Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence
NTD NEWS
October 10, 2018
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Have you ever had the experience of hearing or reading words you thought were worth remembering -- and then, just a few minutes later,  seeing those same words again in some other context? (I bet you have.) It happened to me yesterday. I read an opinion article in the Chicago Tribune that ended with a quote from Noam Chomsky. Then within minutes, I saw the same quote in a magazine. Chomsky's words were inspiring, especially in these times when depressingly regressive powers have the upper hand.
So, when I saw his quote twice within minutes I thought, "This is too much of a coincidence. I'm going to base Wednesday's commentary on Chomsky's words." Here's what he said: "Unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so."
As I started writing today, I thought I'd simply use his words as an inspiring endorsement for volunteer involvement in our candidates' campaigns. After all, I thought, any reference to a "better future" would surely embrace our values and priorities. -- But then, thinking further I realized that "a better future" is in the eye of the beholder. Noam's words could just as easily be used to motivate every Trump supporter to become politically involved.
 Let's face it. Every human being would like the future to be better. And you can bet all those folks grinning behind Donald Trump at his rallies or passionately cheering him from the stands believe that he is the leader who will deliver the better future they each hope for.
Of course those hopes vary, depending on each person's locale, beliefs, traditions, economic situation, business interests, etc. So for some Trump supporters a better future would be a return to the higher paying labor-intensive jobs of two decades past; Or the return of cultural norms that forbid gay marriage; Or a government that "interferes" less in environmental issues or hiring practices.
The truth is, Republican Party leaders, their strategists and their moneyed overlords, know they don't represent the majority of Americans. But as you can see from their consistent actions in virtually every campaign across the country, they also know that targeting the most personal emotions of potential supporters, including their most base instincts, is a winning approach (at least until those supporters realize they're being conned).
Fear of "the other," economic scapegoating, distrust of all government institutions, inflammation of biases, generational prejudices, religious intolerance -- it's a long list of unsavory Republican appeals to winning  votes. We all know that "all politics is local." However, Republican strategists following Donald Trump's successful demagoguery have hyper-localized their message targets right down to the darkest corners of their supporters' brains. (To be honest, Democrats have not always been above such tactics but the modern Republican Party has taken this nasty approach to modern new lows.)
This reality is what should be energizing us to defend the better future we must believe in and, as Noam Chomsky said, take responsibility for making it so.
Speaking for myself, and the Democrats I know, our "better future" is a far cry from what Republicans apparently want. Our better future will be a U.S. government that respects science, accepting the fact that global warming is real and that climate change is an existential threat to 21st century civilization. It will be a future that rejects any remaining vestiges of misogyny, recognizing the equal rights of every American woman in every aspect of their lives.
Our future will ensure that every American can live their entire lives knowing they have easy access to affordable, quality health care. It will value a good education, ensuring that every American has a chance to achieve his or her educational potential. And our better future will insist that no American should be treated as less than any other because of their race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or sexual self-identification.
Our future will respect the genius of free enterprise, encouraging large and small entrepreneurs to freely pursue their dreams, while insisting  that such freedom demands responsible behavior. And our better future will see the United States regain it's respected position as the world leader among democracies, while recognizing that the conditions of people living in other countries, near our borders or half a world away, will always have a connection with our nation's long-term well being.
It seems to me that most of those voters so presently enamored with President Trump's vague promises would discover a chance to thrive in the future we envision. But it's unlikely we can convince them of that until Democrats regain control of more state houses and governorships and, most importantly, Congress and, in 2020, the White House.
Yes, Noam Chomsky's words can be inspiring to whoever reads them. But I do believe that today, Chomsky's maxim most directly applies to us Democrats. The weekly news clips of crowds applauding the lies and ludicrous posturing of President Trump, the years long Republican stranglehold on Congress and this week's victorious seating of Brett Kavanaugh to SCOTUS may understandably have many of us questioning our belief in the future. - Do not let it get to you.
We cannot stop believing in a better future. During the next 3 1/2 weeks, we must step up and take responsibility for making it so.
Nels Howard
NTDO member since 1973
P.S. Early voting is from Oct. 22 - Nov. 5 - and unregistered voters with two forms of ID (including current address proof) can register to vote at their early voting site.
