Well, after months of speculation about the future of Mike Waller, who has served as Lake County State's Attorney for 22 years, Waller has now finally made official his decision to retire after completing his current term.
As many speculated that Waller might retire (and those in the know, knew pretty positively that this was coming for a while), many candidates on both sides of the aisle have already announced or expressed interest, as more are sure to come.
So far, TA's unofficial tally is:
Democrat Candidates
Chris Kennedy (former ASA, has announced)
Scott Drury (possible self-funder, reportedly has formed a committee) (UPDATED: Looks like Scott Drury will announce August 8th)
Reggie Matthews (current ASA)
Republican Candidates
Bryan Winter (municipal attorney, has announced)
Louise Bryant Hayes (current ASA, not yet officially announced)
Mike Nerheim (former ASA) (UPDATED x2: Nerheim will announce this coming Tuesday, apparently. His website, which is not yet live, will be mikenerheim2012.com)
(UPDATED x3: Nerheim has now made his bid official and his website (link above) is up and running)
If anyone knows of any more, let us know in comments.
State Senator Terry Link, the Lake County Democratic Chairman, has picked his horse already (Kennedy) and is reportedly frowning on any other potential Dem candidates that are poking their heads up. Here comes the intimidation, back-room buy-offs, and other schenanigans to clear the field.
I don't see that happening on the Republican side, so I think we may have a rocking and rolling primary, as Senator Mark Kirk used to like to say.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
State Senator Susan Garrett Will Not Run for Re-election (UPDATED x3)
I had heard rumors of the possible retirement of State Senator Susan Garrett, and it turns out they were correct. Garrett sent out a press release announcing that she's hanging it up. She also makes clear that she's done with public office (although she pledges to serve out her term to January 2013), much to the disappointment of many Dems who were begging her to run against Congressman Bob Dold in the 10th Congressional District.
This may really open the door for a Republican to make a run in her senate district; cue Dr. Arie Friedman, perhaps?
UPDATED 7/28/11: Here's some follow-up by The Patch, with some interesting reaction by Senator Terry Link:
Though no names have been mentioned as a possible replacement, state Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan), one of Garrett’s mentors when she entered politics, knows a solid candidate will have to emerge.
“We have some very large shoes to fill both as a legislator and because of her character. She set the bar very high,” Link said. “Lake County and Illinois are losing a fine legislator, who represented her district as fine as any person could.”
If Link's comments are to be believed, I find it interesting that Garrett left the Dems in the lurch without an heir apparent. Last night at an event for Circuit Court Clerk Candidate Keith Brin, some of us were chewing over this, and few prospective Dem names were apparent to any of us, either. Of course, Lauren Beth Gash's name was raised, but her personal agenda remains a mystery. I also heard rumblings that Dan Seals might be thinking about yet another run for the 10th District (gasp of horror from the crowd), but I bet that he's probably getting quite used to his new cushy state paycheck and benefits to throw himself back into the fray, especially in light of Congressman Bob Dold's successful at fundraising so far.
UPDATED x2: Looks like the Julie Morrison announcement (mentioned in comments) is now official.
UPDATED x3 7/29/11 6:30 am: Another possible Dem contender whose name was raised yesterday here in comments, Annette Lidawer, has talked to the Patch and confirmed her interest. The Patch also tried to get an official answer out of Dr. Arie Friedman on the GOP side to see if he's ready to throw in, but he didn't give them anything to print. Since Garrett's retirement announcement, Friedman has been quietly (?) telling GOP insiders at various recent campaign events that he's throwing in, though, so don't be surprised to see an official announcement here around the end of the month.
This may really open the door for a Republican to make a run in her senate district; cue Dr. Arie Friedman, perhaps?
UPDATED 7/28/11: Here's some follow-up by The Patch, with some interesting reaction by Senator Terry Link:
Though no names have been mentioned as a possible replacement, state Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan), one of Garrett’s mentors when she entered politics, knows a solid candidate will have to emerge.
“We have some very large shoes to fill both as a legislator and because of her character. She set the bar very high,” Link said. “Lake County and Illinois are losing a fine legislator, who represented her district as fine as any person could.”
If Link's comments are to be believed, I find it interesting that Garrett left the Dems in the lurch without an heir apparent. Last night at an event for Circuit Court Clerk Candidate Keith Brin, some of us were chewing over this, and few prospective Dem names were apparent to any of us, either. Of course, Lauren Beth Gash's name was raised, but her personal agenda remains a mystery. I also heard rumblings that Dan Seals might be thinking about yet another run for the 10th District (gasp of horror from the crowd), but I bet that he's probably getting quite used to his new cushy state paycheck and benefits to throw himself back into the fray, especially in light of Congressman Bob Dold's successful at fundraising so far.
