Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, Vernon Township Republicans Chairman, said that prosecutor Eric Rinehart's progressive policies prioritize criminals over victims. Swidler shared his statement with Lake County Gazette on December 10.

"Eric Rinehart's leadership has been defined by putting political ideology before public safety in Lake County," said Swider. "Working alongside Kim Foxx, he backed the problematic SAFE-T Act, weakening law enforcement and enabling repeat offenders. His tendency to undercharge serious crimes leaves dangerous individuals on the streets. Lake County deserves bold leadership, not a carbon copy of Chicago's mistakes."

According to WBEZ Chicago, as Kim Foxx prepares to leave office on December 1, Rinehart will become the primary prosecutor in the Chicago area. Among Illinois' 102 state’s attorneys, only Foxx and Rinehart supported ending cash bail. Rinehart recently defeated Republican Mary Cole, who criticized his management style as overly politicized and attributed staff attrition to compromised case outcomes. 

The Daily Herald reported on the differing views between candidates Rinehart and Cole regarding the Pretrial Fairness Act and Illinois’ cashless bail system. While Cole supported law enforcement training and police body cameras, she advocated for more judicial discretion in detention decisions. Cole said Rinehart undercharges defendants and raised concerns about reduced sentences and recidivism.  

Patch reported in 2022 that the Pretrial Fairness Act, which eliminates cash bail in Illinois, has sparked debate over its impact on public safety. Critics argue that the act lacks clear definitions for "violent" or "non-violent" offenders and limits judicial discretion to detain dangerous individuals. Proponents like Rinehart emphasize reducing inequities in pretrial detention and ensuring decisions are evidence-based. Only two elected county prosecutors—Kim Foxx and Rinehart—backed the SAFE-T Act.

Jay Swidler was first elected as Chair of the Vernon Township Republicans in 2024. As Chair, he focuses on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing party membership, and communicating positions on issues important to Vernon Township voters.