McHenry County Blog

The following press release was received from the McHenry County Democratic Party:

COUNTY DEMS PRESENT PANEL FOR POTENTIAL CANDIDATES

CRYSTAL LAKE—The Democratic Party of McHenry County will present a special panel to provide useful information for potential local candidates at its meeting 7 PM on Wednesday, June 17 at the McHenry County Farm Bureau Building, 1102 McConnell Road in Woodstock.

“We want to encourage anyone who has considered running for local or county-wide office to attend,” said County Chair Kathleen Bergan Schmidt. “It’s going to be about everything you always wanted to know about being a candidate but were afraid to ask.”

Panelists will include Nancy Shepherdson, 8th District Committeewoman for the Illinois Democratic Central Committee and chair of Eighth District Democrats and Independents (EDDI), which actively supports candidates in Lake County and portions of Cook and McHenry Countys.

Tom Cynor, currently Treasurer of the County Party and a former candidate for State’s Attorney will speak from the experience of a candidate.

Michael Bissett managed Paula Yensen’s successful campaign for County Board. Mike Fourcher of Purely Political consulting has worked on victorious campaigns and will address fund raising.

The program is free and open to the public.

For more information contact the party at 815 788-9540 or e-mail info@mchenrydems.org.

Labels: McHenry County Democrats, Michael Bissett, Mike Fourcher, Nancy Shepherdson, Paula Yensen, Tom Cynor

First the yard signs appeared.

Then a postcard from was delivered in some parts of the township.

Now, looking at the web site for the candidates, I see they claimed on March 2nd to have made 1,000 phone calls.

I wonder if Algonquin Township Republicans are making phone calls.

If all three Democrats win, then the five-member Algonquin Township Board will be controlled by the Democrats.

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The photo is from the web site's article on making 1,000 phone calls. Bob Frank, one of the three candidates for Algonquin Township Trustee, can be seen sitting. On the left is District 2 Democratic Party Chair Caroline Quinn.

Labels: Algonquin Township, Algonquin Township Democrats, Bob Frank, Brian McTague, Carolyn Quinn, Frank Hyden, McHenry County Democrats

Here's the information on the Central Committee's web site:

Can't make it to Washington DC on Tuesday?

Join the local celebrations Tuesday night!

Sign up at the event of your choice at MoveOn.org

Party Red, White, and Blue at Porter's

Rte. 14, Crystal Lake

6 PM

Hosted by Jerry Powers and Barbara Marian

Obama's Inauguration Celebration in Woodstock

Stage Left Cafe

7:30 PM

Hosted by Bob Schroyer

Labels: Barbara Marian, Bob Schoyer, Crystal Lake, Jerry Powers, McHenry County Democrats, Porter's, Stage Left Cafe, Woodstock

Algonquin and Nunda Township Republican township trustees will face opposition in the April 7th election.

Three have been slated in Algonquin Township:

• James McTague of Cary, a psychologist who has run previously for county board
• Frank Hyden of Crystal Lake
• Bob Frank of Cary

No further information is supplied for Hayden and Frank.

In Nunda Township, two will be seeking seats:

• Meredith Reid Sarkees, who has a rural Crystal Lake address and is a former political science professor from DePaul University
  
• Patrick Murfin, secretary of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee and who once ran for Crystal Lake City Council

The party's press release follows:


CRYSTAL LAKE—Democratic voters from Algonquin and Nunda Townships assembled in caucus Tuesday evening to select candidates for township office in the April 7th local elections.

Algonquin Democrats meeting at the Lake In the Hills Village Hall nominated three candidates for township trustee. James McTague, a psychologist from Cary, has twice been a candidate for the County Board from District 1. He will be joined on the ticket by first time candidates Frank Hayden of Crystal Lake and Bob Frank of Cary.

Meanwhile Nunda Democrats meeting at the Township Hall selected Meredith Reid Sarkees and Patrick Murfin as candidates for trustee. Sarkees of unincorporated Crystal Lake is a ten year McHenry County Resident and a former professor of political science at DePaul University. Murfin of Crystal Lake is the Secretary of the McHenry County Democratic Party and previously ran for trustee in 2001.

Nunda Democrats identified groundwater preservation, open space, and regional planning as top issues in the upcoming campaign.

Nunda Township is seen on top of Algonquin Township.

Labels: Algonquin Township, McHenry County Democrats, Nunda Township, Township Trustee

As reported Monday, the three Democrats now on the McHenry County Board split their votes for board chairman.

Jim Kennedy and Paula Yensen--the two from Lake in the Hills' District 5--voted for Crystal Laker Ken Koehler, who represents District 2.

McHenry County Democratic Party Chair Kathy Bergan Schmidt, the one from north of Crystal Lake in District 3, voted for District 3's Barb Wheeler.

Pardon me if I look at this from a crass political viewpoint. But we are talking politics here, aren't we?

The motivation to vote for Koehler could be as simple as wanting to be on the winning team.

With a vote spread of 16-6-2, I would think that virtually everyone voting would have known that Koehler was going to win.

Indeed, runner-up Barb Wheeler referred to herself as “the lamb being led to slaughter.”

So, Kennedy and Yensen could well have just been positioning themselves to get favorable committee assignments.

Or, they could have figured out that a number of Crystal Lake precincts are in their district and figured that Koehler and his allies might be less likely to actively oppose their re-election, if they supported him for county board chairman.

Schmidt, whose address is Crystal Lake and whose District 3 goes well into Crystal Lake—all the way south to Crystal Lake Avenue—could have used the same logic.

But she didn't.

She decided to support her fellow District 3 Republican. Maybe the data base that Wheeler's brother, Dr. Tom Salvi, developed in his almost successful 2000 run against State Representative Jack Franks, convinced her it was better to antagonize Koehler than Wheeler.

As the headline says, this is “speculation.”

Where does your train of thought take you?

As for vice chairman, all three of the Democrats were unified. They supported McHenry's Sandra Salgado over the winner, Crystal Lake's Jim Heisler.

Did they want to show support for a woman?

Did they realize that Heisler, much like Abraham Lincoln, was such a good guy that he wouldn't retaliate?

Or have they figured out that Heisler is more into government than politics?

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The top photo shows Democratic McHenry County Board member Jim Kennedy making a point. Behind him you can see Marc Munaretto. Newly-elected Democrat Paula Yensen is seen waving her thanks to fellow McHenry County Democratic Central Committee members who voted in caucus last February to nominate her to run for county board. [The commenter below notes that Yensen was on the primary ballot. My mistake. She was waving to her fellow precinct committeemen after being introduced.]

Below them, McHenry County Democratic Party Chair Kathy Bergan Schmidt is seen on the left and Barb Wheeler on the right. Both serve on the county board from District 3.

At the bottom, Jim Heisler is seen to the left of Sandy Salgado.

Labels: Jim Heisler, Jim Kennedy, Kathy Bergan Schmidt, Ken Koehler, McHenry County Democrats, Paula Yensen, Sandra Salgado

The following press release was received from the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee. They are meeting Thursday night and it won't features tales from the crypt.

Instead, there will be tales from folks who went to other states to work for the campaign of Barack Obama.

COUNTY DEMS TO HEAR TALES FROM THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN TRAIL

CRYSTAL LAKE—The Democratic Party of McHenry County will hold its regular monthly meeting Wednesday November 19 at 7 PM at the McHenry County Farm Bureau, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock.

Meg Murray-Bradshaw, Larry Glowacki and other local Democrats who volunteered to work in the Obama campaign in other states will make special presentations sharing their experiences.

The party will discuss the results of the November election and look forward to the spring township, municipal and local elections.

The meeting is open to the public. For more information call the Party at 815 788-9540 or e-mail info@mchenrydems.com.

Labels: Larry Gowacki, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Meg Murray Bradshaw

Here's the details, straight from the McHenry County Democratic Party:

Democrats Victory Rally at Govnor’s Pub Tuesday Night

Crystal Lake—McHenry Party Democrats will rally at Govnor’s Pub. 220 N Randall Road in Lake in the Hills Tuesday night to watch election returns roll in and celebrate victory.

“Polls close at 7 pm and many of our volunteers will be poll watching and monitoring results in the precincts,” according to McHenry County Democratic Chair Kathy Bergan Schmidt, we expect thing to get rolling at Govnor’s about 8 PM.”

McHenry County candidates will be on hand along with, Precinct Representatives, volunteers, and supporters of Presidential candidate Barack Obama. Candidates will keep up with local races via computer connection.

There will be a cash bar. The event is free and open to the public.

And, Republicans will be celebrating in their Crystal Lake headquarters across Route 14 from Target.

The Republicans didn't send me a press release, but, thanks to the McHenry County Young Republicans, who seem to be more techno-savvy than their elders, we learn the Republicans will not be charging for drinks:

There is an election gathering tonight at Republican HQ on Rt. 14 across from Barnes and Noble at 7PM. There will be complimentary food and beverages provided. Alcoholic beverages will be available for those of legal age.

Our regularly scheduled weekly membership email will continue tomorrow after elections.

Thank you to everyone who attended the sign and literature distribution event last night!

Remember to vote today!

Very truly yours,

Bryan Javor-Chairman
Erica Poremba-Vice Chairwoman
Greg Austin-Treasurer
Garret Hill-Secretary

Labels: Bryan Javor, Erica Poremba, Garret Hill, Govnor's Pub, Greg Austin, Lake In the Hills, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Young Republicans

Great planning or great luck has resulted in Bob Ludwig's campaign post card arriving the day before the election.

Here it is:

On the address side is Ludwig's photo.

Labels: Bob Ludwig, McHenry County Board, McHenry County Democrats

McHenry County Democrats have sent out an imaginative post card based on the game of Monopoly.

They obviously want people to think that McHenry County Republicans have a monopoly on local office.

While that is not true—think of the Democrats on school boards—the partisan offices at the county level are dominated by Republicans, even though at least one used to be a Democrat.

All of the countywide officials are Republicans and only one of twenty-four county board members is a Democrat (Jim Kennedy of Lake in the Hills in District 5).

This article will address where your town has been placed on the McHenry County Monopoly board.

What town is where Boardwalk is? Who's Park Place?

I would have thought Boardwalk would have been Bull Valley or Barrington Hills and Park Place one of those two as well.

But, that's not the case.

So, this isn't exactly a reality game.

Marengo is where Boardwalk usually appears and Ringwood is identified as McHenry County's Park Place.

Crystal Lake, Huntley and Lakewood are the placed where the next most valuable lots are on the real Monopoly board.

The yellow lots just before where the “Go To Jail” sign on regular Monopoly appears are Algonquin, Hebron and Lake in the Hills.

McHenry, Trout Valley and Prairie Grove are the red lots next to where free parking.

Do you notice a lack of uniformity in what appears to be almost a random placement of village and city names?

The orange ones are labeled McCullom Lake, Cary and Woodstock.

Oakwood Hills, Richmond and Harvard are on the same side next to the jail.

Spring Grove, Union and Johnsburg are right before the jail, but they aren't the color I remember on the original board (but I'm color blind to some extent, maybe I'm wrong).

The two cheapest properties on the regular Monopoly board were named Wonder Lake and Fox River Grove. I wonder if residents there will take offense.

Labels: Fox River Grove, Marengo, McHenry County, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Monoploy, Monopoly, Ringwood, Wonder Lake

In the parts of McHenry County I have been, only one Republican candidate has been invisible.

Long-time county board candidate Virginia Peschke, who can be counted upon to be an independent thinker and actually ran against Ken Koehler for McHenry County Board Chairman, was no where to be seen.

Sure, she ran first four years ago, but Democrat Paula Yensen has been working hard going door-to-door in her end of the district (the more populated Lake in the Hills and Huntley), while there were no reports of Peschke doing anything.

I saw none of Peschke's pamphlets earlier this month at GOP headquarters on literature distribution day.

Meanwhile John Jung seemed to be working hard.

And, well he should be given the history of extremely negative campaigning by Democrats in District 5.

(See

Picking of Perry – Part 1,
Picking on Perry – Part 2,
Picking on Perry – Part 3,
Perry Takes Another Hit, and
Negative Campaigning Apparently Works.)

Frankly, I expected Jung to bear the brunt of similar negative attacks. I figured he was in the Democrats' bull's eye, since women are typically seen more favorably at the polls than guys.

Muddying the waters is the candidacy of Woodstock's Frank Wedig. He is running on the Green Party ticket.

Today driving down Fleming Road I saw a

“Re-Elect Peschke - McHenry County Board”

sign. After that I saw a few others.

I don't know if she is going to make a last week mailing to make up for not having given the precinct committeemen anything to pass out.

She certainly should.

Besides Peschke's signs, I saw one for Yensen, her Lake in the Hills village Trustee opponent. I saw some for Green Party candidate Frank Gedig and yard sign

There were 4X4's for Peschke's running mate John Jung near Ridgefield.

