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Statewide Media Calls Out J.B. Pritzker’s Refusal to Criticize Mike Madigan’s Role in Sexual Harassment Scandals

It’s been one week since sexual harassment scandals first broke out in Mike Madigan’s political operation and the response from J.B. Pritzker each time he’s been asked has been anything but strong. Media outlets around the state have reported on how Pritzker has refused to criticize Madigan’s role in these cases and that Pritzker has danced around questions so as to stay on the good side of the House Speaker.

WCIA’s Mark Maxwell: “The statement from JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton mirrors Speaker Madigan’s, says Alaina Hampton has ‘courage’ and ‘strength and honesty.”’Statement makes no mention of Madigan’s response to it.” (2/13)

Chicago Sun-Times: “J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday tiptoed around criticizing Mike Madigan over the state Democratic Party chairman’s handling of a sexual harassment complaint.” (2/14)

ABC’s Craig Wall: “‘A long while. Only when pushed.’ — Sun-Times: Pritzker takes a while to say Madigan took too long to fire aide” (2/14)

Capitol Fax: “Pritzker stumbles yet again on the Madigan question” (2/15)

WMAY: “Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker is facing more criticism… for not taking House Speaker Mike Madigan to task for Madigan’s handling of a sexual harassment complaint against an aide.” (2/15)

WSIU:  “But J.B. Pritzker, despite repeated questions, just kept saying … ‘You know I don’t know all the facts’ … ‘Again, I’m not sure what all the facts are’ … ‘We’ve got to find out exactly what the facts are’ … Finally, after being pressed for five minutes, Pritzker said, ‘It shouldn’t take that long.'” (2/15)

WMBD: “In four minutes and 25 seconds of discussing the sexual harassment scandal, Pritzker did not once say “Madigan.'” (2/18)

NBC’s Mary Ann Ahern: “Latest on new Dem operative quietly removed from campaigns after allegations of inappropriate behavior, and #ILGov Dem candidates react, louder criticism for Madigan, with the exception of JB Pritzker.” (2/19)

WTTW: “When pressed by the media, the presumed front-runner for the Democratic nomination, Hyatt heir J.B. Pritzker, did not say Madigan’s name.” (2/19)

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Pritzker Questions Facts In Hampton Case As Madigan Ward Staffer Wages Smear Campaign To Discredit Hampton’s Sexual Harassment Claims

J.B. Pritzker running ad telling women “we believe you” as he obfuscates case against his political patron, Mike Madigan

“J.B. Pritzker’s words are as empty as his ‘uninhabitable’ mansion. Given another opportunity to call out Mike Madigan for mishandling Alaina Hampton’s sexual harassment complaint, Pritzker chose to cast doubt on the ‘facts’ of the case and again peddle tired talking points intended to defend his political ally, Mike Madigan. Despite being asked point-blank to comment on whether Madigan bears responsibility and should remain in his leadership roles, Pritzker dodged.

“If J.B. Pritzker truly believes Mike Madigan did nothing wrong, he should say it.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

“You know I don’t know all the facts …”

“Again, I’m not sure what all the facts are …”

“We’ve got to find out exactly what the facts are …”

“We need to make sure that all the facts come out …”

“Well I, again, I don’t know all the facts about what happened around the — Alaina.”

“It’s unclear what all the facts are…”

In a Springfield press conference and an interview on WMAY, J.B. Pritzker continued to lay the groundwork to absolve House Speaker Mike Madigan of any responsibility in his mishandling of sexual harassment allegations within his political office by questioning aloud the facts in the Alaina Hampton case.

What, exactly, is unclear, J.B. Pritzker? Text messages published by the Chicago Tribune prove Hampton’s claims against Quinn. Even Mike Madigan doesn’t dispute those facts. That’s why he fired Quinn, albeit after sitting on this information for over three months.

Just last night, NBC5 Chicago Political Reporter Mary Ann Ahern broke news that “an associate of Madigan’s” with “close ties to the supervisor who harassed [Alaina Hampton]” has been attempting to dig up dirt on Hampton in a cowardly attempt to discredit the sexual harassment claims made against one of Madigan’s top political staffers.

