Democratic primary race for Will County Coroner heats up – The Herald-News

[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.

Summers stressed the job of the coroner isn't dependent on politics.

Talbot also said there was "absolutely nothing political" about the coroner's office. He focused his critiques of Summers on her experience.

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.

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.

"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."

O'Neil also praised Summers' qualifications and is supporting her candidacy to succeed him.

"Laurie has the appropriate credentials," O'Neil said.

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Democratic primary race for Will County Coroner heats up - The Herald-News