Labels: Frank Wedig, Green Party, John Jung, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Republicans, Paul Yensen, Virginia Peschke

The following postcard is showing up in McHenry County mailboxes.

It is imaginative in the extreme and may well be effective. It attacks the one-party nature of McHenry County's Republican-dominated partisan offices. (No mention of all the Democrats on school boards, which levy the largest proportion of local taxes or municipal governments--think the 75% Aaron Shepley Crystal Lake city sales tax hike that went into effect on July 1st.)

On the address side are the names of all of the Democratic Party candidates.



Nice touch for those who might want to get more information.

On the back, however, is the

Whoever put this imaginative piece together had a lot of fun.

Lot names are local towns. I wonder how people will take where the Dems have placed their hometowns on the board.

Who gets to be Boardway and Park Place?

I encourage you to click on the image to enlarge it so you can better read the descriptions on.

I wonder if they were alert enough to list the McHenry County Republican Cat Tax.

Regardless, there are mentions of pretty much every McHenry County Republican mistake and abuse of power that I can remember.

In type probably big enough for you to read without enlargement are newspaper quotes with what appear to be fake headlines:

County officers get huge raises

• McCullom Lake cancer study: fatally flawed


• County wants $177 million for new offices


• Valley Hi Nursing Home mismanagement


• Regional land us planning boondoggle

On top is the headline:
Below the newspaper quotes appearsIt must be fun to be a Democrat.

Labels: McHenry County Democrats, Monopoly

While my family was playing Bugopoly at the kitchen table, McHenry County Democrats gathered last night in Woodstock's too appropriately named Stage Left Cafe to watch the last presidential debate. To learn more about what they did, you can read the party's press release below.

I wonder if they had “Energized Democrat” tee shirts the way the Republicans do.

ENERGIZED McHENRY COUNTY DEMS PACK WOODSTOCK RALLY

CRYSTAL LAKE—Local Democrats and Barack Obama supporters packed the Stage Left Café in Woodstock to capacity Wednesday evening for an old fashion political rally before The Presidential Debates.

Representative Jack Franks opened the evening with an acknowledgment that Obama had energized the electorate and helped transform the political landscape of McHenry County. He called on the audience to take that energy and apply it to candidates all down the ticket on the local level.

Robert Kaempfe, candidate for the General Assembly from the 64th District pledged to “lead by example” on issues like energy independence. Pointing to the incumbent state’s attorney’s billing of personal expenses to tax payers Auditor candidate Kerry Jullian and State’s Attorney candidate Thomas Cynor each attacked the culture of arrogance and entitlement of entrenched Republican leadership. They pledged fiscal responsibility, transparency and integrity in office.

Candidates for County Board paraded to the microphone to call for diversity of opinion on the Board. James McTague (D-1), Jill Mawhinney and Anita Harmon (D-2), Kathy Bergan Schmidt (D-3), Paula Yensen (D-5), and Bob Ludwig (D-6) hammered away on issues of accountability to tax payers, land use planning, groundwater preservation, and better government.

Meg Murray Bradshaw of Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for Obama called for volunteers to phone bank and travel to battleground states for Obama. Several attendees signed up for trips to Wisconsin.

16th Congressional District Candidate Robert Abboud arrived from a Rockford newspaper endorsement interview just in time to fire up the crowd with an impassioned call to arms. He said that the magnitude of the country’s problems in the face of the current economic emergency truly made this “the most critical election of our lifetimes.” Change, he said, must be secured from the “top of the ticket down t o the most local race.” Abboud told his cheering listeners to each find “at least 16 Republicans or uncommitted independents” and convince them to vote for that change.

A highlight of the rally was a special auction.

Noting the ugly turn of the campaign as John McCain’s fortunes have waned, Cynor, who has coordinated the Democratic Party’s yard sign operation, noted that many of the more than 500 Obama campaign signs placed in the county have been stolen or vandalized. In one case, signs were vandalized three times and the home of the sign host was broken into and defaced. One of those vandalized signs was framed and put up for auction “to show that we cannot be intimidated.” The spirited auction ran up the price to $2,000 and was won by Cynor himself. Proceeds will go to supporting local Democratic candidates.

The crowd stayed to watch the Presidential debate on a big screen TV. They cheered Obama when he landed telling points and hooted at McCain’s perceived misstatements and attacks on Obama.

Members of the crowd departed with unabashed enthusiasm taking with them buttons, bumper stickers, yard signs and a renewed commitment.

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Photos were provided by Patrick Murfin. At the top is State Rep. Jack Franks. Next is 64 District state rep. candidate Robert Kaempfe. Below the crowd seen is 16th District congressional candidate Robert Abboud and state's attorney candidate Tom Cynor.

Labels: Bob Ludwig, Jack Franks, James McTague, Kathy Bergan Schmidt, Kerry Jullian, McHenry County Democrats, Meg Murray Bradshaw, Paula Yensen, Robert Abboud, Robert Kaempfe, Tom Cynor

County research attorney and former McHenry County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Tom Cynor has put thirty-five big ones into his campaign fund.

That's at least one countywide mailing with money left over for radio and TV.

Without a doubt, this will be the main topic of conversation as Democrats gather at the Stage Left Cafe next to the Woodstock Opera House Wednesday night.

The Democrats sent out this press release on the event:

McHENRY COUNTY DEMS TO RALLY IN WOODSTOCK BEFORE DEBATE

CRYSTAL LAKE—McHenry County Democrats will stage an old fashion political rally at the Stage Left Café, next to the Opera House in Woodstock, beginning at 6:30 this Wednesday, October 15. Led by incumbent Representative Jack Franks (D-63) legislative, county-wide, and county board candidates will be on hand.

The rally will lead up to the last Presidential Debate at 8 PM when local Democrats will cheer on Senator Barack Obama.

Among the candidates slated to appear at the rally are Bob Kaempfe, State Representative 64th District; Thomas Cynor, State’s Attorney; Kerry Julian, County Auditor; David Bachmann, County Coroner; and a raft of County Board candidates.

The rally will feature an opportunity an auction of a unique memento of the Obama campaign in McHenry County.

Pizza will be provided by Citizens for Cynor.

The event is free and open to the public. There will be a cash bar.

Labels: McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County State's Attorney, Tom Cynor

That's what the Obama-Biden web site says.

Here are the details:

McHenry County Campaign Trip to Wisconsin (Canvass)

Obama supporters from McHenry County and beyond will travel to the metro-Milwaukee area in Wisconsin to campaign/canvass for Barack Obama. Wisconsin is a swing state in the November election, and the surrounding Milwaukee area will determine whether Wisconsin ends up as a "red state" or "blue state." Meet at Nippersink Middle School, 10006 North Main St. (Rt. 31) in Richmond, Illinois. The school is on Rt. 31, 2 miles north of Rt. 12, and 1 mile south of Rt. 173. We will meet between 8:45 and 9:00 am and then carpool to Wisconsin. Staffers will train/review canvassing technique at one of several Milwaukee area Obama Field Offices. Bring friends and family. There are only five remaining weekends before the general election, with 10 electoral votes at stake!

Crystal Lake's Lawrence Glowacki is heading up the effort.

Labels: Barack Obama, Lawrence Glowacki, McHenry County Democrats

Democratic Party candidates for McHenry County State's Attorney, Tom and Auditor will be holding a fund raiser at Stage Left, 125 Van Buren Street in Woodstock from 7:30-9:30 on Tuesday, September 23rd.

No word as to the cost.

Draw your own conclusions about the location's name.

Personally, I had my fund raisers at Crystal Lake's 1776, whose first menu, lest you think its owner Andy Andresky does not have a sense of humor, charged Republicans more for steak than Democrats.

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Tom Cynor is on the left; Kerry Julian on the right.

Labels: 1776, Andy Andresky, Kerry Julian, McHenry County Auditor, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County State's Attorney, Stage Left Cafe, Thomas Cynor

I'm confused.

I thought the McHenry County Democratic Party moved its annual Jefferson Day Dinner last spring from Crystal Lake's Holiday Inn to Sun City's Prairie Lodge to protest the Holiday Inn's not having workers who belonged to a labor union.

It just occurred to me that last night McHenry County Democrats gathered at the same Holiday Inn to watch U.S. Senator Barack Obama accept his party's nomination for president.

But, I'm confused.

Why was it unacceptable to hold the Thomas Jefferson Day Dinner at the Holiday Inn this past spring, but it is OK to hold the Barack Obama nomination blow-out there a couple of months later?

One holdout from the McHenry County Dem party is Dave Bachmann, candidate for McHenry County Coroner.

Bachmann provided this statement to McHenry County Blog:

“Strong 'Core Beliefs' are not beliefs that you stand on from time to time based on a 'Political Wind' or for photo or press opportunities.

“The facts that caused the McHenry County Democratic party to pull out of its plans for its annual Jefferson Dinner Party Fundraiser to be held at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn are still in play today.

“It is 'unconscionable' to me that Kathy Bergan Schmidt, the McHenry County Democratic Party Chair, has shifted her position, so soon and so easily, by supporting this Historic Event being held at a facility she just months ago chastised for its lack of supporting a Democratic cause.

"She allowed the official McHenry County Democratic web sight as access for publication of this incredible, historic national event. The same web sight, just four short months ago, she utilized to publicize her distaste for the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn venue.

"This election is about Integrity and standing firm on core beliefs that the American workers should be supported unconditionally." Bachmann stated.”Rather than sacrifice my core beliefs and values towards our hard working American men and women, I will not attend this event.”

I confirmed that the Holiday Inn is still a non-union employer.

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Any image can be enlarged by clicking on it.

Labels: Barack Obama, Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, Dave Bachmann, Jefferson Day Dinner, Kathy Bergan Schmidt, McHenry County Democrats

The third party to have a booth at the McHenry County Fair was the Libertarian Party.

Members of both power parties were courting those staffing the booth.

It has no local candidates on the ballot, but its presidential candidate and Larry Stafford, its candidate for U.S. Senate, will be on the fall ballot. Although the latter visited the fair on Saturday at noon, I guess no one took a photo. At least no one sent it to me.

Greeting me was Jim Young, the man who gave the Libertarian Party “established party” status in 2002 by winning more than 5% of the vote for state representative. In fact, he got 11%.

Also at the booth was the new chairman of the McHenry County Libertarians, Mike Brady.

Rounding off the crew was Bill Baruth, who ran for McHenry County Board from Crystal Lake in 2004.

Pointing to the row of pennies in which people could express their level of trust of government, Young told me that the money has been shifting toward the don’t trust government side of the table.

You will not that the trust government ”ALWAYS” bottle only has two cents in it.

This year's penny poll did not seem to attract as much attention as the one run by McHenry County Democrats last year.

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In the shot of the booth, Jim Young is in the foreground, Bill Baruth sits in the background and Mike Brady is sitting to the left. All photos may be enlarged by clicking on them. The photo on top is of a garden tractor pulling something heavy. I watched a couple. Not all made it across the finish line.

Labels: Bill Baruth, Garden Tractor, Jim Young, Larry Stafford, Libertarian Party, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Libertarian Party, Mike Brady

Finally made it to the McHenry County Fair Sunday afternoon.

Should have gone earlier. The price for us old geezers was only $3.

Naturally, I decided to find all the political booths. I went by the two power party booths, not once, but twice, to see if I could pick up more candidates.

Not counting candidates with booths financed by tax dollars (these are the folks the Algonquin Founders Day Parade committee call "office holders"), the Republicans, Democrats and Libertarians were represented.

Because the Democrats had the most candidates, I’ll start with their booth.

It was a double wide one.

Standing there to welcome folks was Democratic Party state’s attorney candidate Tom Cynor.

Also greeting voters were county board candidates Jeff Thirtyacre and Cathy Began Schmidt. Schmidt is chair of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee as well.

Chair Schmidt got me to pose with the Barack Obama cardboard cutout—a duplicate of the one my wife posed with on Navy Pier last week while we were waiting to board the Family PAC cruise boat.

Obama's image was brought out so I could have my picture taken with it.

How bold these Democrats are!

But, I might be bold, too, if my party had gotten more primary votes that the established power party for the first time since that power party was founded and took control of McHenry County government.

They printed out a copy, but, with my scanner on the fritz, I asked that it be emailed to me. I’ll turn it into a message of the day.

Think Wilson in “Home Improvements.”

On the way out of the building, I found a man wearing a Kerry Julian, Auditor, McHenry County tee shirt walking toward the Democratic Party booth. He is challenging Republican County Auditor Pam Palmer.

It turns out it was the candidate himself.

When I came back, there was another candidate.

Robert Kaempfe was chatting with Huntley residents Diane Ayers, a Democratic Party precinct committeeman, and her husband Rusty. Kaempfe is running against Republican State Rep. Mike Tryon.

A good turnout of candidates, I would say.

Tomorrow, it's the Republicans' turn.

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The Holstein cows at the top expressed no political preference.