UPDATED x2: Looks like the Julie Morrison announcement (mentioned in comments) is now official.
UPDATED x3 7/29/11 6:30 am: Another possible Dem contender whose name was raised yesterday here in comments, Annette Lidawer, has talked to the Patch and confirmed her interest. The Patch also tried to get an official answer out of Dr. Arie Friedman on the GOP side to see if he's ready to throw in, but he didn't give them anything to print. Since Garrett's retirement announcement, Friedman has been quietly (?) telling GOP insiders at various recent campaign events that he's throwing in, though, so don't be surprised to see an official announcement here around the end of the month.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Warren Township Republican Organization Hosts Milton Friedman Economic Freedom Dinner Featuring John Tillman
The Warren Township Republican Organization will be hosting its "Milton Friedman Economic Freedom Dinner" next Thursday, July 28th. Mike Amrozowicz, Warren Township Republican Chairman, is doing a great job leading this group, and they recently opened up a permanent township Republican office, something not many townships in Lake County have been able to accomplish:
The Friedman Dinner will be held at the Heather Ridge Clubhouse, 5900 Heather Ridge Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031, and the keynote speaker will be John Tillman, CEO, Illinois Policy Institute. There will also be a panel discussion with comments from several members of the Illinois General Assembly. Tickets are $50.00 and can be purchased online at warrengop.com. Cocktails start at 6:00 PM and dinner is at 7:00 PM.
The Friedman Dinner will be held at the Heather Ridge Clubhouse, 5900 Heather Ridge Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031, and the keynote speaker will be John Tillman, CEO, Illinois Policy Institute. There will also be a panel discussion with comments from several members of the Illinois General Assembly. Tickets are $50.00 and can be purchased online at warrengop.com. Cocktails start at 6:00 PM and dinner is at 7:00 PM.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Former 10th District Congressional Hopeful Dr. Arie Friedman Forms State PAC; We Wonder What's Next...
Dr. Arie Friedman, who ran in the Republican primary for the 10th Congressional District in 2010, has formed a state PAC called the Doctors and Patients Alliance of Illinois. Friedman is a former Navy helicopter pilot and pediatric practitioner from Highland Park. After losing in the 2010 GOP primary to now-Congressman Bob Dold, Friedman has remained active on the political scene, leaving many of us to wonder what's next in his political future. The formation of this PAC could well be seen as a prelude to another run for office, perhaps against Jan Schakowsky in the 9th Congressional District, or maybe Susan Garrett, if serving in the State Senate might be attractive.
When I spoke to Friedman about the PAC, he was reserved on his political future but hinted that he was seriously considering some options. Meanwhile, he told me that the PAC has already raised more than $14K and will be looking to support candidates and advance its agenda, which is spelled out on the website:
The Doctors-Patients Alliance of Illinois (DPAI) was created to give doctors and patients a powerful voice in Springfield. By developing a grassroots network of doctors and patients, DPAI serves as a political force that will educate and influence lawmakers and voters, while providing the media with real human-interest stories about the impact of government-controlled medicine.
DPAI respects the intelligence of the citizenry and understands that the truth will always be the best medicine. Securing solutions to the healthcare challenges facing Illinois and the nation is our ultimate goal. To achieve our goal, we outline and advocate for those solutions, while explaining the devastating impact ObamaCare will have on families, medical practitioners and the Illinois economy. Our audience is both lawmakers and voters.
DPAI understands that real change is secured at the ballot box. By working directly with state-level candidates, DPAI educates candidates and provides financial support and endorsements to lawmakers and those seeking office who share our vision of protecting the doctor-patient relationship.
DPAI knows that government-controlled medicine is unhealthy for our state and our nation. Market driven solutions are the cure, and doctors and patients working together can write the prescription.
While Friedman asserted that the PAC is non-partisan, based on the viewpoints espoused on the website, you can safely guess that this group won't be endorsing any pro-Obamacare candidates any time soon.
When I spoke to Friedman about the PAC, he was reserved on his political future but hinted that he was seriously considering some options. Meanwhile, he told me that the PAC has already raised more than $14K and will be looking to support candidates and advance its agenda, which is spelled out on the website:
The Doctors-Patients Alliance of Illinois (DPAI) was created to give doctors and patients a powerful voice in Springfield. By developing a grassroots network of doctors and patients, DPAI serves as a political force that will educate and influence lawmakers and voters, while providing the media with real human-interest stories about the impact of government-controlled medicine.
