Appeal likely for Democrats kicked off ballot

An appeal is expected to be filed in Lake County circuit court on behalf of four Democrats who were removed from the November ballot.

Republican activists filed the objections involving candidates for four Lake County board seats. The Republicans contended the Democrats' candidacies were invalid because they weren't nominated by local precinct representatives as required by state law.

Last week, the Lake County electoral board heard testimony and agreed the four Democrats should be yanked from the Nov. 4 ballot. Removed were:

• Mark Nielsen, of Round Lake Beach, in county board District 3. Republican Suzi Schmidt is the incumbent and county board chair.

• Davita Siegel, of Buffalo Grove, in county board District 20. Republican David Stolman holds that seat.

• Sari Ann Hurtig, of Mundelein, in county board District 10. Republican Diana O'Kelly holds that seat.

• Steve Pearson, of Ingleside, in county board District 5. Republican Bonnie Thomson Carter is the incumbent.

Attorney Christopher Kennedy, who represented the Democrats at last week's hearings on the objections, said he plans to appeal in Lake County circuit court in an effort to return the candidates to the ballot. He said the appeal will be filed shortly after he receives the electoral board's ruling in writing, possibly in the next couple of days.

Lake County Clerk Willard Helander, Chief Deputy State's Attorney Meg Marcouiller and Circuit Court Clerk Sally Coffelt served on the electoral board.

In Siegel's case, Helander said, the board voted to remove her from the ballot because nominating papers listed an incorrect date for when the candidate was slated for election. The three others were found to have not been nominated by the local precinct representatives.

Each objection that went before the board was filed by separate pairs or groups of Republicans. Among the objectors were: Schmidt's husband, Robert; Fremont Township Highway Commissioner Bill Grinnell; and Vernon Township GOP Chairman Don Castella.

Helander said an electoral board hearing is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday to determine whether Gurnee Democrat Terry Hall can remain on the ballot in her attempt to win a state representative seat in the 62nd District.

Republican Lake County board member Bob Powers of Round Lake Beach filed an objection against Hall.

Republican state Rep. Sandy Cole of Grayslake is the incumbent in the 62nd District seat.