Labels: Barack Obama, Cardboard Cutout, Cathy Bergan Schmidt, Cow, Diane Ayers, Kerry Julian, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Fair, Robert Kaempfe, Rusty Ayers, Tom Cynor

McHenry County Democratic Party candidates have sent our a press release announcing their appearance on You-Tub:

LOCAL CANDIDATES UNLEASH THE POWER OF THE INTERNET

WOODSTOCK Il. – From YouTube videos to campaign websites, local Democratic Candidates have unleashed the power of the internet. This week, Citizens for Cynor and others have made available a number of videotaped interviews on their campaign websites and the popular video sharing site – YouTube.

"It's time traditional campaigns re-examined their methods," said Citizens for Cynor Field Director, Laura Asbury. "By utilizing available technology we are able to reach out to an entirely new generation of voters. YouTube estimates that there are more than 100 million videos being watched every day. We, of course, only need capture a very small percentage of that viewership to be highly effective."

Overall, the candidates seem extremely pleased with the YouTube interviews.

"There is no substitute for the personal videotaped interview when a candidate is attempting to convey a message" said Thomas Cynor, McHenry county candidate for State's Attorney. "This technology is a cost effective and efficient way for our campaign to connect with the voters and get that message out." A link to Thomas J. Cynor's video interview can be found at the Citizens for Cynor website at www.CitizensforCynor.com.

Other candidates participating in the YouTube video interview enterprise include: Bill Gentes (26th Illinois Senate), Richard Garling (52nd Illinois Representative), Robert Kaempfe (64th Illinois Representative), Kerry Julian (McHenry County Auditor), David Bachmann (McHenry County Coroner) and Dr. James McTague (McHenry County Board, District One).

Video footage and interview was provided by Grant Crowell, Project Director of Grantastic Designs located in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Labels: Bill Gentes, Dave Bachmann, Grant Crowell, Grantastic Designs, James McTague, Kerry Julian, Laura Asbury, McHenry County Democrats, Richard Garling, Robert Kaempfe, Thomas Cynor

Below you can read the latest email from Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee Chairman Karla Dobbeck seeking volunteers to walk with the big elephant in Algonquin's Founders Day Parade Saturday.

This morning I received a similar email from the Democrats. It's from
Laura Asbury, the Field Director for Citizens for Cynor. Here is what it says:

"Dear Friends and Volunteers:

"I would like to take this opportunity to bring you up to date on the current status of our involvement in the Algonquin Founders Day Parade.

"As you are aware, Citizens for Cynor was denied an opportunity to participate in this year's Algonquin Founders Day Parade. The application denial was based upon an unwritten and previously unenforced committee rule. Furthermore, the local Democratic Party was notified that all other Democratic Candidates were prohibited from participating in this year's Algonquin Founders Day Parade by e-mail from Chairman Alan P. Kirk (full text printed below).

"Since submitting a press release on the details of the denial there has been some position changes by Mr. Kirk. In a phone conference with Tim Kane, reporter for the Northwest Herald, Mr. Kirk attempted to clarify the language in his e-mail to the party. Mr. Kirk now takes the position that he committed a 'typo' when he wrote, 'Please understand that you cannot have any candidates in the parade.' It yet remains unclear what Mr. Kirk intended. We do, however, appreciate Mr. Kane's efforts in trying to understand Mr. Kirk's e-mail and subsequent retraction.

"For many years various Democratic Candidates and the local Democratic Party have enjoyed the privilege of participating in the Algonquin Founders Day Parade. The Algonquin Parade Committee is to be commended for a great job consistently putting together a grade A event. It is no wonder businesses, community groups and politicians wish to participate and everybody loves to watch. It really is an event which should not be missed.

"Accordingly, the campaign is encouraging all volunteers and interested parties to attend the parade and march with the local Democratic Party (http://www.mchenrydems.com). If you don't already have a 'Proud to be a McHenry County Democrat' shirt please contact the local party prior to the parade.

"We will see you all on Saturday. Before line up, stop by and say hi to our candidate, Tom. He'll be one of the guys with the blue, 'Proud to be a McHenry County Democrat' shirts on. And while you're out at the parade please make sure to stop by and thank Republican Party Chairman, Mike Tryon, for supporting our efforts to be included in the event. If you don't know Mike, he will be easy to spot. He'll be wearing his brand new campaign shirt.

"Thanks for all your time, efforts and support.

"Sincerely,

"Laura Asbury, Citizens for Cynor Field Director"

One minor correction to what is stated in the email. As I pointed out Monday when McHenry County Blog broke this story, in 1992 when I was emerging from my 12 year remission from running for elective office, I was prohibited from being in the parade. While parade organizers apparently allowed McHenry County Democrats to promote candidates in 2004 and 2006, there certainly is a long-standing tradition against that practice.

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The photo, supplied by Ashbury, shows candidates wearing campaign shirts in Algonquin in 2006. She wrote me that she is "in the picture, behind one group of hundreds of balloons I assisted in blowing up that day."

The picture can be enlarged by clicking on it.

Labels: Algonquin Founders Day Parade, Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee, Allan P. Kirk, Karla Dobbeck, Laura Asbury, McHenry County Democrats, Thomas Cynor

Algonquin Township Republicans seem to be preparing to rub incumbency in the noses of McHenry County Democrats.

The Algonquin Founders Day Parade folks have this interesting, but long-standing rule saying that candidates campaign be in the parade.

The organizers don't want it be political, don't you know?

I wrote about that two days ago. (I did manage to circumvent the rule, by the way, and, after the parade I may reveal how.)

From this photo provided by McHenry County Democrats, the rule was apparently not enforced in 2006.

Here is a second email from Algonquin Township Central Committee Chairman Karla Dobbeck. Compare it with her first and see if you can see the shift in emphasis.

Good Morning,

Just in case you have not caught the article in today's NW Herald, we will be walking on Saturday in the Founder's Days parade on behalf of our local, state and national Elected Officials. Please don't wear your Energized Republican shirt - all of the elected officials have shirts and a proper one will be available to you!

We will be meeting at St. Margaret Mary school (formerly Eastgate) around 10:00. If you want to park in town or at Port Eds, it will probably be easier for you to get back to your car after the parade is complete. Step off is at 11:00 and all Elected Officials are welcoming walkers!

Then, at 2:00 PM, please join McHenry County Central Committee for a Bar-B-Que as we officially open our new campaign headquarters on Northwest Highway across the street from Target. Many elected officials and dignitaries will be on hand to help us celebrate and your presence is most requested!

If you have a chance to check out the aforementioned article on line, quite a stir and some enjoyable reading!!

Thanks and see you Saturday -

Karla

The sign for McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, seen here in McHenry's Fiesta Days Parade last weekend, ought to make the cut in Algonquin. It doesn't say, "Elect," anywhere.

CORRECTION; A friend of the blog with better eyes than I called to say the Bianchi sign has "RE-ELECT" on it. So, I guess that will have to be covered up to meet Algonquin's rules.

Labels: Algonquin, Algonquin Founders Day Parade, Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee, Karla Dobbeck, McHenry County Democrats, Republican

With all the stir created by McHenry County Democrats about not being allowed to campaign in the Algonquin Founders Day Parade this weekend, I thought maybe those planning to attend might like to see what they might be missing.

The photos here are from the last weekend’s apparently no - political - holds - barred McHenry Fiesta Days Parade. They were supplied by GOP parade walker recruiter, McHenry precinct committeeman and District 15 Grade School Board member John O’Neill.

244 Republicans, he reports.

First, let’s look at the front of the Democrats’ contingent.


Kids can be seen on the Democratic Party float under a kicking donkey. I imagine the symbolism might have something to do with more people have taken Democratic Party primary ballots than voting on the GOP ticket this spring.

From the tee shirt on the girl to the right carrying the banner, which I looked at first, this looks like State Rep. Jack Franks’ entry.

Looking closer, I see it is a joint marching unit for Franks and Republican Pam Althoff. (No wonder Republicans didn’t come up with an opponent for Franks this year.)

I can’t tell you whether this unit marched with the Republicans, Democrats or far from both contingents. This appears to be a continuation of the cross- promotion that someone sighted a year ago at the McHenry County Fair, where the two shared a tent. Althoff does describe herself as "a social liberal." She also wants to be known as "a fiscal conservative."

In any event, it would seem to be allowed in the Algonquin parade, because office numbers on listed. In fact, McHenry County Board member Tina Hill, who is State Rep. Mike Tryon's administrative assistance is standing behind the banner. I can't remember if she works for Althoff, too.

Democratic Party Central Committee Chair Kathy Bergan Schmidt, one of the folks from both parties who urged me to run for Republican precinct committeeman again, can be seen promoting her District 3 McHenry County Board candidacy. She wouldn’t meet the Founders Day Parade rule requirements, but, because she heads the local party, she’ll undoubtedly be on Route 62 Saturday.

State Rep. Mike Tryon drove a red (no, a commenter writes; it's blue) convertible with Althoff’s name and incumbent office on the door. Tryon is the chairman of the McHenry County Republican Central Committee.

Tomorrow: More Republicans.

Labels: Cathy Bergan Schmidt, Fiesta Days, Jack Franks, John O'Neill, McHenry County Democrats, Pam Althoff

During the first half of 2008, the McHenry County Democratic Party Central Committee raised $2,300 more than the Republican Party Central Committee.

The GOP took in $19,351, while the Dems raised $21,648.

While raising less, the Republicans spent $1,629 more.

The GOP spent $18,691, while local Democrats expended $17,062.

And, where do they stand as of July 1st?

The Democrats had $14,016 in the bank, while the Republicans reported $2,749.

Not included in the Republican total, of course, were net receipts from Play Day, held last week.

Republicans spent $9,186 on fund raising expenses for the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Operating Engineers Local 150 Lakemoor Banquet Hall, plus $3,600 on salary for its Executive Director Geri Davis.

Democrats spent $7,030 I can identify on their Jefferson Day Dinner. None that I can identify was spent for salaries.

About $5,400 was reimbursed to Lake in the Hills’ Michael Bissett for various printing, mailing, and other expenses. Bissett is District 5 McHenry County Board candidate Paula Yensen’s husband. He apparently plays the unpaid role of “work horse” for local Democrats.

Interestingly, $1,145 of the amount reimbursed Bissett was spent on literature, presumably for the benefit of candidates, although that is not supported by the report.

I can find no similar expenditure that would directly assist candidates in the GOP totals for the first half of the year.

Labels: Geri Davis, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Republican Central Committee, McHenry County Republicans, Michael Bissett, Paula Yensen

I remember chaffing under the Algonquin Founders Day parade rules against candidate participation in 1992.

Oh, if you were an incumbent running for re-election, you could participate.

But no candidates.

Although Democratic Party candidates were allowed to participate in 2004 and 2006, this year's parade committee has lowered the boom.

Hard to know why, but let me assure the rejected Democratic Party candidates that the rule has been applied to this Republican in the past.

Here is the press release and what appears to be a 2006 Algonquin Founders Day parade float photograph which accompanied it:

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES PROHIBITED FROM PARTICIPATING IN ALGONQUIN FOUNDER'S DAY PARADE

WOODSTOCK Il. – From Harvard to Island Lake, Candidate for McHenry County State's Attorney, Thomas J. Cynor, and his campaign volunteers have participated in all the summer community parades. That streak comes to an end, however, on July 26, 2008 at the Algonquin Founder's Day Parade in Algonquin, Illinois.

The Citizens for Cynor Campaign was notified earlier this month by Algonquin Parade Chairman Alan P. Kirk that their timely parade application was being denied and the tendered check for the entry fee was being destroyed. Chairman Kirk based his denial on what he termed an "unwritten, long standing rule" prohibiting candidates from participating in the parade.

The denial prompted Citizens for Cynor representatives to inquire about the rule with the local Democratic Party.

Party representatives did confirm that Chairman Alan P. Kirk has denied participation of all Democratic Candidates in the parade. In an e-mail to party representatives on May 19, 2008 Kirk states,

"Please understand that you cannot have any candidates in the parade. This is a long standing rule of the parade. You cannot pass out info on them or have any banners. If someone is caught violating this rule, they may be escorted off the parade route and it could be very embarrassing for the candidate."

The nature of the unwritten rule and the particular method of enforcement took campaign volunteers and organizers by surprise.

"I've reviewed the parade application and all the other website information and could not find any reference to this rule,"

said parade volunteer, Barbara Rendine of Crystal Lake,

"If we had participated with the party float and had volunteers show up to the parade with an OBAMA for President sign or a Citizens for Cynor banner, I had no idea that they were prepared to make a scene and escort us off the street."

Although the rule may be "long standing" it has not been enforced in the recent past.

"We had a great time and were well received in Algonquin in 2006 when I marched with the Democratic Party Float,"

said Citizens for Cynor Field Director, Laura Asbury;

"at that time we walked with Dick Auman, who was a candidate for U.S. Congress, Alexi Giannoulious who was running for State Treasurer and a host of candidates for County Board."

