News & Events


January 29, 2020
The NTD Endorsement
Meeting notes.
It’s been over three months since I signed off from writing a weekly commentary in this NTD newsletter. But last Sunday I attended the New Trier Dems Endorsement Meeting and the experience sparked some thoughts that I want to share. I won’t get into specifics about the meeting since NTD President Judy Mandel and NTD News editor Dan O’Brien have covered all of that nicely in this week's news. My thoughts have more to do with a ”refreshed” perspective that the endorsement meeting gave me.

I have to confess that over the past year, the acceptance of President Donald Trump’s behavior by large segments of the American public as well as, it seems, every Republican officeholder, gnawed at my faith in the future of our democracy. I think that was one of the reasons I needed a break from writing about this discouraging situation week after week.

The truth is, it’s hard not to feel at least a little pessimistic about the state of our nation when the daily headlines and nightly news stories consistently underscore the divisions in our democratic (small “d”) society. It can seem like there’s little hope ahead. I suspect that many of you may sometimes feel that way too.

But Sunday’s gathering reminded me that grassroots political involvement is still an estimable force. And I was also reminded that the values and goals of the Democratic Party are, more than ever, worth fighting for.

I was inspired by the team of New Trier Dem volunteers at the meeting, each focused on their specific task, all ensuring that everything would go smoothly. It’s a cooperative spirit I’ve seen time after time, canvassing for voters, at rallies, on election day. And it’s a spirit that has power.

And when I heard the candidates and their representatives make their presentations, I heard speakers who put people and justice first. — A far cry from the divisive appeals and regressive goals of the Republican Party and its candidates.

So although we aren’t living in a state that’s in the midst of a crucially important presidential primary contest or one that’s an electoral vote battleground, we need to start feeling the energy Democrats in those states are feeling.

We cannot delay getting involved in the fight against forces that would see the United States abandon its vision of a better life for every American. We cannot allow power to remain in the hands of leaders who maintain that power by seeding disharmony and mistrust between regions, races and religions. We must turn back those forces who dismiss values established by our founding fathers as no longer relevant.

Right now, here in our part of Illinois there are plenty of opportunities to become engaged in what I believe may be the most important election year in my lifetime. There are newly won Democratic congressional seats in our region that must be held, and potential Democratic voters in neighboring states who must be reached. And of course, there is a disastrous president in our White House who must be defeated.

Throughout this campaign year, the New Trier Dems, The Tenth Dems, the Democratic Party of Evanston, the Indivisible movement will all be offering potential avenues for your involvement. A scroll down this newsletter now and in the weeks to come will give you a selection of actions you can take. I hope you’ll get involved in whatever way your can.

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
New Trier Democrats’ Endorsements for the 2020 Primary

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in New Trier Democrats’ Endorsement Meeting! We had an energizing afternoon of grassroots politics and civic participation. A special thank you to all of our volunteers who made this event a success, and to all the candidates who took time out of their busy schedules to speak to our membership.

For New Trier Democrats’ membership to endorse, a candidate had to receive at least 60% of the votes of all members present. If no candidates reached 60% on the first vote, we held a second vote between the top 2 vote-getters from the first vote. If no candidate reached 60% on the second vote, then our organization did not endorse any candidate for that office.

To be clear, “No Endorsement” means that we failed to reach 60% agreement of our membership to endorse. This result does not mean that we are unenthused about these candidates. On the contrary, this result reflects that we have many excellent candidates running for office and we simply failed to reach 60% agreement.

Congratulations to all of the candidates who received our endorsement!

New Trier Democrats’ endorsements in the contested races for the March 17, 2020 Democratic Primary are: 

U.S. President
No Endorsement

Cook County State’s Attorney
No Endorsement

Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County
Michael Cabonargi

Illinois Supreme Court, 1st District
No Endorsement

Illinois 1st District Appellate Court, 1st District
John C. Griffin

Illinois 1st District Appellate Court, 3rd District
Michael Hyman

We also endorsed – by voice vote – the following Democratic candidates in uncontested primary races:

U.S. Senate
Dick Durbin

U.S. House of Representatives for the 9th District of Illinois
Jan Schakowsky

U.S. House of Representatives for the 10th District of Illinois
Brad Schneider

Illinois State Representative – 17th District
Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

Illinois State Representative – 18th District
Robyn Gabel

Illinois State Representative – 58th District
Bob Morgan

In the interest of transparency, and to satisfy your curiosity, here are the results from the final vote for each office:

U.S. President
Joe Biden – 43%
Elizabeth Warren – 32%
Pete Buttigieg – 25%
* Warren and Buttigieg tied for 2nd place on the first vote, that’s why we had 3 candidates on the second ballot.