All this while Pritzker runs a campaign ad where he says he will tell women “we believe you,” presumably as it relates to sexual harassment claims.

The truth is J.B. Pritzker’s words are hollow. He says “we believe you” up until the point it directly affects the man behind his campaign for governor, House Speaker Mike Madigan.

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IL-03 Township GOP Organizations Issue Resolution Calling on GOP Primary Voters to Undervote Arthur Jones in the Upcoming Primary

On Tuesday, February 13th, 2018, the Palos, Orland, Worth, Lyons and Lemont Township Republican Organizations all passed resolutions condemning Arthur Jones’ racist views and encouraging Republican Primary voters to undervote Arthur Jones in the upcoming primary. Additionally, the resolutions called on voters to get engaged in the civic process to prevent extremists like Jones from hijacking party nominations and corroding our country’s democracy.

Text of the 3rd Congressional District Township Republican Organizations’ Resolution Calling on Republican Primary Voters to Undervote Arthur Jones in the Upcoming March, 20, 2018 Primary:

WHEREAS, Illinois Republicans are unified in revulsion at the racist and anti-Semitic beliefs of Arthur Jones, the sole candidate running for Congress in the Republican Primary for the 3rd Congressional District;

WHEREAS, the beliefs of Nazis like Arthur Jones have no place in our country and are inconsistent with the Republican Party’s platform that states “all Americans stand equal before the law;”

WHEREAS, the Republican Party was founded in the nineteenth century by anti-slavery activists who were committed to the proposition that “all men are created equal”

WHEREAS, the Republican Party subsequently led the fight to assure all human beings have equal standing before the law, promoting the foundational idea that each person be judged as an individual on merit and not their race, religion or other circumstance of birth;

WHEREAS, the struggle to affirm the equal moral status of each individual regardless of skin color or faith, while maintaining and nourishing our union as a single people, continues to animate the Republican Party today, especially in these times of racial tension when the country needs to come together rather than divide.

THEREFORE BE IT:

RESOLVED,  that we Republicans of the Orland Township Republican Organization strongly and unequivocally condemn the racist views and candidacy of Arthur Jones as a Republican candidate in the 3rd Congressional District

RESOLVED, that we urge Republican primary voters in the Third Congressional District to undervote Arthur Jones in the upcoming March 20th, 2018 Primary Election;

RESOLVED, that we Republicans in the Third Congressional District and across Illinois urge civic-minded citizens, regardless of party, to get involved in the political process to prevent non-party extremists like Arthur Jones from hijacking party nominations and corroding our country’s democracy.

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J.B. Pritzker Takes Madigan Support, Then Balks At Criticizing Madigan On Sexual Harassment Case

“Pritzker is in a precarious spot” because his campaign is backed by Democrats and unions allied with Madigan

Yesterday, J.B. Pritzker held a press conference in Springfield and faced a volley of questions about the recent sexual harassment case in Mike Madigan’s political operation. Not once did Pritzker criticize Madigan or his handling of the case. Instead, he chose to dodge and deflect because his campaign is dependent on Mike Madigan’s support.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday tiptoed around criticizing Mike Madigan over the state Democratic Party chairman’s handling of a sexual harassment complaint.

…Pritzker is in a precarious spot. His Democratic campaign for governor is backed by heavy-hitting state Democrats and unions, many allied with the powerful House speaker. But Pritzker has been careful not to signal public support for Madigan — which many Democratic and Republican opponents would pounce on — given Madigan’s growing unpopularity with some voters.

Madigan, too, is facing a harsh spotlight. The Southwest Side Democrat helped to pass legislation targeting sexual harassment within state government in early November, nearly the same time he received a letter from a woman claiming she was sexually harassed within Madigan’s own 13th Ward operation.

The “Blame Madigan” chorus is popular in this year’s election, and it’s being sung on both sides of the Republican gubernatorial primary, and by Democratic candidates Chris Kennedy, state Sen. Daniel Biss and Madison County Schools Supt. Bob Daiber.

Watch Pritzker absolve Madigan of responsibility HERE.

