturday, August 25 in Highland Park - Bob Morgan Meet and Greet

When: Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm Bob Morgan Where: The Highland Park home of Matt Pestine and Jamie Glass-Pestine,  340 Moraine Rd.
What: Talk with, ask questions and listen to Bob Morgan, candidate for State Representative of the 58th District.  Friends, neighbors and friends of neighbors are all welcome.  Refreshments and light apps will be served. RSVP's to mpestine@gmail.com are appreciated but not necessary.
 
Sunday, August 26 in Wilmette - Pro-Choice Rally | Unite For Justice with NARAL & WE WILL

When: Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Where: Wilmette Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Ave., WIlmette
What: Join NARAL and WE WILL as we Unite for Justice on this important national rally day to support our nation and state being PRO CHOICE. This is a family friendly rally to support Pro Choice Candidates and fight Brett Kavanaugh's appointment. There will be a series of speakers including Congressman Brad Schneider, Senator Julie Morrison, Candidate Jennifer Gong Gershowitz, and more. For more information,   visit their Facebook event page.

 
Sunday, August 26 in Libertyville - The Stevenson Center Presents "The Electoral College"
 
When: Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 2:00pm
Where: The Adlai Stevenson Center on Democracy, 25200 N. St. Mary's Rd., Mettawa (Libertyville)
What: Karen Glennemeier of the League of Women Voters of Wilmette presents a brief history of the Electoral College, a discussion of its impact on our democracy, and a plan for change. 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.

September 30, 2018: 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.

Save The Date!
 
2018  New Trier Democrats' Events

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
 
Your Legislators:


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. 
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.