Lake County GOP Takes Libertyville Days Parade by Storm; Dems are AWOL Preparing to Sandbag Bob Dold at Town Hall Meeting (UPDATED with Dem Sighting!)

The Libertyville Days Parade is one of the area's largest summer parades, and the Lake County GOP and the Libertyville township GOP in particular, lead by immediate past Township Chairman John Emerson, always make it a point to have a strong showing in the parade, as well as hosting an information booth in the park.

This year saw a great GOP turnout, especially in a non-election year, with many new faces and candidates, such as Keith Brin for Circuit Court Clerk, Steve Newton for Coroner, and Judge Daniel B. Shanes running for Circuit Court Judge in the 3rd subcircuit. Other elected officials included Congressman Bob Dold, who led the Republican pack in the parade, and State Senator Dan Duffy. Local pols like County Board Member Carol Calabresa also attended.

Since I was marching and snapping photos, I can't say I saw the entire parade, but from what I did see, and many people that I asked, I did not see one Democrat organization or candidate marching. I would be happy to be corrected, but I just saw nothing from them at all, which is perhaps unsurprising in an off-election year when they don't need anything from the voters. Probably, the 10th District Dems and such groups were resting up to sandbag Bob Dold later in the day at a townhall meeting.

In any case, here are some of my pix:

The parade route was packed with onlookers ready to grab some free candy thrown by the marchers.


Judge Daniel Shanes had a great crowd of supporters come out to march and cheer. If this is reflective of the level of enthusiasm among GOP supporters in even the downballot races, we're going to do just fine in 2012.


Green Oaks Trustee Dan Sugrue supervised the Republican float candy operation along with County Board Member Carol Calabesa.


Immediate past Libertyville Township Chairman John Emerson works tirelessly every year to organize the GOP marchers and our float.


Here's Judge Shanes and his team marching.


And a close up of the Shanes Banner.



Steve Newton, who is running for Coroner, gets ready for the start of the parade.


Steve Newton shows off his banner.


Jeremy Gong and his family represent a great group of diverse younger individuals and families who we are proud to welcome to the Lake County GOP.


Getting the float ready.


I didn't go on the Ferris Wheel myself, but it made for a great photo.


Here's John Emerson again with Precinct Committeewoman Donna O'Leary.


Here's a nice pic of State Senator Dan Duffy, Chairman Emerson, and Circuit Clerk Candidate Keith Brin.


State Senator Dan Duffy works the crowd.


Congressman Bob Dold's team leads the GOP contingent.


Congessman Bob Dold works the crowd.


The Libertyville Parade is well known for its colorful and fun giant balloons.


Here's Circuit Court Clerk Candidate Keith Brin.

UPDATED: The sharp-eyed parade watchers over at LakeCountyEye saw my plea for evidence of Dems, any Dems, at the Libertyville Parade, and leapt into action, dredging up a photo montage on the Facebook page of Dem Congressional Candidate and left-wing/socialist candidate Ilya Sheyman, who we have profiled before. If you care to check out the Sheyman contingent at the parade, it looks like he garnered about 10 people to walk with him, so I don't think it's much shame that we missed his parade entry. If that's the only Dem out of all the area elected officials and candidates who bothered to show up, then shame on them.

Having said all of this, I'm pleased that Mr. Sheyman is getting out there and connecting with the voters. While I don't think much of his chances to win the Dem primary, I take a look at his background and his platform, and I think, well, one can always hope.