Small Change

Pop Quiz! But no worries, in observance of Spring Break this one will be a stroll on the beach.

When this person became the chair of their political party, the opposing party dominated Lake County politics. The majority if not all of the County, Township, State and Federal offices were held by members of the other party. But since then, this indefatigable chair not only managed to stem the tide but completely reversed the fortunes of their moribund political party. And now that party dominates Lake County politics. One final hint, this county chair will not be seeking re-election. Can you name this person and their party?

The correct answer is, of course, Keith Brin, chair of Lake County Republican Central Committee. Brin disclosed his decision not to seek reelection to lead his party ...

on Wednesday, giving the respective precinct committeepersons time to evaluate potential replacements before their April conventions.
Lake County Democratic and Republican parties seeing changes in leadership in April

For the record, Keith Brin was a candidate for committeeperson in his precinct and lost. As a consequence, he is not be eligible to be Republican Party chair:

Note to Ops: No law says necessity can't be sold as a virtue.

The 23 Skid

It has come to your LakeCountyEye's attention that there was a Primary election. Who knew? Not your LakeCountyEye.

Who won? Not the Republican Party. The GOP vote clocked out with a scantling 23% of total Lake County ballots cast.

This may not bode well for the Lake County GOP's General election prospects. An Illinois GOP spokesman nonetheless was upbeat: "23 percent is nothing to be ashamed of. I would be overjoyed to see a 23 percent return on my crypto investments."

Their low turnout, apparently, can be attributed to 2 factors. Unlike Democrats, Republicans do not vote by mail. And the price of gas kept those voters away from the polls.

An Illinois GOP spokesman who is different than that other Illinois GOP spokesman who was let go, was upfront: "If President Trump can send ICE agents to airport security checkpoints, then he can deploy the US Postal Service as well.  US Post Offices will all be shut down during the period starting with early voting and up to the November election.  And your mailmen will be exclusively tasked with shuttling Republican voters to the polls. STOP THE STEAL!"

Bunny Bash

Bunny Bash | Gurnee Park District

Get It in Writing

Sharpen up your #2 pencils because you've got another Pop Quiz:

Q: How do you spell: ELEANOR SWEET MCDONNELL?

A: ELEANOR SWEET MCDONNELL

And you will need that #2 pencil tomorrow if you plan to vote for McDonnell. She is on the ballot as a write-in candidate:

Eleanor Sweet McDonnell and Joseph Salvi are facing off in the primary, with McDonnell highlighting her track record as North Barrington village president and previous work in politics, while Salvi frames himself as part of a new generation of Lake County Republicans. Despite McDonnell's lengthier political resume, she's running as a write-in candidate, a situation she attributed to political "shenanigans."
Lake County Board candidate alleges backroom 'shenanigans': 'It wasn't a conspiracy,' incumbent says

Why is Salvi on the ballot for County Board District 17, while McDonnell is a write-in? Some believe there was a backroom deal between Salvi and retiring incumbent Michael Danforth:

The Lake County Board seat of outgoing District 17 member Michael Danforth — a prominent Republican voice on the largely Democratic panel — has generated some election controversy, as the write-in candidate has accused her opponent of backroom deals with Danforth.
Lake County Board candidate alleges backroom 'shenanigans': 'It wasn't a conspiracy,' incumbent says

In his defense, Danforth says everything was on the up-and-up. And while Salvi's political resume may be thin gruel, in his defense Salvi can claim to be the son of the Chair of the Illinois Republican Party.

A spokesman for the Illinois GOP said: "Nothing to see here. Move along."

Nothing Succeeds Like a Successor

Pop Quiz!

This politician, who never lost an election to his legislative seat, was considered a representative-for-life. Then on the last day to submit Primary petitions he announced he would not seek reelection in 2026. And his hand-picked successor was the only name left on the ballot. Can you name this Illinois machine politician? And for bonus points, can you name the hand-picked successor?

If you named 4th District Congressman Chuy García, that was a good guess -- but you are wrong.  The correct answer is Lake County District 17 Commissioner Michael Danforth. His hand-picked successor is Joe Salvi:

Michael Danforth has represented District 17 for nine years. He filed to run for reelection but withdrew after the filing deadline, saying he wanted time for family. Salvi submitted paperwork on the last day of candidate filing and subsequently received Danforth's endorsement.
Newcomer, experienced write-in candidate square off in Lake County District 17

Lake County GOP favorite son Eleanor Sweet McDonnell is running against Salvi as a write-in candidate:

McDonnell said the timing and politics of that situation led her to run as write-in candidate.
Newcomer, experienced write-in candidate square off in Lake County District 17

One political scientist said: "Someone would have better luck on that ballot qualifying as an Independent candidate. That corner of the County is where your GOP voters are home-schooled. Winning as a write-in there will be a tough row to hoe."

Stop the Spiel

Question of the Day:

Q: What is Donald Trump's new justification for going to war against Iran?

A: Iran stole the 2020 election for Biden.

Don't laugh, there are plenty of Republicans who still believe the 2020 election was stolen. And they are all running for Congress in the 11th District:

Three of the four Republicans running for Illinois' 11th Congressional District seat have expressed doubts that Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 presidential election.
GOP congressional candidates express doubts about Biden’s 2020 White House win

One political scientist said: "Be careful what you wish for. If they do give the 2020 election to Trump, that means this would be his third term as President. The Constitution is clear on this matter: Trump would need to be removed -- by force if necessary -- from the White House."

Early Voting Begins Today for the March 17, 2026 General Primary Election

Early Voting Begins Today for the March 17, 2026 General Primary Election