Embattled Lake County Clerk Robin O’Connor announced that instead of running in the democratic primary, she will run for re-election in the general election as a republican.
According to her release, “this is to inform you that I will be seeking re-election, and running as a Republican candidate for my second term as Lake County Clerk.” She goes on to state that her priority is to continue meeting the needs of the Lake County community and ensure effective operations of the clerk’s office. She also cited several accomplishments including handling a pandemic related crisis where 500 election judges dropped out in March 2020, creating a partnership with the Lake County Fairgrounds Association and leveraging $2million in grant funding which she used to increase efficiency of the office.
O’Connor was the subject of controversy when after firing two employees, they in turn sued the county. They are politically connected and hired shortly after O’Connor won in 2018. The employees were apparently involved in “conducting investigations” even though they were hired in administrative capacities. The allegations made by the two former employees were found to be without merit as indicated by the lack of charges of any kind.
According to an article by the Chicago Tribune, the pair alleged the county was paying too much to store equipment at 415 Washington St. in Waukegan and that property was owned by Robison Guarnery, the husband of former deputy county administrator Amy McEwan. The problem is that the property had nothing to do with Robison Guarnery per their statement. Instead it is owned by 415 Washington Street LLC according to public records. It was never shown that the county was “paying too much” yet the pair went to the State’s Attorney and the FBI anyway.
Because they were technically “whistleblowers,” the suit was brought, the county settled and the two received an award costing taxpayers as a result.
In the summer of 2021, Mary Ellen Vanderventer announced that she would challenge O’Connor in the democratic primary. But then in September, Vanderventer announced she was dropping out. Within days, Anthony Vega announced that he would challenge O’Connor in the primary. Now Vega is assured to win the primary but will have to face incumbent O’Connor in the general election. So far, Vega has waged an effective campaign and there is no reason to believe that will not continue into the general election. In all likelihood, this will be a hard fought race.