Cook County State’s Attorney
Kim Foxx – 56%
Bill Conway – 44%

Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County
Michael Cabonargi – 69%
Jacob Meister – 25%

Illinois Supreme Court, 1st District
Margaret Stanton McBride – 57%
Cynthia Cobbs – 40%

Illinois 1st District Appellate Court, 1st District
John C. Griffin – 64%
Sharon Johnson – 18%

Illinois 1st District Appellate Court, 3rd District
Michael Hyman – 71%
Carolyn Gallagher – 21%
Committeeman Dean Maragos’ Thank You Pizza Party

Sunday, February 16, 2020 from 1:00-4:00pm

What : New Trier Democratic Committeeman Dean Maragos hosts his annual pizza party to say “thank you” to all those who helped New Trier Democrats this past year. It’s always a nice event and an excellent way to personally meet other North Shore Democrats and many of our local office holders. Please join us for free pizza and a fun afternoon!
Volunteering Opportunities
Inclusion in our "Volunteering Opportunities" List – whether it’s for a specific candidate or concerning a particular issue – does not mean that the New Trier Democrats have endorsed that candidate or adopted that position on an issue. 
This Saturday, February 1, 2020: Write Postcards to Voters with Sister District Project New Trier

When : Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Where : The Bottle Shop, 1148 Central Ave., Wilmette
What: Grab your pens. Roll up your sleeves. It’s time to get to work. The Sister District Project New Trier team is excited to invite you to this postcard writing event in your area. Sister District is one of the ways you can engage in activism to make change. Give them a few hours of your time a week/month and they’ll make sure your effort has an impact! Questions/RSVPs: [email protected].
Monday, February 3, 2020: Postcards to Help Win Back WI with Indivisible Evanston

When : Monday, February 3, 2020 – Postcards from 6:00pm to 9:00pm; Phone Bank form 6:00pm to 8:15pm
Where : Grace Lutheran Church, 1430 South Blvd., Evanston
What : Indivisible Evanston is hosting Postcard writing and phone banks to Wisconsin voters on Mondays. Postcarders: Bring postcard stamps. Indivisible Evanston is helping  Postcards 2 WI  write 500K cards to GOTV in WI on 4/7. For more information or to sign-up,  visit their event page .
Friday, February 7, 2020: Postcards to Help Win Back WI with Indivisible Evanston

When : Friday, February 3, 2020 from 9:30am to 12:00noon
Where : 1731 Jenks Street, Evanston
What : Indivisible Evanston is hosting Postcard writing and phone banks to Wisconsin voters on Mondays. Postcarders: Bring postcard stamps. Indivisible Evanston is helping  Postcards 2 WI  write 500K cards to GOTV in WI on 4/7. For more information or to sign-up,  visit their event page .
Saturday, February 8, 2020: Canvass to Win WI with Indivisible Evanston and WI Dems

When : Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 8:30am to 2:30pm (canvass time will be from 10:00am to 1:00pm)
Where : Racine County Dems Office, 507 6th Street, Racine (drive there directly or carpool with Indivisible Evanston)
What : Indivisible Evanston will be working with the Wisconsin Dems, knocking on doors of residents asking about their plan to vote for Presidential primary, State Supreme Court & local elections on April 7th & emphasizing the need to vote for ALL races on the ballot. For more information or to sign up,  visit their event page . They will also be canvassing on the following Saturdays: March 21, March 28 and April 4.
Monday, February 10, 2020: Help Win Back WI with Indivisible Evanston – Postcards & Phone Bank

When : Monday, February 10, 2020 – Postcards from 6:00pm to 9:00pm; Phone Bank form 6:00pm to 8:15pm
Where : Grace Lutheran Church, 1430 South Blvd., Evanston
What : Indivisible Evanston is hosting Postcard writing and phone banks to Wisconsin voters on Mondays. Postcarders: Bring postcard stamps. Indivisible Evanston is helping  Postcards 2 WI  write 500K cards to GOTV in WI on 4/7. Phone Bankers:Bring charged cellphone & laptop (they’ll train you). They’re calling “friendlies” to volunteer for WI’s 2/8 Day of Action. For more information or to sign-up,  visit their event page .
Monday, February 24, 2020: Help Win Back WI with Indivisible Evanston – Postcards & Phone Bank

When : Monday, February 24, 2020 – Postcards from 6:00pm to 9:00pm; Phone Bank form 6:00pm to 8:15pm
Where : Grace Lutheran Church, 1430 South Blvd., Evanston
What : Indivisible Evanston is hosting Postcard writing and phone banks to Wisconsin voters on Mondays. Postcarders: Bring postcard stamps. Indivisible Evanston is helping  Postcards 2 WI  write 500K cards to GOTV in WI on 4/7. Phone Bankers:Bring charged cellphone & laptop (they’ll train you). They’re calling “friendlies” to volunteer for WI’s 2/8 Day of Action. For more information or to sign-up,  visit their event page .
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. 
Tomorrow, January 30, 2020: Illinois Fiscal Crises – Current Facts and the Way Forward

When : Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 12:00 noon. Doors open at 11:45; lunch at 12:00 noon; presentation at 12:30pm
Where : Roosevelt University, Ida B. Wells Lounge, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
What : The Adlai Stevenson Center on Democracy and Roosevelt University sponsor a presentation by Ralph Martire, Arthur Rubloff Endowed Professor of Public Policy at the University. To RSVP,  register online .
This Saturday, February 1, 2020: Equality Illinois Gala

When : Saturday, February 1, 2020. 6:00pm Silent auction and cocktail reception; 8:00pm Seated dinner and awards program; 10:30pm Dancing and music.
Where : Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago
What : Equality Illinois holds its 2020 Gala. To purchase tickets,  register online .
Monday, February 3, 2020: Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz’s Constituent Service Hours

When : Monday, February 3, 2020 from 4:00pm to 6:00 pm
Where : Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St, Skokie
What : State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz will hold community office hours to assist you with your State government questions. They encourage you to stop by and bring your questions. Should you need assistance from her office, you may also contact them at 847-486-8810 or email them at [email protected]. Her staff is also available at their Glenview office during weekday business hours to help with constituent services.
Saturday, February 8, 2020: Census Campaign Townhall

When : Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Where : JIC Community Development Center, 202 S. Genesee St., Waukegan
What : A Townhall meeting about the census: what it is, why it is important and how to get involved. Attendees can apply on the spot for available census jobs. Census professionals will be on hand to answer questions. For more information, call Dr. Mary Robinson at 847-687-3504 or Debra Lewis at 847-316-9180.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020: State Sen. Fine’s Staff Available for Assistance

When : Tuesday, February 11, 2020 from 10:00am to 12:00noon
Where : New Trier Township Hall, 739 Elm St., Winnetka
What : State Sen. Laura Fine’s staff members, Shivia Mohsenzadeh and Mike Powers, 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. Please stop by with any forms, letters or official correspondence for expert assistance.
Thursday, February 13, 2020: State Rep. Gabel’s Chief of Staff Available for Assistance

When : Thursday, February 13, 2020 from 10:30am to 12:00noon
Where : New Trier Township Hall, 739 Elm St., Winnetka
What : Rep. 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.
Julie Morrison
Thursday, February 13, 2020: Valentine’s Cooking Class With Sen. Julie Morrison

When : Thursday, February 13, 2020 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Where : Taste Buds Kitchen, 2521 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn
What : Wine and conversation with State Senator Julie Morrison while preparing and enjoying a French-inspired Valentine’s menu.  Register online,  call 312-630-7700 or email [email protected].
Lauren Underwood
Tuesday, February 18, 2020: Indivisible Evanston’s Monthly Meeting

When : Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 4th Floor, Parasol Room, 2100 Ridge, Evanston
What:  Join Indivisible Evanston for its monthly meeting and find out how you can take action to resist the Trump agenda in 2020, as well as how we can and help support progressive legislation and candidates for office. Indivisible Evanston is pleased to announce that this meeting will feature Keynote Speaker Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, IL-14, as well as “Actions to Win Wisconsin 2020: Postcard, Canvass, Voter Registration & Phone Bank.” If you have questions, please email [email protected]. For more information or to RSVP,  visit their Facebook event page .
Wednesday, February 19, 2020: EMILY’s List Cocktails for Change

When : Wednesday, February 19, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where : Fremont, 15 West Illinois St., Chicago
What : EMILY’s List holds its annual Chicago Cocktails for Change event featuring Marie Newman, candidate for U.S. House (IL-03), and Emily Cain, EMILY’s List Executive Director. Light refreshments provided. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online.
Thursday, February 20, 2020: EMILY’s List Annual Ignite Change Midwest Regional Reception

When : Thursday, February 20, 2020. Registration: 5:00pm; Reception: 5:30pm; Speaking program: 6:00pm
Where : Fig & Olive, 104 East Oak St., Chicago
What : EMILY’s List Annual Ignite Change Midwest Regional Reception featuring Stephanie Schriock, EMILY’s List President; Kim Foxx, Cook County State’s Attorney; and panelists Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Chicago City Treasurer and Betsy Dirksen-Londrigan, Candidate for U.S. House (IL-13). For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or email McCaul Nelson at [email protected].
Thursday, February 20, 2020: Reception for Toni Preckwinkle’s Re-election

When : Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where : Alhambra Palace Restaurant, 1240 W. Randolph, Chicago
What : A reception supporting the re-election of Toni Preckwinkle as Cook County Board President. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or email Scott Kastrup at [email protected].
Could You Use Extra Income?

The Census Bureau is hiring up to 500,000 temporary, part-time census takers for the 2020 Census in communities across the country. Jobs for the 2020 Census offer competitive wages that are paid weekly, flexible hours, and paid training. Authorized expenses, such as mileage, are reimbursed for employees doing field work.

Anyone age 18 and older, such as recent high school graduates, college students, veterans, retirees, military spouses, seasonal workers, and people who are bilingual are highly encouraged to apply. People who already have jobs and want to earn extra income evenings and weekends are also encouraged to apply.
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.