P.P.S. You still have time to purchase tickets to the NTDO Annual Dinner, this Sunday October 14th at Maggiano's in Old Orchard? (If you are age 40 or younger you'll be given a special "Millenial Rate" of $100.)
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Scroll down to see some of the ways you can help some of our exceptional Democratic candidates.
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New Trier Democrats' Annual Dinner with Featured Speaker, JB Pritzker,
plus Special Award Recipient David Orr
This 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
Tuesdays,
Wednesdays & Thursdays from 5:30-9:00pm
Phone Bank for IL Dems Up & Down the Ballot at New Trier Democrats' Office
When
: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30pm to 9:00pm
What: Join your friends and neighbors at New Trier Democrats to phone bank for state and local candidates up and down the ballot! We will be phone banking for candidates like
Robyn Gabel,
Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, and
Laura Fine, as well as Statewide Illinois candidates like
JB Pritzker and
Kwame Raoul. Please bring a cell phone and a laptop (if you have one), and training and all necessary materials will be provided. Stay tuned for more specific details on phone banking and canvassing out of New Trier Democrats' office.
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Thursday Nights from 5:00-8:00pm
JB Pritzker For Governor Phone Bank
in Wilmette
When: Thursday Nights from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: 3140 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette
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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Sundays 1:00-5:00pm &
Mondays through Fridays 5:00-8:00pm
Phone Banking for IL Midterm Candidates with Our Friends at the Democratic Party of Evanston
When:
Sundays 1:00pm to 5:00pm; Mondays through Thursdays 5:00pm to 8:00pm; Fridays 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Democratic Party of Evanston's Office, 1806 Church Street, Evanston - NEW OFFICE LOCATION
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.
For more information or to RSVP, please visit
DPOE's events calendar
. Thank you!
Postcard Parties with Our Friends at Indivisible Evanston
What: This is the FINAL PUSH to send GOTV postcards for the Nov. 6th Midterms! Indivisible Evanston is writing to voters in their adopted congressional districts: IL-6 (where Sean Casten is running for Congress against Peter Roskam), and IL-14 (where Lauren Underwood is running for Congress against Randy Hultgren). Please come and bring your friends! SIGN UP ONLINE. These parties are self-funded, so, If possible, please bring some postcard stamps to share. We'll provide the postcards and refreshments!
POSTCARD PARTY DATES AND LOCATIONS
Friday, 10/12: 10am - 12:30pm email phyllylou@aol.com
for address.
Tuesday, 10/16: 6:00pm - 9:00pm at 2712 Ewing Ave. in Evanston.
Thursday, 10/18: 5:00pm - 9:00pm at 1216 Madison St. in Evanston.
Tuesday, 10/23: 7:00pm - 9:00pm at 1104 Colfax Ave. in Evanston
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Saturdays & Sundays
Canvassing for Lauren Underwood (IL 14th District) and Sean Casten (IL 6th District) with Our Friends at Indivisible Evanston
When
: Saturdays from 8:45am to 2;00pm
Where
: meeting location 9222 Lawndale, Evanston IL 60203 - will drive to IL-14th to canvass
What
:
Sign up here to Canvass for Lauren Underwood, candidate for Congress in IL 14th District.
We'll caravan from Evanston and then meet up with the Lake County Field Director from the Underwood campaign in Lindenhurst, who will give us a brief training and instructions before we head out to canvass door-to-door for the Underwood campaign. If you've never canvassed before, this is a great way to learn. Having conversations with folks 1:1 is the way we will win in November!
When: Sundays from 10:45am to 4:00pm
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Saturdays & Sundays - 10:00am-1:00pm & 1:00-4:00pm
Canvassing for Local and Statewide Candidates with Our Friends at Democratic Party of Evanston
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 10:00am to 1:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm each day
Where: Democratic Party of Evanston's office,
1806 Church Street, Evanston - NEW OFFICE LOCATION
What: Knock on doors in Evanston for local candidates like
Robyn Gabel, Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, Laura Fine, and Cam Davis, as well as statewide Illinois candidates like
JB Pritzker and Kwame Raoul. For more information or to RSVP, please visit
DPOE's events calendar.
