Belsky Denies Candidacy for House Seat

strongly denied today he is a candidate for the Republican nomination to succeed retiring left vacant this week

Belsky’s name was one of eight mentioned in a telephonic poll conducted Thursday night seeking public opinion on a preference for Turelli’s replacement, according to Moraine Township Republican Chairman Lou Atsaves.

“My name was used without my knowledge or permission,” Belsky said. “I have always been a registered Democrat. I am supporting Scott Drury.” Drury is the Democratic candidate for the seat.

Two people who were listed on the poll have already been mentioned as possible replacements to Turelli. They are Mark Neerhof and Mark Shaw, both of Lake Forest. Neerhof lost a close race to Turelli in the March 20 primary and Shaw is the West Deerfield Township Republican chairman.

The other names mentioned were current Lake County Board candidate and former Lake Forest Mayor Mike Rummel, Scott Helton of Lake Forest, Rick Lesser of Lake Bluff, Louise Hayes of Lake Bluff and Keith Gray. Hayes, Helton and Lesser all lost primary contests for other offices.

Belsky’s name came as a surprise to a number of Republicans as well as the former Highland Park mayor. “We were all wondering why his name was there,” Atsaves said about the discussion at Thursday’s Moraine Township Republican event.

Belsky is not only supporting Drury, but has been helping him with his campaign. “I spent three hours with him (Drury) helping him with policy,” Belsky said.

Turelli’s successor will be chosen by Lake County Republican Chairman Robert Cook, New Trier Township Comitteeman Bill Cadigan and Northfield Township Committeewoman Jill Brickman.