While Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth) decides where he will run in 2012 now that the proposed Congressional map has been revealed, two Democrats -- Ilya Sheyman of Waukegan and Brad Schneider of Deerfield -- have opened campaigns for their party’s nomination for the Tenth District Seat.

Both are pleased with the new borders. 

“I’m glad my home and my office are in the Tenth,” Schneider said. “I’m excited, this is an empty seat and more Democratic leaning.” 

Sheyman, who was endorsed by former presidential candidate and Vermont Gov. Howard Dean this week, likes the look as well. He has lived and worked in the areas as a community organizer. He feels he knows the people and their needs. 

“I’m extremely pleased Buffalo Grove where I grew up and Waukegan where I live are in the district,” Sheyman said. “These are communities I have organized for years.” 

The reconstituted Tenth will continue to cover all of Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Deerfield, Buffalo Grove and Libertyville. It will still include most of Glencoe as well as significant parts of Northbrook and Glenview.

One person who will not be making a race for the new Tenth District seat is state Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest), though she believes the area is now more Democratic friendly. Her name has been mentioned as a possible candidate. 

“From my perspective, the Tenth is more complete with more communities remaining together. I like the look,” Garrett said.

Though the campaign is young, charges have already been made Schneider has voted in Republican primary elections and donated $3,300 to Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park). He explained he voted in the 2000 Republican primary to support close friend Andy Hochberg.

Schneider has also contributed $24,819 to Democrats running for the House or Senate including Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston), Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Springfield), Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Chicago), former Rep. Melissa Bean (D-Barrington), Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Tammy Duckworth and many others. 

Schneider was also a donor to the campaign of Illinois Tenth Congressional Democrats Chair and former state Rep. Lauren Beth Gash (D-Highland Park) when she ran against Kirk in 2000. He began supporting Kirk in 2002 because of Kirk’s leadership in areas like the American Israel relationship, a woman’s right to choose and the environment. 

“He (Kirk) was a leader in the American Israel relationship when Israel faced a very existential threat. He used to be more moderate. He’s changed, not me,” Schneider said. “Ninety-five percent of what I’ve given or raised has been for Democrats.