State Sen. Schmidt Decides Not to Run for Re-Election

By Chuck Sudo in News on Oct 31, 2011 7:25PM

In a reversal that's... let's be generous and call it "not unexpected," State Sen. Suzi Schmidt has decided not to run for re-election.

The Lake Villa Republican has been in the headlines recently for calling 911 and asking a dispatcher to ignore any calls that may come in from her husband. Schmidt had suggested to a call center operator that her husband may not even call 911 "because he knows I have connections." That was the highlight of a series of 911 calls made by Schmidt and her husband Robert that indicated, at the very least, they were dealing with one of hose rough patches most marriages go through.

Schmidt had maintained she would run for re-election as recently as early October, which would have been a better use of her connections. A statement released by Schmidt's office indicated she would not run.

“I deeply appreciate the encouragement I have received from friends and constituents over the past few weeks as I deal with personal issues and while I continue to work hard for the people of the 31st Senate District. I am grateful for the outpouring of support. However, at this point in my life, my personal life and my family are my priority, and I hope to dedicate more of my time with them in the coming months and years. Therefore, I will not be a candidate for re-election in 2012.”

A Lake County politics blog, Team America's 10th District Blog (FUCK YEAH!!), already has the list of possible candidates to succeed Schmidt.