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Politics & Government

Schakowsky Rallies Democrats for Schneider

Primary opponents offer support at unity rally.

stood with and his three opponents for the Democratic nomination for the 10th Congressional District seat Thursday in Lincolnshire in a show of unity after winning Tuesday’s primary.

Schakowsky and Schneider rallied more than 250 people at a Tenth Congressional District Democrats unity event to put aside their differences after a spirited primary and focus their energy on unseating as pledged their support.

Schneider began his general election campaign Wednesday morning at the Highland Park train station and Dold wasted little time responding to the Deerfield management consultant’s criticism.

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After the Illinois General Assembly created more Democratic friendly Congressional Districts in May, Schakowsky thinks the state will play a significant role helping her party win the 25 seats necessary to regain control of the House of Representatives.

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“Illinois is ground zero for putting the gavel back in the hands of (Rep.) Nancy Pelosi (D-CA),” Schakowsky said. “My priority is to start with my neighboring districts,” she added referring to Schneider’s effort and the campaign of Tammy Duckworth in the 8th District.

According to Schakowsky, five of the 25 seats needed to control the House could come from Illinois.

Before Schneider could claim victory Tuesday over the last 10 years despite making many more contributions to Democrats including Schakowsky and Pelosi.

“He ran in a really tough primary,” Schakowsky said of Schneider’s campaign. “It made him ready to handle anything thrown at him. Now it’s time to focus on November like a laser.”

Schneider told the crowd about how he was tested in the primary and with their help would be ready for the general election.

“I woke up Tuesday morning with a knot in my stomach,” Schneider said of his feeling election day. “If we go forward arm in arm I won’t wake up with a knot in my stomach Nov. 6 and by 7:15 (p.m.) we’ll be celebrating.”

Some of Sheyman’s passionate supporters indicated they want the opportunity to transfer their enthusiasm. New Trier Democratic Organization President Priscilla Sperling asked Schneider to let them know him better.

“We will work our hearts out for you if you tell us who you are so we can fully know our candidate,” Sperling said.

Schneider told Patch after the event he was ready to accommodate the New Trier Democrats and everyone else in the District who wants to get to know him.

“I’ll meet every one of them anywhere they want,” Schneider said. “I am who I am. I didn’t tack to the left in the primary and I won’t tack to the right in the general.”

During his speech to the gathering, he put his philosophy in clear terms. “I want to make life a little better for people so they can wake up in the morning and feel a little better for their children, that they can pay for the roof over their head and have a secure retirement.”

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