[Geoff Stellfox for Shaw Media]<\/p>\n
Bill Thoman, the chair of the local Democratic party, said he considers Summers the only true Democrat in the race. In a rare move, the local party leadership voted last month to endorse Summers.<\/p>\n
Summers stressed the job of the coroner isn't dependent on politics.<\/p>\n
Talbot also said there was \"absolutely nothing political\" about the coroner's office. He focused his critiques of Summers on her experience.<\/p>\n
He compared Summers' qualifications as a former nurse to \"asking a painter to put a new motor in your car,\" while touting his experience as a police officer.<\/p>\n
But Summers argued her nursing background is key to helping her understand the myriad medical records the coroner's office deals with, especially since about 80% of death cases are considered natural. She claimed, without evidence, that the county has always had a coroner with either a background in medicine or science.<\/p>\n
\"I have that ability,\" she said. \"I understand the toxicology. I understand the drugs. I know all this stuff because it's second nature to me.\"<\/p>\n
O'Neil also praised Summers' qualifications and is supporting her candidacy to succeed him.<\/p>\n
\"Laurie has the appropriate credentials,\" O'Neil said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Read more from the original source: <\/p>\n
Democratic primary race for Will County Coroner heats up - The Herald-News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [Geoff Stellfox for Shaw Media] Bill Thoman, the chair of the local Democratic party, said he considers Summers the only true Democrat in the race. In a rare move, the local party leadership voted last month to endorse Summers. Continue reading