NTD NEWS    February 7, 2018
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Last night the NTDO Executive Committee held its monthly meeting. The main topic was the details for the upcoming New Trier Democrats Election Year Kickoff rally. It will be held on Sunday, February 18. We have reserved a large meeting room at the Wilmette Recreation Center at 3000 Glenview Road, just west of Skokie Blvd. Every Democrat or Independent who is fed up with the Bruce Rauner's failed agenda and Donald Trump's destructive initiatives is urged to show up.
     The rally will present the priorities of the New Trier Democratic Organization from now until Election Day, November 6. You'll get reports from the endorsed candidates on their ongoing campaigns - what they're experiencing on the campaign trail, the issues that they are emphasizing, the responses they are receiving. You will hear about what's at stake in the judicial and MWRD races. You will learn the role our organization of volunteers will play in helping those candidates achieve victory. And more specifically, the role you can play in this critically important effort.
     Now, you might think that every Democrat running for office this year is sure to win. So, is a rally like this one, so early in the year, really necessary? After all, an ever-growing number of Americans have concluded that President Trump's election was a terrible mistake. (Actually the majority never wanted him in the White House in the first place.) And as for Governor Rauner, the majority of Illinois voters have been badly disappointed by his ineptitude in office.
     There's also growing discord within the Republican Party. The ethical and philosophical boundaries being crossed by some Republicans have greatly upset their more conventional (or should I say "more honest" or "more sane") Republican brothers and sisters. The ignorance and bigotry displayed by Governor Rauner's Primary opponent has to be a divisive embarrassment to at least some Illinois Republicans. Then there is Republican Congressman Nunes, looking increasingly foolish and reckless as he ignores congressional ethics and security protocol with his Trump sycophancy.
     And who can ignore the sole Republican candidate for Illinois' 3rd Congressional District. He's an avowed Nazi and Holocaust denier. He's run for office as a Republican in the past. (Does this mean he's an example of the Republican Party's "big tent" approach?)
     But even with all that Republican chaos, if we assume easy victories for Democrats in November we would be making a big mistake. There are important races that could be lost. Here's the cold truth about mid-term election years. A huge number of potential voters always stay home. The percentage of eligible voters who participate in mid-term voting is disgracefully low.
     We are still suffering from the campaigning mistakes Democrats made after Barack Obama's convincing victory in 2008. In 2010 over- confidence and inattention cost Democrats control of both Houses of Congress. That loss halted America's chance to move into a much more positive, productive and unifying era. That's certainly not what we have today. - I hope that lost opportunity taught every Democrat: we cannot take anything for granted.
     But wait. I don't mean to sound pessimistic. The truth is we definitely do have the advantage in this mid-term election year. Beyond the public's negative feelings toward Trump and Rauner, we have an even bigger asset. We have really good candidates. They are smart and principled and dedicated to public service. They have gotten involved in politics for all the right reasons. You probably already know some of them personally. But others may be new to you. Their success depends on your participation. This is why I hope you will be able to attend the rally on February 16 at the Wilmette Rec. Center. Mark you calendar now.
     What Republican office holders are doing to our state, our nation, our future becomes more destructive every day. This year we have a good chance reverse this disaster. Rallies like ours are the first step.
 
 
                                                                            Nels Howard
                                                                           NTDO member since 1973
 
P.S. At last night's NTDO Exec. Meeting, a fellow named Cam Davis (camdavis.org) briefly spoke to us about his candidacy for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Cam is an attorney who has defended the Clean Water Act for the Obama Administration. He is President and CEO of the alliance for the Great Lakes, Vice President of the Democratic Party of Evanston and now a candidate for the MWRD. Cam is not an endorsed NTDO candidate since he was not running for office when we held our Endorsement Session. In fact, there are also a few other candidates hoping to fill this MWRD opening.
Even so, Cam's environmental background is quite impressive and the path to his candidacy is unusual and worth understanding. So, I'll try to explain it here:
When the NTDO membership held its endorsement session, Cam was not a candidate. However weeks before our meeting, an MWRD commissioner passed away leaving a vacant MWRD seat. Because that death occurred at almost the same time as the last date for turning in ballot placement petitions, no candidates for this commissioner slot will appear on the March ballot. The only way anyone can win the MWRD seat is to get at least as many write-in votes as would have been required for placement on the ballot. That amounts to thousands of names. Unfortunately, the number of total votes cast in Mid-term Elections for offices "down ballot" can sometimes be anemic. It's quite a challenge.
I have included this postscript about Cam Davis's write-in campaign as one more example of the importance of Mid-term Election turnout. Low turnouts too often keep bad incumbents in office. And in rare cases like this, a low turnout number can keep a good candidate out.