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Saturdays 8:00am & 11:00am and Sundays 11:00am
Canvassing for Sean Casten (IL-6th), Betsy Dirksen Londrigan (IL-13th) & Lauren Underwood (IL-14th) with Team Jan Schakowsky
When: Saturdays at 8:00am and 11:00am; Sundays at 11:00am
Where: On Saturdays - Schakowsky Office, 5539 N. Broadway, Chicago; On Sundays Democratic Party of Evanston, 1806 W Church St., Evanston and Schakowsky Office, 5539 N. Broadway, Chicago
What: Rep. Jan Schakowsky is facilitating carpools to prepped field offices, where volunteers proceed to canvass locally for Sean Casten (IL-6th), Betsy Dirksen Londrigan (IL-13th) & Lauren Underwood (IL-14th). They need more canvassers to expand their reach in these final weeks. You're invited to sign up at either of their locations. Please commit to doing what you can to turn things around. It truly never has been more important.
RSVP online.
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Other events of interest:
Tomorrow, October 11 in Chicago - Personal PAC's 25th Annual Awards Luncheon
When: Thursday, October 11, 2018; registration and reception at 11:00am, luncheon program at 12:00 noon.
Where: Chicago Hilton International Ballroom, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
What: Personal PAC's 25th Annual Awards Luncheon will highlight the group's efforts and raise funds to elect more pro-choice legislators. Former Michigan Governor
Jennifer Granholm is the Keynote Speaker. This is an extremely popular event, so space is limited. For more information or to reserve tickets,
register online.
Tomorrow Night, 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.
Tomorrow Night, October 11 in Evanston - Democratic Party of Evanston's New Office Opening Celebration
When: Thursday, October 11, 2018 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Where: 1806 Church Street, Evanston
What: The Democratic Party of Evanston is celebrating the grand opening of our brand new office, and you're invited! Come check out the new space, pick up a yard sign or two and meet your fellow Evanston activists while enjoying delicious treats. DPOE leaders will be on hand to let you know how to get involved in our final push to get out the vote in the final weeks before election day.
This Saturday, October 13 in Highland Park - Sierra Club Day of Action Supporting Sen. Julie Morrison and Bob Morgan
 When: Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Where: 1910 First St., Highland Park
What: The Woods and Wetlands Group of the Sierra Club is hosting a Day of Action in support of State Sen. Julie Morrison and candidate for State Rep. Bob Morgan. This is a day of talking to neighbors about the upcoming election and why they should support Julie and Bob. Training session and refreshments will be provided! For additional information or to RSVP,
register online, email info@juliemorrisonforstatesenate.com or call 847-461-8792.
This 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.
This Saturday, October 13 in Highland Park - Canvass and Phone Bank for Gunsense Candidate JB Pritzker
When: Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 10:00am to 7:00pm
Where: JB Pritzker Campaign Office, 513 Central Ave., Suite 310, Highland Park
What: Door-to-door canvass and phone bank in support of
JB Pritzker, a Democratic candidate for Illinois Governor, who will treat gun violence as a public health epidemic,
will work to rebuild healthy communities, and will increase firearm safety. For additional information or to show interest in volunteering,
register online or email Danielle Elliott at danielle@jbforilgov.com.
This Sunday,
October 14 in Kenosha - Southern WI Voter I.D. Project Canvass
When: Saturday, September 29, 2018 - from 11:30am to 5:00pm
Where: Kenosha, WI - Materials can be picked up and dropped off at the Harborside Common Grounds coffee shop, 5159 6th Ave, Kenosha
What: Please join Indivisible Evanston for voter I.D. canvasses in Racine, WI! 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 Harborside 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.
This Sunday, October 14 in Northbrook - Super Schneider Sunday
When: Sunday, October 14 from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm
Where: Schneider HQ, 3000 Dundee Road, #105, Northbrook
What: Come this Sunday and every Sunday at noon for canvassing and phone banking in support of Congressman Schneider's re-election. Training and lunch provided! For additional information or to RSVP,
register online.
Monday, October 15 in Chicago - EMILY's List "Ignite Change" Chicago Conference and Luncheon
When: Monday, October 15, 2018 - Registration: 9:30am; Political Briefing: 10:00am; Reception: 11:00am; Luncheon & panel discussion: 12:00 noon
Where: JW Marriott Chicago, 151 W. Adams St., Chicago
What: EMILY's List holds its "Ignite Change" Chicago Conference and Luncheon featuring:
Stephanie Schriock, EMILY's List President;
Tina Smith, U.S. Senator (MN); candidates for U.S. House
Betsy Dirksen Londrigan (IL-13),
Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), and
Lauren Underwood (IL-14); and
Juliana Stratton, candidate for Illinois Lieutenant Governor. For additional information or to RSVP,
register online or email Anne Bowersox at abowersox@emilyslist.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.
