Political issues always force people to take sides. Usually there’s a gray area in the middle where it’s hard to determine which is the best choice.  In the case of the Jordan Brothers conspiracy, the issues are black-and-white.  The line between right and wrong is clear and easy to determine.  You must pick a side. You will pick a side.

David Jordan, knowing that Mark Jordan was unelectable as a candidate for State House District 26, had him appointed to the North Lake Hospital Board, so he could run as the incumbent, and basically be automatically elected.  Knowing that Carey Baker was planning to withdraw his candidacy as a Republican candidate, and re-file as a write-in candidate, the Jordan Brothers planned to steal the election by having incumbent Carey Baker‘s name erased from the ballot.  This was an underhanded, dishonest, and unethical move on their part – planned well in advance and coordinated with a number of co-conspirators.  The damage to Carey Baker is personal.  Whether you, as a citizen, or a voter, or Republican, care about the personal issue is irrelevant.  What really matters to all citizens of Lake County is that the Jordan Brothers subverted the will of ALL voters and citizens of Lake County, regardless of their party affiliation.

This is a perfectly legal process, although most people don’t pay attention to it.  When people aren’t paying attention to offices, and elections, and candidates, this is what happens.  What is more dishonest to the voters is when an individual is appointed to an office to fill an unexpired term and then is automatically reelected as the incumbent.  This has happened with county level offices in Lake County, because the cost of campaigning far exceeds the income generated from that office.

 As an example, I ran for Supervisor 0f Elections in 2024.  The salary for this office is over $160,000 a year.  My campaign budget was $120,000.  That may seem like a lot of money – no doubt it is.  But, that’s what mailing to a large number of voters costs.

 Unopposed candidates don’t have to campaign, regardless of whether they file as a Party candidate, or an unaffiliated candidate, a non-partisan candidate, or as a write-in candidate.  Filing fees vary between offices1.  But, write-in candidates have no filing fee, saving themselves and their donors money.  In Carey Baker‘s case, the filing fee was $10,000.  He and his donors could have afforded that.  But, why spend money when you are opposed?

 Some people complain that his failure to put that money into the filing fee cost Republican Party.  That is true.  But, the majority of the filing fee goes to the state government not to the party.

 Back to the moral legal and ethical issues of the Jordan Brothers conspiracy.

 What the Jordan Brothers did over the past two years, especially with the Property Appraiser election is unethical and dishonest.  The Republican Party of Lake County demanded that Mark Jorden withdraw from the race.  He did not.  The Republic of Lake County censured David Jordan, and demanded he resign.  He did not.

 The legality of what the Jordan Brothers did is questionable.  Mark Jordan filed to run for Property Appraiser AFTER the deadline – with the knowledge and cooperation of the Supervisor of Elections.  Mark Jordan PLANNED to wait until after Carey Baker re-filed as a write-in candidate and left the building.  The Jordan Brothers were in the building WITH Carey Baker, talking politely with him while concealing their nefarious intent.  But, Mark Jordan waited ANOTHER 30 MINUTES before filing to run for Carey Baker’s office in his stead.  How was that possible?  The Jordan Brothers, in conspiracy with Alan Hays, arranged with a few other co-conspirators, to file qualifying documents for more than 100 people.  This ENSURED that Carey Baker (and everyone else filing that day) would be long gone before Mark Jordan performed his dirty deed.  Both candidate Mark Jordan and Supervisor of Elections Alan Hays were sued over this issue.  A judge decided that Mark Jordan‘s name should remain on the ballot.  But, it appears that the Judge relied on testimony from Alan Hays “as the expert on election law” to support his decision.

 Alan Hays and his office were involved in helping the Jordan Brothers plan their conspiracy.  He modified his office procedures to apparently ensure that no one could accuse him and his office of any illegal action.  That issue has been approved by an Appeals Court, but this does not absolve Alan Hays from his ethical failure, and it does not absolve the Jordan Brothers from their deception against the people of Lake County and disregard of ALL Lake County voters.  This should never be forgotten.  These three people, their co-conspirators, and everyone who has not condemned their actions, should never again be allowed to hold public office.  Voters in Lake County – of all political persuasions – should remember this and vote against these people forever.