Campaign manager for suburban congressional candidate dies
Lisa Schneider Fabes, a political consultant who was recently hired to manage the campaign of Democratic congressional candidate Phil Andrew in the 9th District, has died.
Schneider Fabes, 60, suffered a fatal heart attack Sept. 25 at her Wilmette home, Andrew said.
Schneider Fabes was the founder of LSF Consulting. Among her many assignments, Schneider Fabes worked on Lori Lightfoot’s successful 2019 mayoral campaign in Chicago and then managed Lightfoot’s transition team.
Earlier in her career, Schneider Fabes worked for Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Housing Authority and was a volunteer with the U.S Peace Corps.
Schneider Fabes also served two terms on the Wilmette School District 39 board, from 2017 until this past spring.
Schneider Fabes and Andrew were neighbors and friends. She was a volunteer for his campaign until transitioning to campaign manager about a week ago, a spokesperson said.
“Our hearts are heavy,” campaign spokesperson Steve Knipstein said.
Andrew eulogized Schneider Fabes in a Facebook post Monday.
“From crazy youth soccer carpooling with our daughters to taking on the enormity of Chicago violence, Lisa was a wing woman anybody engaged in hard, impactful work sought,” Andrew said. “Thank you for your friendship, collaboration and belief in me. Rest in peace, my fierce friend.”
A funeral service for Schneider Fabes was held Monday.
Andrew, also of Wilmette, is among 17 Democrats seeking the Democratic Party nomination. Two Republicans are running for the GOP nomination, too.
The 9th District includes parts of Cook, Lake and McHenry counties. Incumbent Jan Schakowsky, an Evanston Democrat, isn’t seeking reelection after decades of service.
Follow the money
Tuesday was the last day of the year’s third quarter, which means it’s time for candidates to file financial reports with the Illinois State Board of Elections and the Federal Election Commission.
Candidates for all political offices must complete documents that detail fundraising efforts and spending once they hit financial thresholds. Third-quarter reports — covering transactions made since July 1 — are due by midnight Oct. 15.
The reports of candidates for local, county and state offices in Illinois can be found at elections.il.gov. Reports for federal candidates can be found at fec.gov.
In addition to the candidates’ quarterly reports, the sites contain information about donors, political action committees, political parties and much more.
Remember: In the words of fictional Baltimore police detective Lester Freamon, if you follow the money, you don’t know where it’s going to take you.
• Political Roundabout is an occasional column on campaign, legislative and political news with a suburban focus.