Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence
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NTD NEWS    June 6, 2018
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  Commentary     --   Events     --   Your Legislators 


 
Last night the NTDO Executive Committee held its monthly meeting. Among items on the agenda, President Judy Mandel announced that the Committee will have the month of July off to enjoy a brief summer recess. (She is a much more humane leader than the Senate's Mitch McConnell.) But seriously, it was a good meeting that included the organization's plans for the summer and fall and also several stimulating discussions and positive reports.
     Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's Political Director, Ben Head, was there along with our 17th District's Democratic candidate for State Rep., Jennifer Gong Gershowitz. Ben, a well-respected pro, will now be guiding Jennifer's campaign toward victory in November. We know it will be a tough race as she will be facing a Republican opponent with tremendous financial support from right wing organizations. Keeping the 17th District blue will require support from every one of us as volunteers and donors.
     The highlight of the evening, however, was a report from Committee member Mark Caras' daughter, Georgia Caras. Georgia, a Boston University student, graduated from New Trier last year where she was active in the Young Democrats organization (and really active as the coxswain for the medal-winning New Trier rowing team).
     Georgia gave an informal report on the political climate among students at Boston U in this election year. It was interesting to hear that the great majority of her student friends, including those with conservative fiscal views, are social liberals. The divisive tactics being used by the Trump Party (formerly the Republican Party) are a turn-off for most of those young potential voters.
     But getting the crucially important votes of students in November is far from a done deal. Ms. Caras described how so many students have become disenchanted with the entire political process. There's no guarantee they'll even go to the polls. And what makes things even more complicated is that many of those students, if they are registered voters, are registered in their hometown precincts. Getting them to vote while at school will require that they request an absentee ballot.
     Ms. Caras' comments inspired a brief discussion on how more students might be encouraged to either vote on campus or vote absentee at home.  It was mentioned that in some past elections, the NTDO has had some success sending messages to NTDO members with college-age kids, alerting them to request absentee ballots.  
     So here's that first reminder: if you have a family member or a friend going away to school this fall mark your fall calendar to remind them about absentee voting. Today, the percentage of young voters is shockingly low but based on the recent student-driven demonstrations across the country, things may be changing. Raising the number of young voters in this election could make a desperately needed difference.
     As was mentioned above, young people (and to some degree, voters in general) have become increasingly cynical and disenchanted with the need to vote. And it's not hard to see how such voter disengagement has come about.
     Over the years, the use of editorial deceit, divisive rhetoric and a denigration of government has been normalized by Fox News. Most AM radio stations have been monopolized into the hands of a few conservative owners so in many parts of our country a single point of view is all listeners hear. Also, today's 24/7 news requires filling air time with "news" that is too often factually suspect. And now the Internet has appeared to spread not just facts but also half-truths and outright lies instantly to millions of people. Want one more factor? By The Washington Post's count, President Trump has told the public over 3000 lies since becoming President.
     In that vein, one of the discussions last night dealt with how ham-handed, crudely exaggerated political messaging can turn off voters in our region. This led to a discussion about judging when a line of decency in politics is crossed. Of course someone quoted the old political adage: "Politics ain't beanbag." And someone else pointed out that Honest Abe Lincoln used shrewd "machine style" moves right here (fittingly) in Chicago to win the 1860 Republican nomination for President. The truth is, from Thomas Jefferson and John Adams to the years of FDR or LBJ, political battles have often required rough tactics in order to get good things done. And as for keeping messaging "pure," political figures have always been allowed some level of "double speak" - just watch any Sunday morning political "news" show.
     But the thing is, quite recently have changed. The deeper we get into this new era of instant messaging to millions of voters, the more imperative it is that the messages from our candidates must ring true. Our good candidates, in politics for honorable reasons, can't give in to the urge to match their opponents' inflammatory words and distortions with an equal level of sleaze.
     Yes, hit back hard. But do it with honesty and class. If we play their game, we will just be adding to the further erosion of our democratic process. This is what Russian Intelligence hackers have been shooting for.  
     With that in mind, every Democratic candidates should keep in mind what Michelle Obama memorably said, "When they go low, we go high." At least that's the way we should go. 
 
                                                                           Nels Howard
                                                                           NTDO member since 1973   
 
P.S. If you have noticed that sometimes your weekly NTD News doesn't show up, check your junk mail. Sometimes Comcast, in particular, labels this as "junk." (We are working to change that.) 
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Other events of interest:
  
This Saturday, June 9 in Highland Park -  JB for Governor Canvassing

JB Prtizker When: Saturday, June 9, 2018; 10am to 4pm, Canvasses will be launched at 10am, 12pm, 2pm
Where:  Highland Park Democratic Headquarters - Moraine Township Democrats, 474 Central Ave., Highland Park,  2nd floor above Mizuki Grill. Plenty of free parking in the lot a half-block to the east of the office.
What: Door-to-door canvassing to get out the vote for JB Pritzker for Governor in this very important midterm election.  Canvasses will be launched at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm.  Training and all necessary materials will be provided. For questions or to RSVP for a canvass shift, email Hannah Amundsen at  hannah@jbforilgov.com.

This Saturday, June 9 in Vernon Hills -  "2018 & Beyond" An Evening With Brad Schneider

When: Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Where: Vernon Hills Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Dr., Vernon Hills
What: Vernon Township Democrats  will host an evening with Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10).  Brad will speak about the upcoming 2018 election season, and beyond. He will address issues that affect residents of the district, and have a chance to speak with community leaders, constituents, and local candidates directly in this lovely, intimate setting. The event will be catered by Pear Tree catering. Cash Bar. You can  RSVP online or email info@vernontownshipdems.com.

