The 411 on 911

Who hasn't dialed 911 to order a pizza or get directions to Binny's? Like every Lake County community, Lake Villa counts on their 911 service for legitimate emergencies. So your LakeCountyEye took note when the News-Sun reported that ...

Emergency dispatch services for the Lake Villa Police Department will switch from Antioch's dispatch center to FoxComm 9-1-1 center at the Fox Lake Public Safety Building beginning Nov. 1.
Cost savings prompts Lake Villa 9-1-1 move to Fox Lake

Your LakeCountyEye recalls a recent spike in volume of 911 calls reported in that city, and wishes the village of Lake Villa the best of luck in the transition. Be sure to double-shift your night dispatchers!

In other, unrelated 911 news, the News-Sun updated their story about former Lake County Board member Larry Leafblad. Leafblad hopes to challenge State Senator Suzi Schmidt in the March primary. Your LakeCountyEye hears that other high-profile candidates may show up on the ballot for Senate 31, as well.

The reason Schmidt, an incumbent 20-year politican, is being challenged is well-known. According to the News-Sun, Leafblad thinks that Schmidt "mortally wounded herself" ...

"At the same time, I can see if she wins the primary, which I hope she doesn't, the fall is going to be the Democrats playing 9-1-1 call after 9-1-1 call after 9-1-1 call for 10 weeks up to the general election," Leafblad said. "It's going to be brutal, and I don’t think she can win."
Leafblad: Schmidt 'vulnerable next fall'

In a close primary it's a good idea to remind the voters about your opponent's flaws, in this case some embarassing 911 calls. However it is ill-advised to directly attack your opponent. But reminding the voters that the Democrats will be attacking your opponent about some embarassing 911 calls gets the job done. Well played, Larry Leafblad.

With a likely crowded field on the Republican side in Senate 31, look for at least one debate scheduled before the primary. Probably at Lakes Community High School or a similar venue. Your LakeCountyEye expects that every statement uttered at that debate will contain a noun and a verb and 911.

Negative Feedback

Autumn in Lake County means one of two things: Leaf-peepers are out looking for some primary colors. Or operatives are out looking for some leaf-peepers to sign their primary petitions. As readers of this blog are redoundingly aware ...

The Re-doozi

embattled State Senator Suzi Schmidt announced she will seek re-election, which means she must -- like every candidate -- collect the required number of petition signatures before the December 5 deadline.

Schmidt already has at least one announced Primary challenger. According to the News-Sun former County Board member Larry Leafblad ...

informed Schmidt that he intends to run against her because her "negatives" are insurmountable after the release last week of four embarrassing 9-1-1 recordings by the Lake County Sheriff's Office. "I told her, 'Imagine what would happen if the Democratic spin doctors run those 9-1-1 tapes in the commercials next fall. They're going to crucify you, Suzi, and I can't stand that happening to you,'" Leafblad said.
Sen. Schmidt to run for re-election

Apparently Leafblad wants to defeat Schmidt in the Primary to save her from being embarrassed in the General election. Ha ha. Anyhow, Leafblad is right about one thing, Schmidt's political negatives are at the moment skyhigh, erm, rockbottom.

Negative perceptions, it goes without saying, are kryptonite for a candidate. As you read this, the political campaigns in Senate District 31 have already mapped out Schmidt's negatives with an eye to exploiting or defusing them, as the case may be.

Those wishing to be a fly on the wall need look no farther than this blog. Operatives have informed your LakeCountyEye that while Schmidt's negatives are formidable they are still manageable in number. That manageable number happens to be ten; they are reproduced here:

Embattled State Senator Suzi Schmidt's 10 Highest Political Negatives

No Political Punch Lacks the Acumen of a Career Politician Makes Phone Calls When Behind the Wheel No Street Cred Too Many Connections for a Short Fuse All Bark No Bite Did Not Demand the Death Penalty for the Millburn Strangler Makes Joe Walsh Look Like Honest Abe No One Takes Her Calls

For operatives scoring at home, your LakeCountyEye's negatives are all to be found at the FotoMat.