DPAI respects the intelligence of the citizenry and understands that the truth will always be the best medicine. Securing solutions to the healthcare challenges facing Illinois and the nation is our ultimate goal. To achieve our goal, we outline and advocate for those solutions, while explaining the devastating impact ObamaCare will have on families, medical practitioners and the Illinois economy. Our audience is both lawmakers and voters.
DPAI understands that real change is secured at the ballot box. By working directly with state-level candidates, DPAI educates candidates and provides financial support and endorsements to lawmakers and those seeking office who share our vision of protecting the doctor-patient relationship.
DPAI knows that government-controlled medicine is unhealthy for our state and our nation. Market driven solutions are the cure, and doctors and patients working together can write the prescription.
While Friedman asserted that the PAC is non-partisan, based on the viewpoints espoused on the website, you can safely guess that this group won't be endorsing any pro-Obamacare candidates any time soon.
David Barkhausen to Run for Lake County Board (UPDATED)
My friend David Barkhausen, with whom I served on the Board of the Lake County Republican Federation for about 10 years and got to know quite well, is throwing his hat in for County Board in the new 13th district, which will have no incumbent running. The Lake County News-Sun has an article up about Barkhausen, who is currently Shields Township Clerk and who served in the General Assembly for more than a decade. Gazebo News has more:
Barkhausen said his top priority would be maintaining strict controls on Lake County spending. “County government is the second largest item on our property tax bills after public schools,” Barkhausen said. “County Board members have an obligation to maintain the County’s strong fiscal position without adding to this burden.”
“I offer proven leadership to carefully review Lake County’s fiscal policies,” Barkhausen maintained, pointing to his past public service at the state and local level as an example of the type of representation he would provide to Lake County government.
David is a hard worker and a well-qualified guy. Good luck David!
UPDATED 7/20/11: Here's another article from The Patch, which has a lot of additional detail about the race and Barkhausen's platform.
Barkhausen said his top priority would be maintaining strict controls on Lake County spending. “County government is the second largest item on our property tax bills after public schools,” Barkhausen said. “County Board members have an obligation to maintain the County’s strong fiscal position without adding to this burden.”
“I offer proven leadership to carefully review Lake County’s fiscal policies,” Barkhausen maintained, pointing to his past public service at the state and local level as an example of the type of representation he would provide to Lake County government.
David is a hard worker and a well-qualified guy. Good luck David!
UPDATED 7/20/11: Here's another article from The Patch, which has a lot of additional detail about the race and Barkhausen's platform.
Monday, July 18, 2011
State Senator Dan Duffy Says "Game On" In 26th District
My friend and college fraternity brother Dan Duffy is running for re-election in the newly-remapped 26th District. I haven't run the voter numbers in the new district but at first glance, it looks even more Republican than the old one. I have little doubt that Dan is going to continue to shake up Springfield for a number of years to come.
I assume (although I have not seen an official announcement) that Ed Sullivan, Jr. will run for re-election in his state rep district, and I would further assume that newly-appointed Beaubien replacement Kent Gaffney will also run in the other legislative district, which two districts combined make up Duffy's senate district. Duffy was critical of Gaffney's appointment, so it will be interesting to see if Duffy supports Gaffney - especially in the event of a primary, which seems likely.
Here's his press release:
State Senator Dan Duffy running for Re-Election in 2012
For Immediate Release
July 18, 2011
Lake Barrington, Illinois - After sitting down and discussing future
options with his family, State Senator Dan Duffy (R-Lake Barrington)
has decided to run for re-election to the State Senate in 2012. “The
boundaries of the 26th district may change but my duty and message
remain clear,” said Duffy. “I have a vision for Illinois that puts us
FIRST – not last. We still have a lot of work to do to get Illinois
back on track.”
A small business owner, Senator Duffy originally ran for office in
2008 pledging to do everything he could to Encourage Job Growth, Fight
Corruption, and Keep Taxes Low. He has evaluated every piece of
legislation based on those three key principles. Senator Duffy has
been extremely active and outspoken in his efforts to promote a more
business friendly work environment, shine a light on the inner
workings of our state government - and he has fought hard against
excessive regulation, litigation and taxation. “I believe we need
more people with real-world experience doing their duty by serving in
our state government,” Duffy explained.
As the youngest of 11 children and the father of five kids, Senator
Duffy recognizes the impact critical legislation can have on our daily
life. As a small business owner for over 15 years, Duffy understands
– first hand - how to create jobs, balance a budget and live within
our means. “I believe it is imperative to continue promoting these
principles in the State Senate, “Duffy stated.
