Lake Forest, Lake Bluff Candidates Shape Spirited Primary Elections

Campaigns for the and Nov. 6 general elections started to come into clear view Tuesday after Monday’s deadline passed to land a space on the ballot for all races  

Of the 23 campaigns in the North Suburban Patch reading area, candidates will square off in primaries in 17 of those races for either the Democratic or Republican nomination. In three cases, primaries will take place between members of both parties. 

In the contests for six offices, either the Republican or Democrat has no opponent however party leaders can still choose a nominee. 

“We have a lot of outstanding candidates,” 10^th Congressional District Committeewoman and Moraine Township Democratic Chair Lauren Beth Gash of Highland Park said of her party’s field. “I have a lot of respect for the democratic process and the hard work it takes to get on the ballot.” 

Moraine Township Republican Chairman is enthusiastic about the Republicans running for office. In the past, he conceded it was not easy to recruit candidates but there is abundance this time. 

“I think it shows a lot of interest in public service,” Atsaves said. “In the past we have had to struggle to find candidates and this time we didn’t have to struggle at all.” 

Candidates for the United States House of Representatives in the 9^th and 10^th Congressional Districts will have to wait until Dec. 23 to file their petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections because of a court order arising out of a challenge to the new map. 

Retirements Cause Some Primaries 

Some of the primary contests are the result of the retirements of, state Sen. Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston ), state Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park), state Sen. Susie Schmidt (R-Lake Villa) as well as Lake County State’s Attorney Mike Waller and lake County Court Clerk Sally Coffelt, both Republicans.

The race to succeed Waller has produced the largest primary field of all with three Republicans and three Democrats fighting for their party’s nod. Gurnee attorney of Lake Barrington are the Republican hopefuls.

On the Democratic side, Libertyville resident and Lake Forest attorney All are lawyers.

In the race to succeed Garrett, Highland Park pediatrician Arie Friedman is the lone Republican waiting to take on the winner of the Democratic primary between and

While Highwood attorney Scott Drury is unopposed for the Democratic nomination to succeed May, both of Lake Forest, are vying for the Republican nomination.

Some Incumbents Face Primary Challenges

Primary battles are also shaping up on both sides in the campaign for Lake County Coroner. Thomas Rudd of Lake Forest is challenging incumbent Artis Yancey for the Democratic nomination while Steve Newton of Antioch and Howard Cooper of Gurnee seek the Republican nod.

As a result of redistricting in May, two members of the Illinois General Assembly will campaign against each other in the 59^th district. State Rep. Sid Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) and are the contestants there.

In elections for the Lake County Board, a number of primary fights are taking place. In the 12^th District, the primary may be the general election as there is no Democrat currently running. The Republican primary pits former against .

A major battle is shaping up on both sides in the 13^th District, which includes most of Lake Bluff and parts of North Chicago, Gurnee, Waukegan and Gages Lake.

On the Republican side, Lake Bluff Village Board members and will join Jay Krasne of Gurnee in the fight for the nomination. On the Democratic ticket, Sandra Hart of Lake Bluff, Robert Glueckert of Grayslake and Anthony Solar of Waukegan are facing off.

In the 21^st District, Democrat Arlene Hickory of Lake Bluff will await the outcome of the Republican primary between Ann Maine of Lincolnshire, Robert Haraden of Libertyville and Douglas Bennett of Deerfield to learn her general election opponent.

Unopposed for reelection so far are state Rep. Robyn Gable (D-Evanston), state Rep. Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein), Lake County Board President David Stolman (R-Buffalo Grove), North Shore Sanitary District Trustee Thomas Sworthout (R-Lake Forest) and North Shore Sanitary District President Daniel Pierce (D-Highland Park).