Sunday, June 19, 2011

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.

11 comments:

Publia said...

Gotta love those numbers for the new 10th. Now all we have to do is figure out where it is. Thanks for posting so many nice pictures.

Oh, and one other thing. I saw Dan Seals getting off the train in Wilmette the other night at about 6:15. He had a suit on. I think he had been working!

Team America said...

So, if Seals got off the train at 6:15, that pretty much means he left the office no later than 5:01 pm and sprinted to the train. That sounds about right for a government employee, but you are right Publia, at least it appears he put in a day's work. What he actually accomplished is anyone's guess, though. Maybe with the 16 or so other 'assistant' and 'deputy' directors at DCEO, between all of them, they are moving the ball forward, slightly.

Anonymous said...

TA -

Great pictures and coverage except you are posting in a time warp.

Ed Kelly is our Chairman and has been since Libertyville Township Republicans reformulated and elected officers after the 2010 primary when the committeemen were elected.

John Emerson is the past Chairman or immediate past Chairman if you prefer. Great kudos to John who walked the parade.

Trebor of Libertyville

Team America said...

Oh, duh on me, Trebor! Maybe it was the heat that got to me. And it's not like I didn't also talk to Ed Kelly that morning as well, who was also there helping to coordinate the float, etc., along with John. My apologies to Ed, but he knows we all love him!

That's what I get for missing Township committee meetings for the better part of 2 years.

Anonymous said...

How is it sandbagging Bob Dold to ask him questions and defend his positions anymore the tea partiers did to democratic representatives. Also glad you and Publia keeping tabs on Dan Seals work habits, we know they don't do much.

Anonymous said...

Libs were on good behavior at the Dold townhall. Dold does a good job of treating his constituents with respect and they responded positively. Good lively discussions. It is a nice reflection of our high quality congressional district.

Anonymous said...

Team America: If Seals got off the train at 6:15, that means he took the express train leaving Ogilvie at 5:43. And if he works at the State of Illinois building these days (for shame), he probably left the office around 5:30. I work nearby and am a hard-working lawyer (and former law school classmate of Rep. Dold). I often take the 5:43 not because I'm a slacker but because I want to spend some time with my kids at home before they go to bed. Nothing wrong with the ol' 5:43.

Anonymous said...

Heard Bingo Bob had some issues dealing with constituent questions on moving and on the Ryan Budget. I've been meaning to ask TA and company how they feel about the plan to turn medicare into a voucher program?

I'm also curious to see which town Dold decides to rent a house in (I can't see him really selling his mini-mansion in Kenilworth, the place is beautiful). If he's smart, the call has got to be Vernon Hills or Libertyville, but who knows. The power center of the district has significantly shifted and its going to be a challenge for Bob to reach out to voters up north that don't share his privileged past.

I suppose that's all for now. I'm sure I will be checking in more often once the primary heats up. Sheyman vs. Schneider should be an interesting one.

Until Next Time,
A Concerned Colonial

Anonymous said...

It's really pathetic concerned that in a state with democrats running all levels of government with an Illinois democrat in the white house and in one of the wealthiest best educated districts in the country-although that will change, the best you can come up with are a low level aipac donor with no political experience, a 15 year old socialist who wants to raise taxes and a 30 year old member of the merchant marine claiming on his website that he will campaign in parts of the district which won't exist in 18 months.

I haven't seen the dold house, but $1 million or whatever it's worth does not buy a mansion in kenilworth.

FOKLAES

Arie Friedman, M.D. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Arie Friedman, M.D. said...

I've seen Rep. Dold's house. Not a mini mansion. Not that I would care if it was.