The McHenry County Democratic Party was even fortunate enough to be awarded a trophy for "Exceptional Community Group – 2nd Place", by that year's parade committee.

Not only did Democratic Candidates participate in 2006, they also participated in the parade in 2004 without incident or comment from that year's parade committee. Both Democratic Candidates Paula Yensen (State Representative) and Patrick Ouimet (State Senate) appeared in the Algonquin Founders Day Parade that year, each with signs, a vehicle and their own marching volunteers.

Volunteers and candidates were left to speculate as to why Chairman Kirk was choosing to enforce such an open ended restrictive rule this particular election year.

"Although some might speculate that Mr. Kirk's party affiliation might have something to do with his decision making, I am willing to give him a pass," said Asbury, "but inconsistently prohibiting people from participating in community parades citing ill-defined, "unwritten" rules is just simply un-American."

Note the slogans on the signs in the photo:

• Water Matters
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC
  
  
• Sprawl Matters
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC
  
  
• People Matter
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC
  
  
• Traffic Matters
  VOTE DEMOCRATIC

Labels: Algonquin, Founders' Days, McHenry County Democrats

"Ask and you shall receive."

Jesus said that, but it’s pretty good advice, regardless of what you want.

It is obvious that if one does not ask, one will not get.

So, when I saw on Capitol Fax Blog that Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-Chicago) was attacking State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo), I called the governor’s press office.

I asked for the memo.

And I got it.
Daily Herald reporter John Patterson started his story this way:

“On the same day a suburban lawmaker suggested it's time to officially consider whether Gov. Rod Blagojevich should be impeached, the governor produced a memo showing that lawmaker recommended family and friends for state jobs.”

Let’s remember the high hopes that Democrats statewide had when Blagojevich took office.

He had picked up on Franks’ bulk purchase of prescription drugs campaign. Franks told me at about the same time this memo was sent that he was working closely with the governor’s office on legislative language.

So, it is not surprising at all that Franks would have sent a memo with names of supporters for whom he wanted the governor to give appointments.

I have published above a copy of the memo FAXed to me by the governor’s press office. You can enlarge it by clicking on it.

But, I’ll re-type it to make its contents easier to read.

M E M O

To: Margaret Houlihan

From: St. Rep. Jack D. Franks

RE: Positions with Gov. Blagojevich Administration

DATE: February 27, 2003

The following are individuals who we had requested be considered for jobs with the Blagojevich administration. They are prioritized as follows:

1. Deborah Wolf Franks for a commission;
2. Herbert H. Franks for a commission;
3. David B. Franks, a non-paid position with Boxing Commission;
4. John Bartman, a position with IDOT;
5. Michael Dalessandro, position as Highway Maintainer with IDOT;
6. Judge Erin O’Connell-Diaz, position with the Illinois Commission;
7. Nancy Vazzano, managerial position with any public service department;
8. Fred Shay, management position, primarily Info Technology and IDOT Aviation;
9. Susan Van Weelden, Commission;
10. Bill Clow, any public service department;
11. Mary Kennedy, any public service department

Patterson wrote,

“Franks said three of the 12 were appointed to posts or got a job, including his father, who was named to an unpaid post on the Illinois Courts Commission. Franks' father is the former president of the Illinois State Bar Association and Rep. Franks said he's ‘eminently qualified.’

“Franks was unsuccessful in recommending his wife and brother for state posts.”

Erin O’Connell-Diaz, a Bull Valley resident was appointed and reappointed to the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Former McHenry County Democratic Party Chairman John Bartman got a job with the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Click to enlarge the memo's image.

Labels: Bill Clow, Erin O’Connell-Diaz, Fred Shay, Jack Franks, John Bartman, Mary Kennedy, McHenry County Democrats, Michael Dalessandro, Nancy Vazzano, Patronage, Rod Blagojevich, Susan Van Weelden

Not only did McHenry County Democrats get more votes in this spring’s primary election than Republicans, but they have begun marking their territory.

The mark is in code, just like other gangs, but, with proper manipulation, one can clearly see that it represents the Democratic Party.

And, it is not benign.

Not only does the Democratic Party want to destroy the hegemony Republicans have enjoyed in McHenry County since the party was created in the mid-1800’s, but it is out to leave its mark on the landscape.

They aren’t doing the dirty work themselves any more than donkey droppings at mislabeled "pony rides" can be directly attributed to volunteers going door-to-door in Lake in the Hills last weekend.

Oh, no.

Their little agents don’t leave harmless, if misleading, leaflets about party candidates.

See if you can decode the sign that the Democrats’ latest messengers have begun leaving in very unlikely places.

OK.

Let me make it easy for you.

Look at this mark on Stan Gladbach’s ash tree.

It’s in the shape of a “D.”

And, when was it discovered?

This year.

And how long had it been there before anyone noticed?

A state employee told me 2000, but, he did get his current job about the time Governor Rod Blagojevich took office, so we’ll take everything he says with a grain of salt.

And, speaking of salt, didn’t the Republican Party turn into a pillar of salt about that time?

Still can’t see the “D?”

We know those Democrats are sneaky.

They don’t want Republicans to know what they are doing until after the votes are counted and they have won a county board seat here, maybe a coroner’s or state’s attorney’s race there.

But, in an attempt to provide early warning to Republicans who are interesting in reforming the local party, published here is the exit hole of the emerald ash borer.

It is clearly shaped like a “D.”

So, Republicans, be forewarned.

The first ash trees were just across the street from Kane County.

We know what happened there two years ago.

The Democratic Party candidate for sheriff beat the Republican.

Forewarned is forearmed.

Labels: Emerald Ash Borer, McHenry County Democrats

Last Saturday, it was Democrats approaching homeowners in Lake in the Hills on behalf of Paula Yensen, McHenry County Democratic Party candidate for county board in the 65th district.

Today, it is 6th district candidate Robert Ludwig.

Accompanying him with be the Democratic Party for McHenry County State’s Attorney, Tom Cynor.

They are meeting at Culver’s at 11 AM. They will knock on doors until 3, when treats at Culver’s

I wish I could be there to take a picture when they meet, but I’ll be at the First Methodist Church of Crystal Lake at our 11 o’clock service looking at some of the hundreds of pictures I and others took at Vacation Bible School this past week. They will appear on the big screens before each church service.

And, I’m sure my wife and weekend scheduler has me doing something in mid-afternoon as well.

But, maybe someone will send me a picture I can show you.

Free publicity, folks, and both candidates certainly need more name identification, if they are to have a chance of victory.

I was going to run a story entitled, "Democrats Invade McHenry County," but it will have to wait until tomorrow. One Democratic Party invasion story a day is sufficient.

= = = = =
Democratic Party District 6 McHenry County Board candidate Bob Ludwig is in the top photo. State's attorney candidate Thomas Cynor appears below.

Labels: Culver's, Huntley, McHenry County Democrats, Robert Ludwig, Sun City, Thomas Cynor

It's hard to believe that McHenry County Republicans haven't discovered they can use McHenry County Blog the way McHenry County Democrats have.

The Democrats know I love political photographs.

They sent four from Harvard's Milk Day, plus some copy that I can copy:

“More than 30 adults and several children made up the Democratic Party contingent in Saturday’s Harvard Milk Day Parade. The unit consisted of a party float, a Tom Cynor for State’s Attorney trailer, and several candidates.

“Democrats were warmly received with cheers and waves throughout to whole march. Many parade watchers called out encouragement and support for Presidential Candidate Barack Obama.”

The best photo was taken by Linda DiGregor. It is of 16 district congressional candidate Robert Abboud campaigning on the parade route. Really good composition, I'd say.

There is another taken by public relations mavin Patrick Murfin of the participating candidates. They are

Robert Ludwig , County Board Dist. 6; James McTague , County Board Dist. 1; Tom Cynor, State’s Attorney; Robert Abboud , 16th Congressional District; Kerry Julian, Auditor; and Jeff Thirtyacer, County Board Dist. 4.

Murffin even provided the links to the campaign web sites. How's that for making it easy on me?

There's one by Tom Cynor of the folks, most dressed in identical tee shirts.

There is even humor in the press release.

The Democrats have even reported on the Republican entry with another photo by Lisa Georgi. It is described as

"one lonely, rusty old police car with campaign yard signs duct taped to the sides.“

It looks like a car people would be interested in, but I don't see a John McCain for President sign taped to the car, but maybe it was on the back.

= = = = =
All photographs can be enlarged by clicking on them. The picture of Harmilda at the top of the article obviously was not taken on Milk Day.

Labels: Harvard Milk Day, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Republicans

What do you want to bet that neither John Jung nor Virginia Peschke, the incumbent Republicans up for re-election in McHenry County Board District 2, have no campaign literature yet?

Both will probably be surprised that Democratic Party challenger Paula Yensen has not one, but two pieces.

The larger, 5½ by 8½ inches features a man sleeping while standing up.

It says:

Our leaders were sleeping when McHenry County needed them.



An address and disclaimer appears at the bottom.

On the back, the “We can do better” theme is continued:

Labels: District 5, McHenry County Board, McHenry County Democrats, Paula Yensen

I wasn't the only one staying up late to bring you the news about the McHenry County Democratic Party's slating of four candidates in spots they could not find anyone to run for in their primary election.

Democratic Party Central Committee Secretary Patrick Murfin did, too.

His press release arrived at 1:06 AM while I was trying to get my story posted. (For some reason, Google's Blogger takes much too long to post stories.)

Rather than revise my story to include some details I did not have on the candidates, I thought I'd just publish Murfin's press release. If you are really interested, you can read them together.

If you are really, really interested, you can read Reagan Foster's Northwest Herald story and Chuck Keeshan's Daily Herald story, as well.

Here is the press release:

McHENRY COUNTY DEMS CAUCUS
CANDIDATES ON TO NOVMEBER BALLOT

WOODSTOCK—The McHenry County Democratic Central Committee voted to add candidates for State’s Attorney and Auditor to the November ballot when they caucused at the McHenry County Farm Bureau on Wednesday Night.

Former party Chair Thomas J. Cynor of Woodstock was slated for State’s Attorney. Cynor is currently the Research Attorney for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. A law school graduate of the University of Illinois in 1993, he has a varied legal background including many hours of trial experience as a private lawyer, a public Defender and court appointed Special Prosecutor in Livingston County, and a Municipal Attorney and Village Prosecutor in Washington Park, Illinois.

“I have no misconceptions as to the hurdles any Democratic Candidate for public office faces in McHenry County,” Cynor said. “But I know that our county and its citizens are ready for change and…ready to finally have a competent, ethical, and well qualified attorney representing their interests.”

The nod for McHenry County Auditor went to Woodstock insurance agent Kerry E. Julian. Julian has operated the Julian Agency since 2002. Prior to that, he was an executive with major insurance companies. He oversaw a staff of over a hundred and a budget of $10 million for accounting, claims, customer service, legal and other operations a HCC Insurance in Northbrook. He is a volunteer Boy Scout leader and the treasure of his church.

“I feel I have a good skill match for the post of Auditor and I am ready to give back to my community,” Julian said. “An independent county Auditor can be the best watch dog of tax payer interests. I’m not tied to existing power centers. My only allegiance will be to the citizens of McHenry County.”

Party Chair Kathy Bergan Schmidt said, “More choices on the ballot in November is another step to breaking the one-party monopoly that has so long dominated McHenry County. The Democratic Party is not sitting on the sidelines but is engaging in County campaigns with qualified candidates ready to fight hard for victory.”

Precinct Representatives from County Board District 2 also caucused at the meeting and selected Anita Harmon and Jill Mawhinney as the party’s nominees. Both had been unanimously recommended by the Party’s Executive Committee, which interviewed multiple candidates.

Harmon is a Crystal Lake business woman and veteran of the U.S. Navy. She is currently business manager of Premier Commercial Realty and was previously employed by the engineering firm Of Baxter & Woodman. She has been a community volunteer as President of the League of United Latin American Citizen (LULAC) in McHenry County, board secretary of the Galleons Advocacy Group in Crystal Lake, volunteer tax preparer through the Woodstock Rotary and VITA-Woodstock, and a Director of Children’s Ministry for her church.

Mawhinney is a retired Professor of Student Development at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines. The long time Crystal Lake resident’s resume includes experience as a provider of a full range of counseling services, an instructor in small and large group settings, and organizational development. Mawhinney is married to Attorney Richard Jackson, a previous candidate for the County board who gladly demurred to his wife this time around.

The party still has the opportunity to caucus additional candidates onto the ballot until early April.