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Every Thursday Night & Saturday Afternoon
Weekly Phone Banks for Daniel Biss
at New Trier Dems' Office



When: Every Thursday night from 6:00pm until 8:00pm; Every Saturday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm; ongoing through February

Where: New Trier Dems' office, 800 Oak St., Suite 112, WInnetka

What: Phone bank for progressive gubernatorial candidate Daniel Biss, our official New Trier Dems endorsed candidate! You will be talking to voters about Daniel. All you need to bring is a phone, and his campaign will provide other materials. There will be a short training at the beginning. In addition, depending on the weather, t here may be opportunities to canvass on behalf of Daniel on Saturday afternoons.

 
We Need Volunteer Phone Bank Managers!
Weekly Phone Bank For Fritz Kaegi, 
Candidate for Cook County Assessor
at New Trier Dems' Office

Message from Josh Kilroy, Field Director, Friends for Fritz:

We are so appreciative of the support we have received from the New Trier Democrats.We have had two phone banks and were just starting to develop a group of regular phone bankers. We would very much love to keep building on this momentum.

In order to keep building, we are looking for volunteer phone  manager(s) to oversee one or two, three-hour volunteer shifts each week. We would like to at least keep Sunday afternoons going, possibly 1- 4 pm and one night a week (Wednesday).

There is a little bit of training involved. We use the Hubdialer, an internet-based predictive dialer, so there is a little bit to learn about that (it would take maybe fifteen minutes). Plus, learning Fritz' talking points. If there is anyone interested in helping, please contact me and  I would love to meet with them.

Thanks again for all the help.

Josh Kilroy
Field Director
Friends for Fritz
312.593.1886
[email protected] 

When: To Be Determined
Where: New Trier Dems' office, 800 Oak St., Suite 112, WInnetka
What: Join Team Fritz - New Trier Dems' officially endorsed candidate - to phone bank for the next Cook County Assessor at our office! 


Voter Registration Canvass in Evanston
With the Democratic Party of Evanston (DPOE)
This Sunday, February 11th

 
When: Sunday, February 11, 2018 from 1:30pm until 4:00pm

Where: Meet at the Democratic Party of Evanston's (DPOE) office, 747 Custer Ave., Evanston

What: "The DPOE Political Committee is hard at work ahead of the Democratic Primary. But, before we jump into our get out the vote efforts, we need to do everything we can to register eligible Evanston residents to vote. With an aggressive, door-to-door voter registration campaign, we know we will defeat the Trump-Rauner agenda this fall. So, sign up to help us on the following days: Sunday February 11 from 1:30 to 4 p.m., Sunday February 18 from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

We will meet at the DPOE office (747 Custer Ave) at 1:30 p.m. and then go door-to-door in Evanston neighborhoods with the lowest percentage of registered voters.  If we're going to win, we need your help now! So  sign up, grab a clipboard and some voter registration forms, and let's get to work!"

"P.S. If you aren't able to go door-to-door, then please join us for one of our Monday evening phone banks! Our phone banks take place every Monday at 5 p.m. at the DPOE office (747 Custer Ave). If you can, please bring a cell phone, laptop, and any chargers you may need."
 

New Trier Dems' Endorsed Candidates Rally
Sunday, February 18, 2018

 
Wh en: Sunday, February 18, 2018 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm

Where: Wilmette Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette

What: New Trier Dems will host a Rally for our endorsed candidates and representatives. We will lay out the action leading up to the March 20 Primary and Mid-Term Election Day in November. More details coming soon.

For a complete list of our endorsements, please visit our website.

Sign, Sign, Everywhere A Sign
   

Stop by the New Trier Dems' office and pick up lawn signs for Daniel Biss and Fritz Kaegi. Our office is usually open from 9:00am-Noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. BUT,  please phone first  to make sure we are there and still have signs available. 

events
Other events of interest:
  
Monday, Feb. 12 in Chicago - Illinois Democratic Attorney General Candidates Forum

When: Monday, February 12, 2018. Doors open at 6:00pm. Attendees must be in their seats by 6:45pm. Forum runs from 6:55pm until 8:30pm
Where: International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 399, 2260 South Grove Street, Chicago. Parking is available at the IUOE Local 399 Parking Lot.
What: The Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association hosts an Attorney General Candidates Forum. All Democratic candidates have been invited to attend. The event is open to the public. Tickets are limited to first come, first served. Walk-ins will be welcome if seats are available. Online tickets will be available until 10:00am on Monday February 12th. Questions will be accepted from the audience but must be submitted ahead of time  online. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online.

Monday, Feb. 12 in Chicago -  Fundraiser for Judge Oran F. Whiting

When: Monday, February 12, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Chicago address to be provided upon RSVP
What: A fundraising/friend-raising reception for Judge Oran F. Whiting, Democratic candidate for Cook County Circuit Court. For additional information or to RSVP, email Samantha Ellison at  [email protected] or call  773-669-8195.

