Lake Forest, Lake Bluff Candidates Among Names in D-58 Poll

A telephone poll conducted Thursday night seeking public opinion on a preference for Lauren Turelli’s replacement in the District 58 race included several and names, according to Moraine Township Republican Chairman Lou Atsaves.

Two people who were listed on the poll already have been mentioned as possible replacements to Turelli in the race to succeed retiring state Rep. Karen May, D-Highland Park. They are and , both of Lake Forest. Neerhof lost a close race to Turelli in the March 20 primary and Shaw is the West Deerfield Township Republican chairman.

The other names mentioned were Lake County Board candidate and , , , , former Highland Park Mayor Mike Belsky and Keith Gray. Hayes lost in the Republican primary for ; Helton lost to Rummel in the , and Lesser lost to David Barkhausen in the .

• See related story:

Both Rummel and Lesser said Friday that they did not know their names were going to be used in the poll.

"No knowledge," Rummel said.

"I've learned in politics that people do things without asking," Lesser added.

Both also indicated they had no interested in running as Turelli's replacement, and indicated Neerhof might be a good candidate due to name recognition among other variables.

Belsky strongly denied Friday that he was a candidate.

“My name was used without my knowledge or permission,” Belsky said. “I have always been a registered Democrat. I am supporting Scott Drury.” is the Democratic candidate for the seat.

Belsky’s name came as a surprise to a number of Republicans as well as the former Highland Park mayor. “We were all wondering why his name was there,” said Atsaves, a Lake Forest resident, about the discussion at Thursday’s Moraine Township Republican event.

Belsky not only is supporting Drury, but also has been helping him with his campaign. “I spent three hours with him (Drury) helping him with policy,” Belsky said.

Turelli’s successor will be chosen by Lake County Republican Chairman Robert Cook, New Trier Township Committeeman Bill Cadigan and Northfield Township Committeewoman Jill Brickman. They are scheduled to meet today, June 16.

For more news and updates from Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch, subscribe to our daily e-newsletter, “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.