= = = = =
McHenry County Democratic Central Committee Secretary and author of the press release above Patrick Murfin is seen at the top right. McHenry County State's Attorney candidate Thomas Cynor is at the top of the press release. Next is McHenry County Auditory candidate Kerry Julian. McHenry County Democratic Party Central Committee Chair Kathy Bergan Schmidt is in the smaller picture down to the left from Julian.
Next comes a waving in recognition to being address McHenry County Board District 2 candidate Anita Harmon. On the bottom is the second District 2 candidate, Jill Mawhinney, speaking extemporaneously. All pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Labels: Anita Harmon, Cathy Bergan Schmidt, Jill Mawhinney, Kerry Julian, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County State's Attorney, Patrick Murfin, Thomas Cynor

Four years ago Lori Keller gave Crystal Lake-Lake in the Hills Republicans a run for their money for the McHenry County Board.

I met her at Crystal Lake's Main Beach while our kids were playing at the Leathers Park. While the youngsters were running over the bridge, she told me she had worked with President Bill Clinton's Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown, before moving here.

When I was writing my article about why the Democrats should slate candidates in District 2, her 2004 candidacy was in my head along with Ron Sloan's 2006 effort.

I wanted a photo of her, so I stopped over at her house after church.

There was a “For Sale” sign on the corner. If you in the market for a colonial revival home built in 1928 from which you can see Crystal Lake, listed for $585,000, give Tyler Lewke a call at 815-459-5900.

I knocked on the door and discovered that she is working in Washington, D.C., during the week, commuting home on weekends.

What's the draw?

The Democracy Alliance.

Here's what the web site writes about her:

Lori Keller - Assistant to the Managing Director

Lori Keller joined the Alliance from the field of education, where she taught college philosophy, English composition and music in the Chicago area.

She served the first five years of the Clinton Administration, 1992-1997, in the Department of Commerce under Secretary Ronald H. Brown, and in the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs during the 1996 campaign.

Lori recently served as a precinct committeeperson in McHenry County, Illinois, was a Democratic candidate for County Board in 2004, and was Treasurer for the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee.

She holds a masters degree from St. John's College in Annapolis, and undergraduate degrees in English composition and Business from the University of Washington in Seattle. Lori is married to Greg Keller and they have three daughters.

Here's a short description of what her organization wants to accomplish:

The Alliance seeks to maximize the impact of Partner financial contributions by recommending a portfolio of groups that work together through new collaborations, networks, and productive alliances. The Alliance is committed to supporting groups that advance the progressive agenda through idea generation and development on core issues, train new progressive leaders, engage and mobilize citizens in advancing the progressive agenda at all levels, and use new technologies and approaches to communicate progressive values, policies and messages.

Keller pointed me to Matt Bai's New York Times article. I hope I found the right one to link to.

The family is planning to live in Annapolis.

Bad luck for McHenry County Democrats.

Good fortune for the Republican District 1 candidates.

Even so, McHenry County Democrats promised in a Monday press release that they would slate two candidates in District 2.

The unveiling of the names and first stump speeches will come Wednesday night at the McHenry County Farm Bureau Building in Woodstock at 7. The public is invited.

Labels: Bill Clinton, District 2, Lori Keller, McHenry County Board, McHenry County Democrats, Ron Brown, Tyler Lewke

A press release has been received from the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee promising candidates will be slated for the offices of

• McHenry County State's Attorney,
• McHenry County Auditor and
• McHenry County Board in District 2. (See
  “Dems Ought to Be Gearing Up in McHenry County Board District 2,”written before the press release below was received.)

The Democrats apparently are willing to give State Senator Pam Althoff a free ride just as it appears that Republicans are willing to give State Rep. Jack Franks one.

Democrats are emboldened because they received more primary votes in McHenry County than did Republicans. This has not happened since the GOP party was formed in the mid-1800's.

If the Democratic Party runs a challenger against McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, who faced a contentious challenge from Dan Regna which he won with almost 57%% of the vote, the Democrats may be doing McHenry County Republicans a favor.

I have speculated that the candidate might be McHenry County court attorney Tom Cynor, the former chairman of party Democrats. Presumably the new father would have to find another source of income.

If he has an opponent it will force Bianchi, who already has the largest grass roots organization in the county, to do even more.

Bianchi might well join forces with Steven Greenberg, who is challenging 8th congressional district Congresswoman Melissa Bean, and 16th district Congressman Don Manzullo, who is being challenged by Barrington Hills Village President Robert Abboud.

That might result in fall precinct activity for the first time in a very, very long time.

The press release follows:

McHENRY COUNTY DEMS MEET TO CAUCUS CANDIDATES

Crystal Lake—When the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee meets on Wednesday, March 19 at the McHenry County Farm Bureau Building, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock at 7 p.m. the main order of business will be voting to caucus candidates on to the November general election ballot.

The party’s Executive Board interviewed candidates for a number of offices at its March 12 meeting. The board voted unanimously to make recommendations to the Central Committee for the offices of State’s Attorney and Auditor. It also unanimously recommended two candidates for County Board to the Precinct Representatives of District 2, who will caucus at the meeting.

The names of candidates will be presented at the meeting and each candidate will have an opportunity to speak.

“We are presenting to the Party highly qualified candidates who will give voters a real alternative on November 4th,” said County Chair Kathleen Bergan Schmidt. “This election is going to be about change, and nothing needs changing more than the culture of insider business as usual offered by the Republicans in McHenry County.”

If the nominations are approved, as expected, on Wednesday, McHenry County voters will be presented with Democratic candidates in the 8th and 16th Congressional Districts; the 26th State Senate District; the 52nd, 63rd, and 64th General Assembly Districts; for State’s Attorney, Auditor, and Coroner; and at least one candidate in each of the six County Board districts.

“The days of voters not having a Democratic Party choice in McHenry County are over,” Bergan Schmidt declared.

= = = = =
Of the head shots, on the upper left is State Rep. Jack Franks, on the upper right, State Senator Pam Althoff, on the lower left, 8th congressional challenger Steve Greenberg, on the lower right, McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi.

Labels: District 2, Lou Bianchi, McHenry County Board, McHenry County Democrats, Tom Cynor

After Lake in the Hills Trustee Jim Kennedy knocked off Perry Moy in the 2006 District 5 county board race, it doesn't take a soothsayer to predict that Republican county board member John Jung is the next target for the McHenry County Democratic Party.

Jung lives in Woodstock, where the district's population base used to be before reapportionment.

Redistricting resulted in adding lots of new residents in Huntley and Lake in the Hills.

Lots of new voters.

Did I stress lots of new voters too much?

I don't think so.

The Republicans had four incumbents in 2002.

Now the party has three.

The Democrats have Lake in the Hills Trustee Paula Yensen.

With the population center being south of Woodstock, her address is a plus.

As I have mentioned numerous times before, I believe a woman has a five percentage point advantage over a man. In 1966, I ran five percentage points behind the rest of the McHenry County Republican ticket. I can show you other races that make the point.

So, Jung's second disadvantage is his being a man with a female opponent.

“I lost twelve pounds going door to door in my campaign,” District 5 Democratic Party county board member told last Wednesday night's party convention.

I have never heard that Jung savors campaigning door-to-door.

If Yensen puts on such a campaign and Jung doesn't, don't be surprised if she wins.

And, let's not forget the primary election results.

John Jung received 3,906. His running mate Virginia Peschke tallied 40,49.

Paula Yensen got 5,148.

If that doesn't make Jung and his supporters nervous, I can't imagine what would.

Now, I haven't talked about issues.

So far, Yensen is talking about "regional issues, transportation, groundwater protection and long-range planning," all legitimate issues, but nothing like the wedge issues of the dog pound and illegal immigration used by Kennedy against Moy.

Kennedy criticized Moy for his role in buying the insurance claims office on Route 14 at Woodstock Street in Crystal Lake for a replacement "dog pound."

I wouldn't bet against the Democrats being able to find a similar issue to attack Jung with.

What's to stop a repeat of this attack:

Taxes – F
Transportation – F
Regional Planning - F
Fiscal Management – F

Also in the mix is Green Party candidate Frank Wedig.

How many Republicans, let alone independents, would grant that report card credence?

Wedig may go door-to-door. Since he lives in Woodstock, it would be more convenient for him to knock on doors there. That could result in his picking off votes that otherwise would go to Woodstock-based Republican incumbents.

And with the Northwest Herald bound and determined to get as many Democrats elected as possible (remember the endorsement of Bill Foster for congress in Republican House Speaker Denny Hastert's district), there will probably be newspaper endorsement pieces backing up headlines like this:

The McHenry County Board:

INEFFECTIVE, INDIFFERENT AND OUT OF TOUCH…

Noticed the word on the bottom of the newspaper endorsement piece:

It says, "Change."

Is anyone who might be on the ticket using that word this year?

Having said this, it doesn't mean that Jung could not develop a good door knocking campaign.

Democrat County Board candidate Yensen advocated a huge income tax increase--House Bill 750--when she ran for state representative. Raising taxes could become a county board issue in November's election, now that school boards have the authority to place a County wide referendumon the ballot for up to a 1% sales tax increase.

Labels: District 5, John Jung, McHenry County Board, McHenry County Democrats, Paula Yensen, Virginia Peschke

McHenry County Democrats have sent out the following press release about their convention Wednesday. So far none has come from the Republican Party, which will meet at the Woodstock V.F.W.

Here is the more publicity astute Democratic Party's press release. It says that current chairman Tom "This is our year!" Cynor is stepping down and second in command, Kathy Bergan Schmidt, is seeking the office (although with only three precinct committeemen having to sign a nominating petition, it would not be difficult for a challenger to arise).

I asked Patrick Murffin, who sent the announcement, whether the public would be welcome to join the festivities at the convention. Here is the reply, which garnered a belly laugh from me:

"Unlike the GOP, Democratic Party Conventions are always open to the press and the public. And unlike at certain public institutions, you need not fear being escorted from the building by security."

The last convention I attended was open to the public, but, this year, who knows?

The release follows:

McHenry Democrats Hold Convention at the Woodstock Opera House

Crystal Lake—The Democratic Party of McHenry County will assemble for its biennial Convention at the Woodstock Opera House at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5. The main order of business will be the election of officers and County Board District Chairs.

Only elected Precinct Representatives (P.R.s) may vote in the election. Each P.R. will cast a weighted ballot reflecting the total number Democratic ballots cast in the precinct in the February 5 Primary Election.

County Chair Tom Cynor noted that each P.R. will bring to the election many more votes than ever before,

“reflecting the fact that the majority of McHenry County voters cast Democratic ballots in the Primary.”

The offices of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and General Counsel are up for election.

Cynor has announced that he will not seek re-election and instead seek election as Treasurer. Cynor, who became a father for the second time on Primary election day, cited family responsibilities for stepping down as chair.

“I have enjoyed the experience and responsibility and am proud of the Party and what it has achieved. I have confidence that the new chair, whoever it might be, will lead the Party to a historic victory in November and I will be on hand to offer my continued services.”

Current Vice Chair Kathy Bergan Schmidt has circulated nominating petitions for the office of Chair. Other candidates may also present petitions, which much be signed by at least three elected P.R.s, at the Convention.

After the election of the new county wide officers, County Board District P.R.s will caucus to elect District Chairs. District Chairs also sit on the County Party’s Executive Committee.For more information call 815 788-9540 , e-mail info@mchenrydems.com, or visit www.mchenrydems.com.

= = = = =
You see Patrick Murffin on top, the current chair of the McHenry County Democrats, Tom Cynor, next and, Kathy Bergan Schmidt, who has announced her intention to succeed him is seen below.

Labels: Kathy Bergan Schmidt, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Tom Cynor

Wednesday night McHenry County Democrats will hold a candidate's night at Woodstock's Farm Bureau Building for its county board aspirants.

PUBLIC INVITED TO HEAR COUNTY BOARD CANDIDATES AT COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING

CRYSTAL LAKE—McHenry County Democratic Party Chair Tom Cynor invites the public to hear presentations by the party’s County Board Candidates at a “meet and greet” at the McHenry County Farm Bureau Building, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock from 6:45 to 7:30 on Wednesday, February 20.

The candidates will make brief introductory remarks and be available for questions from the audience. They include

• James McTague (District 1),
• Kathleen Bergan Schmidt (District 3),
• Jeff Thirtyacre (District 4),
• Paula Yensen (District 5) and
• Darryl Frank and Robert Ludwig (District 6.)

Each of these candidates won nomination in the Primary Election.

The party may still caucus in candidates for other open County Board Seats. (Emphasis added.)

The candidate presentations will precede the regular party business meeting at 7:30.

The positive results of the primary election, in which 52% of voters cast Democratic ballots, and the upcoming County Convention are expected to be topics at the meeting.

For more information call 815 788-9540 , e-mail info@mchenrydems.com, or visit www.mchenrydems.com.

Labels: McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats

With all the live votes counted in McHenry County, Democrats have 51.5% of the ballots cast for president.

30,260 for the Democrats to 28,408 for the Republicans.


This tracks nicely with the early voting totals I reported in this article, in which 51.3% of the ballots cast were in the Democratic Party. (The figure had inched up over 52% by the time early voting ended.)