 
Tuesday, Feb. 13 in Northbrook - NOW Movie Screening - "Anita: Speaking Truth to Power"

When: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 7:00pm
Where: Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
What: The North/Northwest Suburban Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) sponsors a screening and discussion of the movie, Anita: Speaking Truth to PowerThe event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 in Skokie - IL House District 17 Candidates Forum Hosted By Open Communities

When: Tuesday, February 12, 2018 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where: Skokie Public Library, Radmacher Room, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie
What: Come hear from candidates running in the Democratic primary for the seat being vacated by Rep. Laura Fine. Sponsored by Open Communities. All of the Democratic candidates for this seat have confirmed: Candace Chow, Pete Dagher, Alexandra Eidenberg, Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Mary Rita Luecke. They will answer questions on where they stand on fair taxation, affordable housing, welcoming immigrants and other issues, and you will have a chance to submit your questions. For more information, please visit Open Communities' Facebook events page.

Thursday, Feb. 15 in Evanston - Fundraiser for Fritz Kaegi, Candidate for Cook Co. Assessor

When: Thursday, February 15, 2018 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where: The home of Dan & Michelle Jordan, 2215 Central Park Drive, Evanston
What: Fundraiser for Fritz, Democratic Candidate for Cook County Assessor. Patron: $1,000; Host: $500; Guest $250; Suggested Donation $150. You can  RSVP here  or, to ask questions or RSVP, please contact jessica@fritzforassessor or call 708-209-5566.

Sunday, Feb. 18 in Highland Park - Reception for Bob Morgan, Candidate for State Rep. - 58th District

When: Sunday, February 18, 2018 from 4:00 - 5:30pm
Where: Home of Rebecca and Jon Carson, 355 Lincolnwood Rd., Highland Park
What: A Meet and Greet Reception in support of Bob Morgan, a Democratic candidate for State Representative of the 58th District. For more information or to RSVP, email Jessica Teuber at  [email protected] or call  312-448-8014.

Sunday, Feb. 20 in Evanston - Fundraiser for Marie Newman, Congressional Candidate for IL 3rd District

When: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where: Terra and Vine, 1701 Maple Street, Evanston
What: Join other area Dems at a fundraiser for Marie Newman, who is a candidate for the congressional seat in Illinois' 3rd District. Marie is running in the March Democratic primary against current incumbent, Daniel Lipinski. For more information and to RSVP,  please visit her event webpage. If you need further information, please contact Liz or Olivia at 312-806-2743 or  [email protected].

Saturday, Feb. 24 in Winnetka - What's Wrong with Illinois' Economy? Gubernatorial Candidates Forum Hosted by Invest to Elect Illinois

When: Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 2:00pm until 4:30pm
Where: New Trier High School - Northfield Campus, Cornog Auditorium, 7 N. Happ Road, Northfield
What: lllinois' three leading gubernatorial candidates will appear front and center at a forum sponsored by Invest to Elect. "What's Wrong with Illinois' Economy - and What are You Going to Do about It?" will give Daniel Biss, Chris Kennedy and J.B. Pritzker each an opportunity to present his vision for Illinois. The candidates will respond to a range of questions on critical topics including taxes, education, healthcare, and more. Each candidate will appear individually for 40 minutes, answering questions from the Invest to Elect moderator and the public. Only questions submitted in advance through the registration process will be considered. Attendees are welcome to submit candidate questions on this Event Brite registration page. Click on the green "Register" button and follow the prompts. Invest to Elect Illinois looks forward to welcoming you to this important discussion of issues facing Illinois!  Click here for more information or to register for this event.
 

When: Wednesday, February 28, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: The Alhambra Palace Restaurant, 1240 West Randolph St., Chicago
What:  Annual fundraiser in support of Toni Preckwinkle's re-election as Cook County Board President. For additional information or to RSVP, email Nish Dittakavi at  [email protected]  or call  773-609-5393 .
 
 
One of the exciting activities we will be pursuing across the state line in 2018...
will be to help the Democratic candidate for Congress, Randy Bryce, defeat Wisconsin's Congressman Paul Ryan. This is going to be a hard fought campaign and Randy Bryce can win it. To see his first campaign message  click here.  
 

Your Legislators:


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 MorrisonState 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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Have you visited Senator Biss' website "The Road Back" --
click on the link to his video -- then, throughout the year follow his plan's development on the website.

Daniel explains a lot about how Illinois got where it is today and how we can begin the journey on the road back toward achieving our state's tremendous economic potential.

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. 
Still not a member of the New Trier Dems? 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: [email protected].

*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.