Tuesday, October 16 in Evanston - Indivisible Evanston October Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 16, 2018, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: Lorraine G. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge, Evanston, IL 60201
What: Join Indivisible Evanston for it's monthly meeting. The October meeting will feature: Ben Head, Political Director, Schakowsky for Congress. There will also be Working Group Updates and Blue Wave/GOTV/Last Weekend Planning.
Thursday, October 18 in Chicago - Women's Leadership Training Academy Trailblazers Award and Reception
When: Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Maggiano's, 111 W. Grand St., Chicago
What: Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership Training Academy (IWILTA) holds its annual
Trailblazers Award and Reception honoring organizers that helped pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in Illinois. For additional information or to RSVP,
register online.
Thursday, October 18 in Highland Park -
Pizza & Postcards For State Sen. Julie Morrison
When: Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 6:00pm
Where: Morrison Campaign HQ, 1910 First Street, Highland Park
What: Help #TeamMorrison get out the word about the upcoming election and tell neighbors why they should support Senator Morrison on Election Day! We need volunteers to help stuff envelopes, sign and stamp postcards to send to our friends and family in the district. We'll also chow down on some delicious pizza. For more information or to RSVP,
register online.
Saturday, October 20 in Wilmette - Candidates Forum Sponsored by the League of Women Voters
When: Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 9:00am to 12:10pm
Where: Wilmette Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette
What: The League of Women Voters chapters of Evanston, Glenview/Glenco
e, Wilmette, and Winnetka-Kenilw
orth/Northfield will sponsor three Candidate Forums ahead of the November 6 general election. Races covered are US Congressional Representative, IL 9th District; Cook County Commissioner 13th & 14th Districts; and IL State Representative 17th and 18th Districts. The IL State Senate 9th District race will not be covered because a candidate declined participation. Questions will be collected from the audience and asked by a non-partisan moderator. 9:00 - 9:50 am:
9th Congressional District (Jan Schakowsky, John Elleson) 10:00 - 11:00 am:
Cook County Commissioner 13th District (Larry Suffredin and Chris Hanusiak) and
14th District (Scott Britton and Greg Gosslin) 11:10 am - 12:00 pm:
Illinois State Representative 17th District (Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Peter Lee) and
18th District (Robyn Gabel and Julie Cho) RSVP is not required.
Tuesday, October 23 - How To Get And Stay On The Ballot
When: Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 7:00pm
Where: Location to be determined
What: Tenth Dems, Lake Dems and Sixth Dems sponsor a discussion with experienced election law attorneys and campaign strategists about how to get and stay on the 2019 ballot. This presentation is open to any Democrat interested in becoming a candidate in the upcoming (mostly) non-partisan races. RSVP required, so please
register online.
Wednesday, October 24 in Evanston - Annual Fall Rally Supporting Rep. Robyn Gabel
When: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: Home of Dana Pearl, 1426 Mulford St., Evanston
What: Join Rep. Robyn Gabel for her Annual Fall Rally fundraiser. The Annual Fall Rally will be held at Dana Pearl's home, which is Evanston's first LEED platinum-certified house and was designed by Chicago-based architect Nathan Kipnis. Enjoy an in depth tour of this 100% electric home made from many recycled materials. To RSVP or for more information, you may
register online or contact Katy Langenfeld at 312-600-9496 or katy@kjdstrategies.com.
Saturday, October 27 in Highland Park - State Sen. Julie Morrison's Halloween Day of Action
When: Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 1:00pm
Where: Morrison Campaign HQ , 1910 First Street, Highland Park
What: Calling all ghosts and goblins: Join us for a SPOOKTACULAR Day of Action on Saturday, October 27! We will be knocking on doors to let our neighbors know why they should support Julie on Election Day in November - and, of course, we encourage you to dress up in costume! For more information or to RSVP,
register online. To sign up for other GOTV activities for Julie during the final weeks of her campaign,
register 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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| 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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