Wednesday, June 13 in Highland Park -  JB for Governor Phone Bank

When: Wednesday, June 13, 2018 from 5:00pm to 7:30pm   JB Prtizker
Where: Highland Park Democratic Headquarters - Moraine Township Democrats, 474 Central Ave. (2nd floor above Mizuki Grill), Highland Park
What: A  phone bank to help recruit volunteers to get out the vote for JB Pritzker for Governor in this important midterm election. For questions or to RSVP, email Hannah Amundsen at hannah@jbforilgov.com.

Saturday, June 16 in Highland Park - State Senator Julie Morrison Campaign Kickoff

When: Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Julie Morrison
Where: Campaign Office, 1910 First Street, Highland Park
What: State Senator Julie Morrison's campaign kick-off event. This is an opportunity to hear Senator Morrison speak, meet the campaign team, and sign up to volunteer. For questions or comments, email info@juliemorrisonforstatesenate.com or call 847-461-8792.


Monday, June 18 in Deerfield -  Rooftop Reception for Julie Morrison

When: Monday, June 18, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where:The Warehouse, Rooftop Patio, 833 Deerfield Rd., Deerfield
What: A reception in support of State Senator Julie Morrison. RSVP to Kelly at Kelly@ilsenatedems.org or call 312-630-7700.

Tuesday, June 19 in Evanston - Summer Reception for Rep. Robyn Gabel


When: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: Halim Time & Glass Museum, 1560 Oak Ave., Evanston
What: An annual fundraiser supporting State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-18). For additional information or to RSVP,  register online, email Katy Lagenfeld at katy@kjdstrategies.com or call 312-600-9496.


Wednesday, June 20 in Chicago - Reception in Support of Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

When: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm Where: Law Offices of DLA Piper, 444 W. Lake St., 9th Floor, Chicago
What: Join the Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz campaign for an event supporting her candidacy for State Representative for the 17th District! To purchase tickets in advance, make checks payable to Friends for Jennifer and mail to P.O. Box 3042, Glenview, IL 60025 or make a contribution online by clicking here. Payment will also be accepted at the door. Ticket prices: $100 individual; $50 young professional; Co-Host $500; Host $1000; Co-Chair $2500; Host $5000. For questions or to RSVP, contact  Events.JenGGForRep@gmail.com.

Wednesday, June 20 in Chicago -  Debra Shore Summer Solstice Celebration


When: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: Erie CafĂ©, 536 W. Erie St., Chicago
What: Debra Shore, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner, launches her 2018 General Election Campaign with her Annual Summer Solstice Celebration. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online.



Monday, June 25 in Evanston -  Reception Honoring Rep. Laura Fine with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

 
When: Monday, June 25, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: La Principal, 700 Main Street, Evanston
What: A reception honoring Rep. Laura Fine for State Senate. The event features Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. To RSVP, email carly@ilsenatedems.org or call 312-630-7700.




June 27, 2018: IDCCA "Blue Wave Summer Brews" Young Professional Meet & Greet

When: Wednesday, June 27, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where:  Great Central Brewing Company, 221 N. Wood St., Chicago
What: The Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association (IDCCA) hosts a Meet & Greet for young professionals featuring special guests State Senator Kwame Raoul, candidate for Attorney General, and State Comptroller Susana Mendoza. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online
 or email Amanda Latty at amanda@ILDCCA.org or call 312-448-8014.


Thursday, June 28 in Chicago - Reception for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza with Jason Kander

When: Thursday, June 28, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where:  Chicago location to be determined
What: A reception supporting Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza featuring special guest Jason Kander, founder of Let America Vote. Susana is a member of the Let America Vote board. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or email Katy at Katy@kjdstrategies.com or call 312-600-9496.



Friday & Saturday, June 29-30 -  Visit New Trier Democrats at the Glencoe Sidewalk Sale

When: Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30, 2018
Where: Downtown Glencoe
What: Visit New Trier Democrats at their booth during the Glencoe Sidewalk Sale. We would love to see you - whether to chat politics, sign up to become a member, check out local volunteering opportunities or fill out a political survey. If you are interested in volunteering to work our booth for this or any other Sidewalk Sale, please contact Joan at newtrierdemocrats@gmail.com.

Saturday, June 30 in Riverwoods - Women for Bob Morgan Luncheon

When: Saturday, June 30, 2018 from 11:30am to 1:30pm Bob Morgan Where: Ravinia Green Country Club, 1200 Saunders Rd., Riverwoods
What: A luncheon in support of Bob Morgan, Democratic nominee for state representative, 58th District.  Special Guest: Jennifer Granholm, former Michigan Governor and current CNN political contributor. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online or email jessica@newchicagollc.com.

Save The Date!
 
2018  New Trier Democrats' Events


Friday & Saturday, June 29-30, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at the Glencoe Sidewalk Sale

Friday & Saturday, July 13-14, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at the Winnetka Sidewalk Sale

Monday, July 16, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Meet & Greet at Avli in Winnetka

Friday & Saturday, July 20-21, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale 

Saturday, September 8, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Meeting and Picnic at Mallinckrodt Center

Sunday, October 14, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Dinner at Maggiano's in Skokie

Thursday, December 13, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Holiday Party at Wilmette Wine Cellar
 
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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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

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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 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; 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: newtrierdemocrats@gmail.com.

*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.