“It has been an honor to represent the people of the 26th district for
the past three years. I am very blessed to have the best volunteers,
donors and supporters in the state,” said Duffy. “I strive to be the
voice of ALL people and will continue to get others engaged in our
political process so we can put our state on a path to success.”
I assume (although I have not seen an official announcement) that Ed Sullivan, Jr. will run for re-election in his state rep district, and I would further assume that newly-appointed Beaubien replacement Kent Gaffney will also run in the other legislative district, which two districts combined make up Duffy's senate district. Duffy was critical of Gaffney's appointment, so it will be interesting to see if Duffy supports Gaffney - especially in the event of a primary, which seems likely.
Here's his press release:
State Senator Dan Duffy running for Re-Election in 2012
For Immediate Release
July 18, 2011
Lake Barrington, Illinois - After sitting down and discussing future
options with his family, State Senator Dan Duffy (R-Lake Barrington)
has decided to run for re-election to the State Senate in 2012. “The
boundaries of the 26th district may change but my duty and message
remain clear,” said Duffy. “I have a vision for Illinois that puts us
FIRST – not last. We still have a lot of work to do to get Illinois
back on track.”
A small business owner, Senator Duffy originally ran for office in
2008 pledging to do everything he could to Encourage Job Growth, Fight
Corruption, and Keep Taxes Low. He has evaluated every piece of
legislation based on those three key principles. Senator Duffy has
been extremely active and outspoken in his efforts to promote a more
business friendly work environment, shine a light on the inner
workings of our state government - and he has fought hard against
excessive regulation, litigation and taxation. “I believe we need
more people with real-world experience doing their duty by serving in
our state government,” Duffy explained.
As the youngest of 11 children and the father of five kids, Senator
Duffy recognizes the impact critical legislation can have on our daily
life. As a small business owner for over 15 years, Duffy understands
– first hand - how to create jobs, balance a budget and live within
our means. “I believe it is imperative to continue promoting these
principles in the State Senate, “Duffy stated.
“It has been an honor to represent the people of the 26th district for
the past three years. I am very blessed to have the best volunteers,
donors and supporters in the state,” said Duffy. “I strive to be the
voice of ALL people and will continue to get others engaged in our
political process so we can put our state on a path to success.”
Friday, July 15, 2011
Dold too Bold for Carol Sente, So It's Back To the Drawing Board for Dems; Quick, Get Susan Garrett on Speed Dial, Stat!
Not overly surprising, but it turns out that Carol Sente was just toying with everyone when she leaked to Lynn Sweet earlier this week that Sente was thinking about challenging Congressman Bob Dold for the newly-remapped and Dem-friendly 10th Congressional District. The Daily Herald has an article up here, but seems mostly concerned with whether or not fellow State Rep. Sid Mathias will challenge Sente for the 59th legislative district, since he has now been drawn into the district with the latest remap.
Sente put out a press release today stating:
While I am flattered that many constituents and friends asked me to consider running for Congress in the 10th Congressional District, I believe there is too much unfinished business in the General Assembly. The challenges we face in Illinois and in our communities requires dedication, resolve and commitment to put the practices of the past behind us, and it is crucial that we continue to improve upon the reforms we have begun.
I guess cooler advisors and friends must have convinced Sente that the new 10th District wasn't quite drawn as a walk-away for a Dem as some might like to think, or was intended, plus anyone running against Bob Dold is already about a million dollars behind, not to mention facing a three or four-way primary before even getting to the general.
So, Dems, it's back to the drawing board, unless socialist/facist/anarchist Ilya Sheyman is your cup of tea. I bet not a day goes by that Susan Garrett's phone isn't ringing off the hook.
Sente put out a press release today stating:
While I am flattered that many constituents and friends asked me to consider running for Congress in the 10th Congressional District, I believe there is too much unfinished business in the General Assembly. The challenges we face in Illinois and in our communities requires dedication, resolve and commitment to put the practices of the past behind us, and it is crucial that we continue to improve upon the reforms we have begun.
I guess cooler advisors and friends must have convinced Sente that the new 10th District wasn't quite drawn as a walk-away for a Dem as some might like to think, or was intended, plus anyone running against Bob Dold is already about a million dollars behind, not to mention facing a three or four-way primary before even getting to the general.
So, Dems, it's back to the drawing board, unless socialist/facist/anarchist Ilya Sheyman is your cup of tea. I bet not a day goes by that Susan Garrett's phone isn't ringing off the hook.
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