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J.B. Pritzker Refuses To Criticize Madigan’s Handling Of Sexual Harassment Case

Pritzker believes behind-the-scenes support from Madigan is more important than exposing injustice for a sexual harassment victim

“It’s become apparent that Mike Madigan used his power to cover up sexual harassment in his political organization, and only went public when he knew Alaina Hampton was on the verge of speaking out. Today, J.B. Pritzker was asked repeatedly whether Mike Madigan bears responsibility for these actions, and Pritzker refused to answer the question every single time.

“What’s even more striking is that just yesterday Pritzker released a statement saying we need to focus on Alaina’s story, but when pressed by reporters for a reaction to Mike Madigan’s involvement in Alaina’s story, Pritzker dodged the question. Pritzker said we shouldn’t focus on Madigan’s involvement, but we should rather focus on sexual harassment generally because he knows he can’t speak out against Madigan – the man behind his campaign for governor.

“J.B. Pritzker’s repeated silence on Mike Madigan shines a light on Pritzker’s character and reveals a man who believes behind-the-scenes support from a corrupt politician is more important than speaking out for a woman who faced harassment. Just like his conduct on the Rod Blagojevich calls, Pritzker chooses the insiders over everyone else.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Today, J.B. Pritzker held a press conference in Springfield and faced a volley of questions about the recent sexual harassment case in Mike Madigan’s political operation. Not once did Pritzker criticize Madigan or his handling of the case. Instead, he chose to dodge and deflect because his campaign is dependent on Mike Madigan’s support. From the press conference:
Question: “You said that you want to believe [Alaina Hampton’s] claim. One of the claims she made was the Speaker’s announcement to fire Quinn was preemptive right out in front of the story. He’s the Chairman of the Democratic Party [of Illinois], and we are five weeks from a primary that you’re running in. At what point does his involvement in the party become a political liability?”

Pritzker: “We’ve got to find out exactly what the facts are… Each piece of information that leaks out is yet another, you know, piece of information. Focusing this on one thing isn’t good enough. This is a pervasive problem throughout private and public sectors and that means to me making sure all the facts are brought to the fore.”

Question: “If you called on Mike Madigan publicly to clean up what happened here, wouldn’t that put pressure and send a signal to women that they were safe working on his campaigns?”

Pritzker: “Again, I would say focusing on one person when this is a pervasive problem, what I would tell you is we need to make sure that all the facts come out…”

Just yesterday, Pritzker released a statement saying in part that “today should be about Alaina and Alaina’s story,” but when pressed by reporters today to respond to what Mike Madigan’s involvement in Alaina’s story was, Pritzker balked, said we shouldn’t focus on Madigan, but rather we should focus on the issue of sexual harassment generally. Yet again, Pritzker refuses to criticize Mike Madigan because he knows he can’t speak out against the man behind his campaign.

Watch Pritzker absolve Madigan of responsibility HERE.

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GOP Candidate For Comptroller Darlene Senger Responds to Governor Bruce Rauner’s Budget Address

Republican Candidate for Comptroller Darlene Senger issued the following statement after Governor Bruce Rauner delivered his Budget Address:

“Today, the Governor outlined a responsible spending plan that prioritizes education, healthcare and infrastructure and puts Illinois on a trajectory towards reducing the recently enacted income tax hike.  Now more than ever, Republicans and Democrats must put the partisanship aside and work towards real solutions — most importantly a balanced budget that includes a path towards reducing the tax burden on Illinois’ working families.”

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Five Questions Susana Mendoza Has Yet To Answer

Mendoza’s silence on major issues is further proof she works for Madigan’s Chicago Machine, not Illinois taxpayers

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is Mike Madigan’s attack dog – she spews vitriol in order to provide cover for the Chicago Machine’s corruption. After a decade of voting for Madigan and being a willing participant in his war against Illinois taxpayers, Mendoza is attempting to absolve herself of any responsible for the state’s fiscal challenges by dodging tough questions about her record. Here are five questions for Susana Mendoza that she’s yet to answer:

1.  Last night in an interview on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight, you stated your opposition to rolling back Mike Madigan’s 32% tax hike. Why are you once against siding with your “mentor” Mike Madigan over Illinois taxpayers?

