Her election to the Illinois House followed her ten years of distinguished service on the Lake County Board, where she was a leader on a wide variety of issues from open space, environmental protection, and transportation.
Cole has also sponsored a number of community events; including an Autism Forum for families affected by children with autism, a Family Internet Safety Seminar for parents and their kids, and several outreach events for local senior citizens.
The 62nd district's 2010 primary included endorsements from The Daily Herald,[2] Chicago Tribune,[3] and The Pioneer Press.
[4] On February 2, 2010, Representative Cole won her primary against Paul Mitchell[5] and on November 2, 2010, she easily beat Democrat Rich Voltair in the general election.
Her civic activities have included service as a Volunteer Youth Leader for 4-H, an Assistant Coach for Township T-Ball & Softball, a University Of Ill. Extension Master Gardener, a Grayslake Greenery Garden Club member, a Voter Registrar, Republican Precinct Committeeman, a member of the Board of Directors for the Rockford College Alumni Association, a member of the Grayslake/Round Lake Area Exchange Club, and the Avon Township Youth Advisory Council.