So, is this a result of Obama fever?

Barack Obama did beat Hillary Clinton by almost 2-1 (almost 63% to almost 36%).

Was the more fervent support of the Democratic presidential candidates the reason for more people taking Democratic Party ballots in this supposed Republican County?

If you were the Democrats, would you roll the dice and run people for every opening, countywide and in every county board district?

Or would you stick to just one—the county coroner’s office, with Republican turned Democrat Dave Bachmann, who started Bachmann funeral home, being the candidate?

Labels: McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Republican Party, Primary Election

In this fifth article about 16th congressional district Democratic Party candidate Robert Abboud’s appearance Wednesday, January 16th, in Woodstock’s Farm Bureau Building, McHenry County Blog reports on what he said about Iraq:

“We’re done.

“We’ve been done five years.

“Why did we go to Iraq?”

“Oil,” shouted a chorus of Democrats.

“I’m going to give the President the benefit of the doubt,” Abboud continued.

“The first day we cut their communications.

“In three days, we controlled the skies.

“12.5 billion per month.

“If our strategy was to create a federalist government in Iraq, something that is based on the Magna Carta, people in the Middle East don’t recognize the Magna Carta.”

Abboud then explained his family’s involvement in the Armed Forces. His father spent three years in the Marines, his father-in-law 20 years in the Navy.

“The military is designed to kill the enemy and break things.

“You have horsepower so the diplomats can do their job.

“I don’t get the part where we use the military to create a new government.

“We’re done with this issue.

“It’s time to come home.

“I ask for your support.

“We have a very tough campaign.”

McHenry County Democratic Party Chairman Thomas Cynor closed this part of the meeting by urging people to ask Abboud questions they had out in the hall and during the five-minute break.

“Bob will give you the answers…the whole answer.”

“The party’s really moving in the right direction,” Cynor concluded.

= = = = =
The photographs are of Robert Abboud. It the bottom one, you can see McHenry County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Thomas Cynor with Abboud after Abboud's speech.

Labels: Iraq War, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Robert Abboud, Thomas Cynor

At the invitation of McHenry County Democrats, your intrepid reporter attended the Wednesday, January 16th, meeting of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee in the Farm Bureau Building on McConnell Road.

The featured speaker and only candidate present allowed to talk was Robert Abboud, the party’s choice to challenge incumbent Republican Don Manzullo.

In today’s article Abboud talks about health care.

He told the story of taking his golden retriever to a vet for a cut. The dog required eight stitches for which Abboud paid $175.

He compared that with going to the emergency room at Barrington’s Good Shepherd Hospital to get eight stitches. Abboud said that cost $7,000.

He talked about how they open a kit, take out one item and throw the rest away and told of a humanitarian group that sends what they find in American hospital dumpsters to Africa.

Then, he took on the drug companies.

“You can’t negotiate with the drug companies,” he said, pointing to way the federal government buys prescription drugs.

“We can revamp health care.

“This is not nuclear science.”

Somehow, I think that latter phrase is going to be repeated throughout the campaign.

Tomorrow: Iraq

Labels: 16th Congressional District, Don Manzullo, Good Shepherd Hospital, Health Care, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Robert Abboud

Wednesday, January 16th, the 16th congressional district Democratic Party candidate, Robert Abboud, spoke to the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee in Woodstock’s Farm Bureau Building.

What’s the country’s environment and energy policy? Abboud asked.

“Anyone know?”

“No oil executive left behind,” was his answer.

That brought some chuckles.

“It comes back to how these people get elected.”

Our policy, he said is “just burn more fossil fuels.”

He predicted “$4 a gallon easily by this summer.

“Global climate change is the most fundamental issue that our generation and (future ones will face).

“The only way out is to burn less fossil fuel.

“The issue is not how much energy we use, but where it comes from.

“Now, not all of us here have been fans of nuclear power,” he observed.

“The reality is that it has performed quite well,” the former long-time Com Ed employee said. (He now runs his own consulting firm.)

Abboud pointed out that which Americans invented the production of electricity from nuclear power, “we don’t own (the patents).

“We’ve got to redevelop that industry.

“What about the nuclear waste?” he asked, preempting the question.

He pointed out of the countries with nuclear power, “59 recycle their fuel; one of them doesn’t. Guess which one?

“It’s a whole lot cheaper to reprocess. The problem is legislation. It is not a technical issue.”

Tomorrow: Health Care

Labels: Don Manzullo, Global Warming, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Nuclear Power Plants, Robert Abboud

Robert Abboud, the village president of Barrington Hills is the Democratic Party candidate for the 16th congressional district seat held since 1992 by Republican Don Manzullo.

In its first installment, McHenry County Blog covered his reason for running, plus how his pitch closely resembled those of fiscally conservative Republicans I have heard in the past.

Abboud spoke Wednesday in the McHenry County Farm Bureau Building to over fifty McHenry County Democrats.
One of his topics was communication with constituents.

He laid out a new form of electronic communication that he intended to implement, if elected.

”How many of you have ever been called to ask your advice?”

There laughter in the room.

He mentioned education and wanting feedback from teachers. I’d guess a fair number were in the room. I know I saw retired teacher activist Marti Swanson of Ringwood in the front row.

“I know they’re calling you for money, because I’m doing that.”

He told of how he asks his Barrington Hills constituents for advice using email and “within an hour” he has answers. He proposed using the same technique in the 16th congressional district with its 55 municipalities.

Abboud suggested that there were probably experts on most of the subject matters considered by Congress in the 16th district.

“Why are we not tapping that expertise?”

“In engineering, you can’t do things by yourself. You need to build a team,” the nuclear engineer said.

“If we can harness the atom, we can fix (less complex problems.)”

Returning to the loss of manufacturing, the candidate said,

”We’ve got to recover our strategic manufacturing.

“I’m the mayor of the village with the largest concentration of capitalists. The Secretary of the Treasury lives in our village.

“The only country that China has a positive trade balance with is the United States.

“Do you think Japan has a lower cost of labor than we do?”

He added several other costs of doing business, including land.

Then, a harder core financial pitch.

“I’ve got to raise two million bucks. It comes from individuals.”

Maybe I misunderstood Abboud, but I think he was more than hinting that opponent Don Manzullo’s campaign contributions came from individuals connected with companies.

Abboud then criticized the lack of taxation of profits made overseas.

Tomorrow: Environmental and Energy Policy

= = = = =
The pictures are of Robert Abboud. In the top one, it looks like the back of Patrick Murfin's head. The bottom shot is of the McHenry County Democrats attending the meeting.

Labels: 16th Congressional District, Barrington Hills, Don Manzullo, Marti Swanson, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Robert Abboud

The McHenry County Democratic Party is acting, well, like a party.

Its chairman, Tom “This is our year” Cynor has someone looking at the names and parties of people who have voted early.

And, he was “happy to share the information.”

He should be, considering what he found.

As of the end of voting Saturday, 2,056 people had voted.


I think it is safe to say that the level of intensity of support for presidential candidates is stronger among Democrats than among Republicans, although I did see my first Republican presidential bumper sticker on the way home from McHenry Friday night. It was for Romney, the best financed of the GOP candidates.

In politics, intensity counts for a lot.

Labels: Bumper Sticker, Early Voting, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Mitt Romney

It’s wasn’t a revival meeting, but I certainly heard echoes of the speeches of fiscally conservative Republicans from times past in 16th congressional district Democratic Party challenger Robert Abboud's speech to local Democrats at the Farm Bureau Building last night.

He launched into the fiscal responsibility part of his talk by telling of reporters asking,

“Why are you running?”

I’m not sure this what he really tells them, but here’s what he said,

”Don’t you read your own newspapers?

“Don’t you watch your own newscasts?”

We’re “$9.2 trillion in debt. 80% is owned by foreign countries.”

He pointed out federal taxes are paid by individuals, merchants “down the street” and manufacturers.

“We don’t have any.”

Among his litany of reasons for running, he included health care and global climate change.

Much of the latter he attributed to corporate greed.

“Trust me. I know these guys because some of them are my clients.”

Abboud told of going to the bathroom during a public policy meeting in Barrington Hills, “a meeting a little smaller than this one.

“When I came out everyone was looking at me. They had elected me to run for village trustee.”

Now the Barrington Hills village president, Abboud recognize Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager as “a very good friend of mine.”

He told how his father “thought I was just out of my mind (for thinking about running for Congress)…People will say bad things about you.”

“I thought about that,” he continued, referring to the Declaration of Independence, especially its second paragraph.

The signers “could have said that same thing. They could get dead.

“I don’t have to worry about that…about people in red coats shooting at me

“Be sure you do not continue to suffer the (in)sufferable,” he paraphrased one sentence.

(The text reads, “…all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”)

After the

“Why are you running question?”

“What are you going to do?”

comes next.

And, although he didn’t say so, “How are you going to do it?” is surely another question asked.

Tomorrow: New means of communication with constituents, the need for a manufacturing revival and a financial pitch.

= = = = =

Top photo and one on the left were taken while 16th congressional district Democratic Party candidate Robert Abboud, Barrington Hills Village President, was speaking. The bottom picture was taken after the speech. All may be enlarged by clicking on them.

Labels: McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Robert Abboud

Last weekend, I was critical of McHenry County Republicans for not being able to find people to run for more than 41% of the county's over 200 precincts by mid-afternoon Friday.

But, when the filing period ended Monday afternoon, 63% of the precincts had candidates.

Seven even had contests.

These folks aren’t fighting for patronage jobs, as some did early in my political career.

Still, 63% would rate a D- in school.

If the Republicans are doing a poor job of filling precincts with people willing to gather 10 signatures and get a petition and statement of candidacy notarized, what can one say about the infrastructure of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee?

Only 45 people filed for the over 200 spots.

And, glory be, Democrats are now fighting among themselves, just like Republicans.

In Alden Township, three Harvard residents want to be Democratic Party precinct committeeman:

• Andrew J. Giorgi, Jr., 15,810 IL Rte 173, 2E,
• Robert Ludwig, 18416 IL Rte 713, and
• Nancy Deborah Wicker, 18,716 Crowley Road.

Boy, there must be something at stake there.

There are no other contests.

Labels: McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats

Well, it looks like someone in the McHenry County Democratic Party is doing his or her job.

A candidate has been recruited to run against two-term incumbent Republican Party State Representative Mike Tryon, according to a press release received this afternoon.

He is retired postal worker and public employee union leader Robert Kaempfe. He lives in Crystal Lake.

Here is the release:

CRYSTAL LAKE—Retired postal worker Robert Kaempfe of Crystal Lake filled petitions with the Secretary of State’s office in Springfield on Wednesday to run for the Democratic nomination in the 64th District, Illinois General Assembly. The seat is currently held by Republican Michael Tryon.

“I’m not a rich guy trying to buy a political position,” Kaempfe said. “I am not a career politician. I have always been a working guy and know what concerns regular working people.”

Kaempfe, who recently retired, was Chief Trustee of his local union, a shop steward, and chief steward of the 600 employee Palatine Distribution Center. “My experience as a negotiator will stand me in good stead in seeking to work with other legislators to get the best for our communities.”

A long time Crystal Lake resident, Kaempfe is a decorated Vietnam veteran. He served with the 101st Airborn Division. Among his awards are the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with a “V” for valor, Air Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Kaempfe identifies securing funding for long delayed capital projects, including critical road projects, as a top priority. He also advocates better long range transportation planning, “not just ten or fifteen years out, but to meet needs thirty or more years from now.”

So far, outgoing Republican County Chairman Bill LeFew seems more interested in recruiting precinct committeeman candidates who will back his point of view than recruiting an opponent for Democratic State Rep. Jack Franks. Franks represents LeFew in the Illinois General Assembly.

Labels: 64th District, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Republican Party, Mike Tryon, Robert Kaempfe

In 2006 McHenry County Democrats took up the expensive relocation of the McHenry County Animal Shelter to Crystal Lake as a county board issue.

It is safe to predict that one 2008 issue will be incompetent management of Valley Hi, the county nursing home. Of course, the animal shelter may come back as a sequel.

Somehow looking at articles on the internet does not have the same impact as seeing them in the Northwest Herald. Placement and size on the printed page can make a big difference.

I know that reading Reagan Foster’s words,

”The audit stated that there was no sign that funding had been managed in any way, nor were there any indications that managers working to change the increasing reliance on taxpayer support,”

gave me a sense of the enormity of the management failure by the McHenry County Board.

Instead of tossing old NW Herald’s my in-laws save them for me. So, last Sunday, I looked through a pile.

The NW Herald put its


article on its front page last Friday.

You can expect to see that front page of July 27th edition of the NW Herald in Democratic Party literature next year, if county Democrats have good designers.

And, how incompetent was county management?

Not knowing the county was spending almost $184 a day caring for patients, while taking in about $131, shows about as few management controls as one could imagine.

