Lake County Gazette

Republican candidate Ken Idstein is calling for Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) to join him in condemning “extreme political attacks” after an Idstein campaign sign was defaced with an anti-gay slur.

"These despicable attacks have no place in our community,” Idstein said in a press release. “I am running because the current political leaders have failed us. When we stand up to them, they unleash the vilest attacks. We won't be bullied. We won't be intimidated.”

The Idstein yard sign was on the Grayslake property of Larry Leafblad, a former Lake County board member.

Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake)

Idstein is running against Yingling for the 62nd District House District seat in the November general election. He noted that Yingling has received $1.5 million in campaign donations from House Speaker Michael Madigan, more than any other Democratic House candidate. The money has been spent by Yingling to send political attack mailers and divide the community, Idstein said.

“I call on my opponent, to cease with his extreme political attacks aimed at distracting from his record, and publicly condemn this illegal behavior,” he said. “I'm going to Springfield to save our homes by ending this Chicago-style political culture, not bring it to Lake County."

The vandalism was “a gutter tactic,” Leafblad said in the press release.

“If this has become the norm, good luck,” he said. “But I know it doesn't represent the values of our community. It just confirms the need to change the culture in politics and confirms that we need someone like Ken who has the character to stand up for what is right.”

Yingling's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

The 62nd House District includes parts of Avon, Fremont, Grant, Lake Villa, Warren and Wauconda.