Democrat drops out of Lake County Board race
A Democratic hopeful for a Lake County Board seat has withdrawn from the race, leaving her Republican rival the only candidate for the post.
But that likely won't last, because local Democratic Party leaders expect to appoint someone new to run.
The candidate, Ingleside resident Gloria Charland, dropped out of the contest for the county board's 5th District seat. She filed the necessary paperwork May 23 with the Lake County clerk's office, an employee there said.
When reached by telephone Friday, Charland declined to answer questions about her decision, saying she plans to release a statement in two weeks.
Charland's departure makes Republican Judy Martini of Fox Lake the only candidate for the board seat. Martini said Charland called her last month and revealed she'd quit the race.
Martini called Charland's decision “unfortunate” and wished her well.
Lake County Democratic Party leaders have until Aug. 31 to appoint a new candidate to run against Martini. Pete Couvall, the Democrats' first vice chairman, said a new candidate could be announced “in a few days.”
Couvall didn't know why Charland quit the race. He said he was told the decision was “personal.”
The general election is Nov. 8.
The 5th District includes Fox Lake, Lakemoor, Volo and parts of Round Lake, Wauconda, Antioch and Lake Villa.
Republican incumbent Bonnie Thomson Carter isn't seeking re-election.
Martini served on the county board from 1994 to 2008, representing the 1st District. She moved out of state in 2012 but returned to Lake County in 2014.