To get an idea how significant blowing through $2 million can be, take a look at the Chicago Tribune’s main article last Sunday. It and others were on Governor Rod Blagojevich’s $2.6 million commitment to purchase flu vaccines which were never used.

That rated the front page on Sunday’s Tribune and all of the editorial page of the Chicago Sun-Times on Wednesday.

State government has over a $50 billion budget. So, $2 million is a very small proportion of the total. Yet it is important because Blagojevich was in his “Let’s create a national image, so I can run for President” mode when he got the flu vaccine.

$2 million to McHenry County is real money. The total 2006 county budget was $180 million. Valley Hi’s share was about $12.5 million. $2 million is 16% of 12.5 million, a bit over 1% of the total county budget.

Just as the governor was trying to get publicity with his vaccine ploy, the county board was in the process of completing a new county nursing home.

Big opportunity for brownie points, wouldn’t you agree?

Blown by mismanagement.

Two NW Herald articles, plus an editorial, to drive home the point:

July 26th - Valley Hi audit says home $2 million in red in '06

July 27th - Valley Hi ran in red in ’06

July 28th - Valley Hi's budget woes

The Valley Hi Administrator did resign, but I’m thinking the Democrats may be looking for some county board member scalps.

Members of the Valley Hi Committee, according to the McHenry County web site, are

Chairman: Mary Lou Zierer
Vice Chair: Ed Dvorak
Members: James Heisler, James P. Kennedy, Mary McCann, Pete Merkel, Dan Shea

= = = = =

I wrote last year of Valley Hi Administrator Howard Nehlig’s having told me a story when I was McHenry County Treasurer in the late 1960’s about the pigs raised at the old county poor farm not having hams. He told me the story three times and I still didn’t get his point. He finally had to tell me that the hams went home in the county board committee members’ trunks.

In the same article, I wrote of a farmer who told me at the County Fair in 2000 of how a long ago poor farm committee chairman tried to shake down a farmer who lived, what was it, 8 miles west of Woodstock on Kishwaukee Valley Road. The farmer was hired to dig a well and did so. Afterwards, the county board member showed up, asking, “Where’s my cut?”

The farmer told him he had worked hard and he wasn’t going to pay him anything.

The county board member told the farmer that he would make sure he never got another county contract. The crooked county board member delivered on his pledge.

Maybe McHenry County taxpayers would be better off with the petty corruption of years past than the massive mismanagement of today.

My article on county home corruption also has a McHenry County syndicate section that might be of interest.

Labels: Dan Shea, Ed Dvorak, Jim Heisler, Jim Kennedy, Mary Lou Zierer, Mary McCann, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Poor Farm, Pete Merkel, Valley Hi

While other municipals holding a "National Night Out Against Crime," the Village of Lake in the Hills is holding a


Here’s the route, according to the Northwest Herald:

The Peace March from 7 to 10 p.m., starting at Plote Field, 500 Grace Drive. Residents are invited to walk about 5 miles to Sunset Park to show their support for police-community partnerships. A bus will follow in case walkers need a rest or a drink of water. Residents can walk the route or join in along the way. Prizes will be raffled off at the end. Call Sgt. Terri Vollmer at (847) 658-5676 to tell her you plan to walk or just show up.

In Crystal Lake, where residents are invited to the Main Beach from 5-9, the NW Herald reports,

“Officer Sean McGrath said he hoped that it would be a good forum for residents to talk openly with police.

"’The primary purpose of National Night Out is a night out against crime,’ he said. ‘This is similar to what an open house would be for us.’”

Here’s still another article in the NW Herald about Tuesday night’s activities.

I can’t find a “Peace March” anywhere but Lake in the Hills.

Perhaps it is a manifestation of having so many active members of the Democratic Party on the village board.

Some members of the McHenry County Peace Group are planning on attending the march. It appears Lake in the Hills does not share the qualms about disturbing parade watchers held by the Crystal Lake Gala Parade Committee.

Labels: Crystal Lake Gala, Leke in the Hills, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Peace Group, Peace March

In the McHenry County Democratic Party’s Penny Presidential Poll Bill Richardson beat out Barack Obama by $12.62. $409.70 worth of votes were cast.

My guess is that the Richardson supporters stayed around until the end—maybe they were even manning the booth at closing time.

In any event, in this show of support intensity, the Richardson folks showed they care more about their candidate that the Obama aficionados do.

And, in politics, intensity counts.

It may mean that there will be more grass roots activity on Richardson's behalf than on Obama's. Of course, Obama won't need grass roots support to win the Illinois presidential preference poll.

RICHARDSON HANGS ON TO TAKE THE DEM PENNY POLL

CRYSTAL LAKE—Despite a strong surge in support for Senator Barack Obama in the final day of the McHenry County Democrats Presidential Penny Poll at the County Fair, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson hung on to eke out a close victory in the end of 5 days of voting.

Voting was brisk all day Sunday. Lively, sometimes passionate, discussions erupted in front of the display of jars representing all eight Democratic presidential candidates.

Results were based on the total contributions to each candidate and were tallied daily during the fair, as were cumulative results. Voters could contribute as much as they liked and vote as often as they wished. One cent equaled one vote.

While the poll was far from scientific, it offered an opportunity to examine the Democratic Presidential field. “Every one had fun,” Party Chair Thomas Cynor reported, “As for drawing any conclusion from the results, I leave that up to others.”

Here are the final cumulative vote totals as of 5:30 Sunday night when voting ended:

• Richardson –15,323
• Obama – 14,061
• Clinton – 4,957
• Edwards – 1,417
• Biden – 1,314
• Gravel - 739
• Kucinich - 100
• Dodd - 559

A total of $409.70 was collected from all candidate jars. The proceeds will go to support the work of the McHenry County Democratic Party.

As I pointed out in my first article about the Dems' polls, and last year, this reminds me of what I did for the McHenry County Young Republican booth in 1968. The only difference was that we didn’t limit the poll to Republican Party candidates up. We had jars for the Democrats and George Wallace.

A Democrat did not think to ask where the money was going until Saturday afternoon. After I told him it would go to the YR’s, there were many fewer votes for Democratic candidates.

= = = = =
In the top photograph is the Bill Richardson jar for the Penny Poll on Thursday night. You will note that it actually has pennies in it. As you can see below, by Sunday dollar bills were showing up.

Next you can see Woodstock's Sandra South is seen putting a dollar (100 votes) in the Hillary Clinton jar. Unshown is her other arm putting $1 in the Barack Obama jar. She'll have to make up her mind by February 5th, primary election day.

In the second photo, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee Secretary Carolyn Quinn is seen talking with fair goers.

On the bottom is a picture of Patrick Murfin, the Democratic Party's publicist, among other roles. He's wearing an Obama button.

All pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Labels: McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Fair, McHenry County Young Republicans, Penny Poll

McHenry County Democrats continued their practice of issuing press releases to update the results of their Presidential Penny Poll.

Yesterday, the imaginative addition was the fact that one candidate got a Chuck E. Cheese token. I hope they credited the candidate with 25 votes, because I think they are worth about a quarter.

Today the eye-opener was a report that a Republican McHenry County Board member dissatisfied with Republican Party choices that he or she was voting for one of the candidates at the Democratic Party booth.

Don't you wonder who that was?

But if Barack Obama is your choice, you'll need to toss in $20 to put him in the lead...and hand around so the Richardson supporters don't put in more cash.

Folks still have today to cast their votes in the jars of their favorite candidates.

The press release follows:

RICHARDSON STRETCHES LEAD IN DEM PENNY POLL

CRYSTAL LAKE—New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson stretched his lead over Senator Barack Obama Saturday in the Penny Poll being conducted by the McHenry County Democratic Party at the McHenry County Fair. Richardson came in first in the daily tally for the first time since he dominated on opening day of the fair.

Obama continued to run a strong second in the cumulative vote. Senator Hillary Clinton retains significant support but still lags behind the frontrunners.

Former Senator John Edwards doubled Senator Joseph Biden’s vote on Saturday and regained a distant fourth place, followed by Gravel, Kucinich and Dodd, each unable to break out three digit totals on the fourth day of the Fair.

“The story here is the preference for diversity,” as County Chair Thomas Cynor analyzed it. “Just look at the top three vote getters. And despite the help from a very generous lady with a large piggy bank, Governor Richardson has had an impressive showing of support.“

At least one Republican County Board member known to be dissatisfied with the options in the Republican race and staffers for a high level GOP office holder were observed participating in the poll.

Here are the cumulative totals at Fair closing on Saturday:

Richardson - 14,381
Obama - 12,622
Clinton - 5,004
Edwards - 1,394
Biden - 1,213
Gravel - 634
Kucinich - 600
Dodd - 533

Sunday will be the last opportunity to participate in the Penny Poll at the McHenry County Democratic Party booth in Building C

Labels: McHenry County Board, McHenry County Democrats, Thomas Cynor

Want to hear what’s going on at the McHenry County Fair this afternoon?

Dick Kaman and some others will be streaming live at noon, three and six with WebScore.

Hit this link to get to the County Fair web site.

Then, click on the time of day.

That will let you be able to feel like you are right in the middle of the action.

= = = = =

In other Fair news, McHenry County Democrats are up to $200.76 in their Penny Presidential Poll fund raiser.

(I can’t wait to see how this is reported to the Illinois State Board of Elections. I hope it will use the words “Penny Poll,” rather than "Mass collection.")

Still in the lead is Bill Richardson, now with 7,556 votes

In second place is Barack Obama with 6,798.

Hillary Clinton ranks third with 2,990.

The minor candidates have the following:

Biden- 870
Edwards- 761
Gravel- 546 + one Chucky Cheese token
Kucinich- 357
Dodd- 196

I wonder if the Republicans will even send McHenry County Blog a press release.

Labels: Dick Kaman, Live Streaming, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Fair, Penny Poll, WebScore

The McHenry County Democratic Party booth seems to be a big hit at the McHenry County Fair. So far the attention-getter and fund raiser has raised $127.56. Bernie Meyers can be seen manning the booth.

The press release from the party follows:

RICHARDSON LEADS AFTER TWO DAYS OF DEM “PENNY POLL” AT COUNTY FAIR

CRYSTAL LAKE—After the first two days New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is in the lead of a “Penny Poll” being conducted by the McHenry County Democratic Party at their booth at the County Fair. Illinois favorite son, Senator Barack Obama, is rapidly closing on the leader.

The “Penny Poll” counts the total money collected in jar representing all 8 major declared Democratic Presidential candidates. One cent equals one vote. Results are tallied nightly with day winners noted and cumulative totals added together.

Acknowledging that the poll is “highly unscientific” party members still believe that over the long run of the fair, it could be reflective of local sentiment in the Democratic race.

On opening Day Governor Richardson jumped to a commanding lead largely on the strength of donations from one devoted supporter. Votes were more evenly distributed on Thursday with Obama surging.

As of 9:30 Thursday evening the cumulative votes for the candidates were as follows:

Richardson 5484

Obama 4309

Clinton 1465

Edwards 537

Biden 453

Kucinich 211

Gravel 206

Dodd 100

For undecided voters Democrats are showing the recent CNN/YouTube debates and can give voters directions to all of the candidate’s web sites.

Voting continues through Sunday in Building C.

Labels: McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Fair

When the McHenry County Fair opens today, the Democratic Party booth will feature a penny poll.

Boy, does that bring back memories.

In 1968, when I was president of the McHenry County Young Republicans, we had a presidential penny poll.

There were supporters for Nelson Rockefeller, Gene McCarthy, Bobby Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, George McGovern, Ronald Reagan, George Wallace, Richard Nixon, you name it.

I still remember one itinerant booth operator who kept sticking $5 bills in the Wallace jar.

We tallied and posted the votes every hour.

It was nip and tuck between Wallace and Nixon.

Anytime Wallace was not on top, another $5 bill showed up.

Naturally, the Republicans were not going to let Wallace come out on top.

Some time Saturday, a Democrat asked where the money was going. After he was told that it went to the Young Republicans, he didn’t cast any more votes.

“With two candidates with Illinois connections and other strong contenders, interest has never been higher in the race for the Democratic nomination,” McHenry County Chair Thomas Cynor said. “The public will get a chance to make their choice count next winter when the Illinois Primary will be held earlier than ever.”

The Democrats’ press release says that they will only tally the results at the end of the fair.

They won’t get as much money that way as the YR’s did in 1968.

The Democratic booth located in Building C. For more information call the Party at 815 788-9540, e-mail infor@mchenrydems.com or visit www.mchenrydems.com

Labels: McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Fair, McHenry County Young Republicans, Penny Poll

Here’s a chuckle.

Illinois’ 8th congressional district United States Representative is identified as
Melissa Bean, D-California

in an article published Saturday by Harrisburg’s Insurance News Net.

McHenry County Blog reported that Bean held a fund raiser in Nancy Pelosi territory, but didn’t know she had moved there.

