Political Briefs

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Updated: January 29, 2012 8:07AM

Candidate forum: Lake County Right to Life will hold its “Candidate Forum on the Life Issues” Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Warren Township Senior Center, 17801 W. Washington St., Gurnee. All candidates, Democrat, Republican and independent, running for the U.S. House, state Senate and House, judicial and countywide offices, have been invited. The forum provides the opportunity to have first-hand knowledge of the candidate’s views on the life issues for the upcoming primary election. There is no charge to attend. For more information, call (847) 223-7022

Yancey endorsed: Former Highland Park Mayor Daniel Pierce announced his support for Coroner Artis Yancey in the March Democratic primary. Pierce, a two-decade Illinois state representative and a leader in the Illinois House, made the announcement at a fund-raiser in the Highland Park Country Club being held for his campaign to be elected to the North Shore Sanitary District where he is the district president.

Dold award: Tenth District Congressman Robert Dold, R-Kenilworth, has been given the “2011 Standing Up for Seniors” award in honor of his commitment to protecting Medicare Part D and ensuring Medicare choice for seniors. The award was given by Retire Safe which is an organization committed to protecting seniors.

McLemore endorsed: The Lake County Black Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Clyde McLemore for the Ward 1 seat on North Shore Sanitary District board of trustees.

Footlik endorsed: Former Illinois Tenth Congressional District candidate Jay Footlik has endorsed Brad Schneider in the district Democratic primary. In making his endorsement, Footlik underscored the importance of electing a candidate ready and able to address the large-scale issues facing the nation. Footlik, a former senior adviser in the Clinton White House, joins a number of local and national elected officials and community leaders endorsing Schneider, including state Sen. Susan Garrett.

Walsh honored: RetireSafe, representing more than 400,000 seniors nationwide, honored U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Johnsburg, for his efforts to protect the health benefits and security of Illinois’ seniors and disabled.

Educaton forum: David Ratliff of Zion will host an Education Policy Forum on Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Inn & Suites at Market Square, 2723 Sheridan Road, Zion. Invited guests will be 31st Senate District candidates, Republican Lennie Jarratt and Democrat Melinda Bush.

Snowbird voting: Lake County registered voters who spend part of the year outside of the county (usually winters) can enroll in the Snowbird Voting by Mail Program at the Lake County Clerk’s Office. Those enrolled will automatically receive an application for ballot by mail for the elections specified. Illinois law requires individuals voting by mail to complete an application for ballot before each election, and a ballot will be mailed to the voter only after the Clerk receives the signed application. To enroll in the program, the voter must be a registered Lake County voter. Visit the County Clerk’s Web site at VotingbyMail.info to download a fillable Snowbird Voting by Mail Program enrollment form. Voters may also request a form by contacting the Elections Department at VotingByMail@lakecountyil.gov or call (847) 377-2406.