Lake County Gazette

Linda Brougham Cardella of the Vernon Township Republican Organization recently promoted a speaker event for Mary Cole who is running for Lake County State’s Attorney.  


“Mary Cole, candidate for Lake County State’s Attorney, was our featured speaker last night at our monthly VTR meeting,” Cardella said on the Vernon Township Republican Organization’s Facebook page.

“She spoke on the reality of the EXTREME SAFE-T Act which goes into effect in IL on Sept. 18. Do you want a safe community? Beware! IL is about to get a lot more UNSAFE! The Democrat run Illinois Supreme Court Upheld the extreme SAFE-T Act Provision Eliminating Cash Bail which will put more criminals back on our streets. Thank the IL Democrats who control our state and IL residents who vote for them.”

As a former assistant state's attorney in Lake County, Cole has noted she is determined to tackle pressing issues within the office, such as low morale and inadequate attorney training, as integral components of her campaign for the November 2024 election.


Cole has articulated her commitment to revitalizing a cadre of top-notch prosecutors and enhancing workplace morale, alluding to her apprehensions regarding the current state of affairs under the leadership of incumbent Eric Rinehart.

On her campaign website, Cole directs her focus toward Rinehart.

“The incumbent State's Attorney is failing. Prosecutions are down, crime is up, and the office is in chaos. Mary will work to remove the extreme political agendas and bring stability to the State's Attorney's office,” her campaign website reads.

Cole is a partner at Brady Cole Trial Lawyers. She has experience in both prosecution and defense, with a strong track record in handling cases involving DUIs, domestic battery, and orders of protection.

“Mary comes to the bench with an honest and aggressive approach to fight for you. She will walk you through every part of the process to ensure you understand what is happening. She will do everything she can to protect your rights and allow you to be heard,” Brady Cole Trial Lawyers notes on her bio.