Clearly, these McHenry County Democrats did not get the news that their congresswoman had moved to California before they marched in the June 16th parade in Hebron.

= = = = =
The photo comes from the Democratic Party web site.

Labels: California, Hebron, McHenry County Democrats, Melissa Bean

For some reason. Patrick Ouimet, the former chairman of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, had trouble posting a comment under my story yesterday about the Democrats boycott of the Crystal Lake Gala's 4th of July Parade.

Unfortunately, others have, too. When Google updated its Blogger program, for some reason it got harder for some people to post comments.

With the Northwest Herald's having run a story written by Jocelyn Allison today in which Gala Parade Co-Chair Louise Steinbach commented on the banning of the McHenry County Peace Group because it wanted to express its members’ views.

She denies the group is being banned, but, as commenters under the story point out, if you can’t be somewhere, “banned” is an appropriate word.

More strangely, Steinbach denies that it is a 4th of July Parade.
Here’s what she told the Herald:

“This is not an Independence Day parade; This is a Gala Parade."

Could have fooled me.

Ouimet's comment is below:

Congratulations to the McHenry County Democratic Party for actually standing up and defending the rights of all individuals, other political parties, and private service organizations to freely think and speak.

The words of Mr. Justice Brandeis still remain the classic exposition on the principle of free speech in a free society:

"Those who won our independence believed...

• that freedom to think as you will and to speak as you think are means indispensable to the discovery and spread of political truth;
• that without free speech and assembly discussion would be futile;
• that with them, discussion affords ordinarily adequate protection against the dissemination of noxious doctrine;
• that the greatest menace to freedom is an inert people;
  
• that political discussion is a political duty; and
• that this should be a fundamental principle of the American government.

They recognized the risks to which all human institutions are subject. But they knew

• that order cannot secured merely through fear of punishment for its infraction;
• that it is hazardous to discourage thought, hope and imagination;
• that fear breeds repression;
• that repression breeds hate;
• that hate menaces stable government;
• that the path to safety lies in the opportunity to discuss freely supposed grievances and proposed remedies; and
• that the fitting remedy for evil counsels is good ones.

Believing in the power of reason as applied through public discussion, they eschewed silence coerced by law-the argument of force in its worst form."

Whitney v. California,
274 U.S. 357 (1927)(Brandeis, J., concurring).

Silencing those with whom you disagree is never the answer.

Therefore, I urge the Gala Committee to reconsider their decision to silence those with whom they disgaree and celebrate our nation's independence in a manner truly befitting those who fought for and won our independence. "

Patrick M. Ouimet, Esq.

= = = = =
The McHenry County Peace Group is shown marching in a Gala 4th of July parade, compliments of "Heretic, Rebel, a Thing to Flout" blog, written by Crystal Laker Patrick Murfin. He has several stories about the Freedom of Speech issues involved in the Gala Committee's attempt to control the content of the parade.

Labels: Crystal Lake Gala, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Peace Group, Patrick Ouimet

The following press release was received from the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee. I am pleased to publish it.

Democrats are not the first McHenry County political party to sit out the parade. Local Libertarians did so last year. A Northwest Herald editorial spoke of the offending behavior:

The Libertarians had people dressed in brown shirts "arrest" people along the parade route. The party had Libertarian members planted along the route who were in on the act.

At the end of the parade, the detainees were rescued by Lady Liberty and the Minutemen, (Jim) Young said.

Boy, I wish I had gotten pictures of that.

Another memorable Libertarian Party entry in Crystal Lake's Independence Day Parade had a man labeled as George Ryan locked up in a small cell. I think that was in 2000, before I got my picture taking bug and before Ryan had been indicted.

(Of course, Jim Tobin, the 1998 Libertarian Party candidate for governor produced a bumper sticker that said, "My Governor Is More Crooked Than Yours. Tobin got knocked off the ballot, it turns out by George Ryan Secretary of State employees working while being paid by the taxpayers.)

With that preamble, here's the Democrats' press release:

The McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, meeting at the Nunda Township Hall, voted Wednesday night to withdraw from participation in the Crystal Lake Gala Parade and to encourage others to do the same. The action was in response to the decision by the Gala Committee to bar participation in the parade by the McHenry County Peace Group.

“Tonight the Central Committee took a strong stand for fundamental fairness and freedom of speech by authorizing our withdrawal from the Crystal Lake Gala Parade” Cynor wrote in a message to party members after the vote. “The Gala Parade Committee has repeatedly abused its authority in making arbitrary decisions as to who may participate in this publicly supported parade.”

The Party has been a regular participant in the Gala Parade for several years with large contingents of marchers.

It was determined that the decision by the Gala Committee was "arbitrary and capricious" especially in light of banners, placards and signs regularly carried by an array of organizations, political parties, candidates and elected officials throughout the years.

The resolution authorizes the Party chair to withdraw participation “until such time that the Gala Parade Committee enforces its rules and regulations uniformly in the interest of equity, fundamental fairness and freedom of speech.” Cynor indicated that he would take action.

The resolution was overwhelmingly adopted by the weighted vote of the precinct representatives.

= = = = =
The McHenry County Peace Group is shown marching in a Gala 4th of July parade, compliments of "Heretic, Rebel, a Thing to Flout" blog, written by Crystal Laker Patrick Murfin. He has several stories about the Freedom of Speech issues involved in the Gala Committee's attempt to control the content of the parade.

The head shot near the top is McHenry County Democratic Party Central Committee Chairman Thomas Cynor.

The picture of people holding signs on some local highway was found on the McHenry County Peace Group's web site. The link is above. I guess signs like the ones shown are not considered appropriate by the Gala Committee.

The 4th of July Parade, sponsored by the Crystal Lake Gala ends at Lakeside Center. Traffic on the quiet street from which I took this picture of Skinner's (no relation) Carnival setting up is completely congested after the parade.

As usual, all photos may be enlarged.

For more McHenry County Blog, click here.

Labels: 4th of July Parade, Crystal Lake Gala, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Peace Group, Thomas Cynor

The following press release was received from the McHenry County Democratic Party Central Committee Thursday. I believe it speaks for itself.

OUIMET SITES HEALTH IN RESIGNATION AS McHENRY COUNTY DEM CHAIR

CRYSTAL LAKE--Patrick M. Ouimet, the Chairman of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, will resign his position effective on December 31.

Ouimet suffered a heart attack requiring emergency angioplasty surgery on November 12, just days after leading the county party to an historic victory. A Democrat was elected to the County Board, Congresswoman Melissa Bean and Representative Jack Franks swept to victory, and big county wide margins we racked up for state wide candidates Lisa Madigan and Jessie White.

A stent was placed in Ouimet’s right coronary artery to relieve blockage of that artery. He was released from the hospital less than 48 hours after surgery and his recovery has been remarkable.

In light of this recent medical event, Ouimet felt it appropriate to hand over the leadership reins of the Democratic Party to a new Chair who will take over the day-to-day governance of the Party. He communicated his resignation to the Party’s Executive Board members in writing on December 27.

Under the Party’s Constitution, Vice Chair Kathleen Bergan Schmidt will automatically assume the duties and responsibilities of the Chair until such time as a successor is elected by the members of the Central Committee.

Bergan Schmidt of Crystal Lake, a veteran party leader who ran for the McHenry County Board in the November election said, “We anticipate that we will continue to build the party to the standards set by Pat Ouimet’s leadership.”

Patrick Murfin, a former vice-chair who himself assended briefly to the Chair, had high praise for both the departing and incoming leaders:

Pat’s passion and unmatched organizational skill helped transform the McHenry County Democrats into an effective organization. Kathy has worked hand in hand with him and shares his vision of making the Democrats the majority party here.

Ouimet will continue to serve the Party in his elected position as Precinct Committeeman for Dorr 12.

Here is the Ouimet biography posted on the county Democrats web site (the photo is from there, too):

Patrick M. Ouimet was born on St. Patrick's Day 47 years ago in Decatur, Illinois.

From a large, close knit family of seven brothers and three sisters, Pat today lives and practices law in Woodstock, and is married to Dr. Mary Riggs, an OB/GYN, practicing in the cities of McHenry and Algonquin, Illinois.

Pat graduated from Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago. He then attended John Carroll University located in University Heights, Ohio. In 1988, Pat received his law degree (with honors) from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

Pat has served the McHenry County Democratic Party as its General Counsel, Chaired the Membership Recruitment Committee and served on the Policy Committee.

On April 19, 2006, Pat was unanimously elected as the Chairman of the McHenry County Democratic Party.

Best wishes to Mr. Ouimet in his recovery.

Labels: McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Patrick Ouimet

Yesterday, a bit of the strategy of McHenry County Democrats to gain a foothold on the McHenry County Board was discussed. It included gender selection and limiting the number of challengers to one per district. Both legitimate strategies, I might add.

The Dems seem to be trying to minimize 6-year incumbent Pete Merkel’s visibility by stealing his signs, even leaving his running mate's Sandra Salgado's when they are at the same location.

Maule herself has been pushing her positives in her handout and in a recent mailing from Jerry Thielen.

Nevertheless, a challenger needs to give voters a reason why they shouldn’t vote for 6-yearincumbent Pete Merkel.

Because she has a ground game, Maule can afford to be less strident than Perry Moy’s opponent. Can you find any negatives in this door-to-door literature?

But to oust an incumbent you need a reason.

What’s he done that is bad?

This recent comparison piece--probably being distributed with Melissa Bean's last piece this weekend by volunteers or paid workers-- answers that question:

But, before the hit on her opponent, Maule hits some positives. She lists the following as reasons to vote for her candidacy:

· Works to protect victims of domestic violence.
Worked with Rep. Jack Franks providing research to create the toughest domestic violence laws in the country.

· Helped save the Spring Grove Hatchery. Worked with Rep. Jack Franks in promoting the land transfer between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the village.

· Resigned as Rep. Franks’ legislative liaison to avoid a conflict of interest or appearance of conflict of double dipping.

· Counsels small business at McHenry County College’s Shah Center to help small businesses become more successful.

On the right side of this campaign piece are the “hits” on Merkel:

· $ Voted in favor of the animal shelter that costs taxpayers $3.8 million while Turning Point the shelter for abused women remains closed.

· $ Merkel was on the Planning and Development board that spent $400,000 of taxpayer dollars for a land use plan that was a failure.

· $ Receives a double government pension, benefits and pay –a six year “double dipper.” Merkel even voted in favor of an 85% pay increase.

· $ Voted in favor of a sign ordinance that creates an undue burden on small business owners.

Below in big headlines you can read this:

Vote for someone
who will fight
for you on the County Board
Vote for Mary Margaret Maule

And beneath is the pitch to vote for one candidate only, plus the six public officials endorsing her.

Before he was elected to public office, Pat Quinn made big headlines every year announcing all the Chicago area public officials and legislators who were on two payrolls.

He has been noticeably silent since ascending to state office in the last two decades.

I had not noticed that Jack Franks was following in his footsteps, but Pete Merkel filled me in.

You can read the details tomorrow.

Labels: Jerry Thielen, Mary Margaret Maule, McHenry County Democrats, Perry Moy, Pete Merkel, Sandra Salgado

All of the McHenry County political action committees reporting to the State Board of Elections have reached Springfield, although some got there a bit late.

Let’s look first at those committees with a McHenry County connection that reported over $10,000 as of the beginning of 2006. In descending order they are

George W Dunne Campaign Fund- $116,406.03
Citizens to Elect Sheriff Nygren - $96,319.72
Skinner Campaign Fund - $52,761.61
Citizens to Re-Elect Bob Miller - $50,672.91
Citizens to Elect Phyllis K Walters - $46,479.80
Committee to Elect Michael W Tryon - $30,178.58
Committee to Elect Louis Bianchi McHenry County State's Attorney - $25,915.98
Citizens For Jack D Franks - $24,254.47
Citizens for Bill Lefew - $17,158.88
Citizens for Pamela J Althoff - $15,839.15
Comm to Elect Charles P Weech - $12,833.46
Citizens to Elect Mike Chmiel - $11,437.38
Citizens for Klemm - $10,127

Now, before folks get all bent out of shape, remember that George Dunne does have a farm in north central McHenry County.

Anyway, it’s clear that Sheriff Nygren has the biggest dog in the PAC race.

The only name on the list unfamiliar to me was Charles Weech. He is running for judge.

Notice that the McHenry County Republican Central Committee is not on the list. It’s a good thing that it has a fund raiser this Friday, because there was only $2,564.63 in the bank on January 1st. Even if one adds in the $553.01 in the McHenry County Republican Foundation, a subsidiary fund raising entity formed to protect those in control from an unlikely insurgency, the GOP has only dollars over $3,100.

County Democrats had $1,532.49 on hand.

Labels: Bill LeFew, Charles Weech, Dick KIemm, George Dunne, Keith Nygren, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Republican Central Committee, Mike Chmiel, Pam Althoff