2.   During your tenure as a State Representative, you voted for 10 unbalanced budgets. Do you feel you have any culpability in the state’s current financial troubles because you have never voted for a balanced budget during your entire legislative career?

3.  In 2005, you supported Governor Blagojevich’s and Speaker Madigan’s plan to skip pension payments – a vote that is now considered one of the major cost drivers of Illinois’ unfunded pension liability.  Do you regret supporting the Blagojevich-Madigan plan to skip pension payments?

4.  Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios has come under intense criticism for what many consider are politically motivated assessments that ultimately benefit insiders at the expense of low and middle income homeowners.  In fact, he is currently being sued by the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council and the Logan Square Neighborhood Association who claim that the county’s “residential property tax scheme is neither accurate nor uniform” and is “perpetuating institutional racism” by shifting the tax burden from wealthier, majority-white neighborhoods to poorer, minority neighborhoods. Do you believe the Berrios-Madigan property tax system is fair? If not, why have you never spoken up on this issue?

5.  Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios is currently suing the Cook County Board of Commissioners’ Board of Ethics in order to avoid a $41,000 fine and to retain the right to keep accepting contributions from property tax lawyers who practice before his office.  Do you agree with Berrios’ lawsuit and are you still endorsing his campaign for Cook County Assessor?

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Cook County GOP Chairman and IL-03 State Central Committeeman Sean Morrison Issues Statement on Engaging Republican Voters In IL-03

Cook County Republican Party Chairman and State Central Committeeman for the 3rd Congressional District Sean Morrison issued the following statement calling on Republican voters in IL-03 to get engaged and oppose Arthur Jones’ candidacy for Congress:

“Since late summer of 2017 and up until the last day to file, I worked with local Republican leaders to recruit a candidate to run for the Republican nomination in the 3rd Congressional District. As you know by now, our efforts were unsuccessful. No candidate was willing to step up and unfortunately our Party is left with Arthur Jones, a self declared Nazi, as the only candidate running in the Republican primary.

“After our district became national news, I have been heartened by the response of those who wish to take on Arthur Jones. With this renewed interest, I call on all good Republicans in the 3rd Congressional District to consider running as an independent or as a write-in candidate in the General Election. If you aren’t moved to run yourself, help us circulate petitions for those that are willing to run. If you are unable to circulate petitions, consider making a financial contribution to the candidate so they have the resources to combat Arthur Jones’ deeply racist views.

“The stakes in this election are high. Arthur Jones is a threat to everything we hold dear as Republicans and as Americans. We cannot let Arthur Jones use his bully pulpit to spew his racist, anti-Semitic rhetoric and denigrate our fellow Americans across all cultural and ethnic communities. Our Republican Party, the Party of Abraham Lincoln, was founded by anti-slavery activists who were dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal and are entitled to equal justice under the law. As Illinois Republicans in the Land of Lincoln, we must exhaust all means to ensure that Arthur Jones’ hateful views never make it to Washington.”

To get involved and help the Illinois Republican Party stop Arthur Jones’ candidacy by recruiting an independent candidate for Congress in IL-03, please contact us at[email protected].

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Illinois Republican Congressional Delegation Issues Statement on Arthur Jones, Candidate for Congress in IL-03

Members of the Illinois Republican Congressional delegation issued the following statement on Arthur Jones, candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District:

“The Illinois Republican Congressional delegation strongly and unequivocally condemns the racist views and candidacy of Arthur Jones in the 3rd Congressional District. This is not who we are as a party or as a country and we urge civic-minded citizens to get involved in the political process to prevent non-party extremists like Jones from hijacking nominations.”

Signed:
U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (IL-06)
U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12)
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13)
U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14)
U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (IL-15)
U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-16)
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-18)

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GOP Candidate For Comptroller Darlene Senger Responds to Governor Bruce Rauner’s State Of The State Address

Republican Candidate for Comptroller Darlene Senger issued the following statement after Governor Bruce Rauner delivered his State of the State Address:

“I applaud the Governor’s call for common-sense, bipartisan solutions that can deliver real property tax relief for Illinois families starting with reforming the broken and corrupt property tax assessment system.  For too long, this system has benefited the insiders and connected while punishing hard-working families who only lack clout.

“The time is now for those, like Speaker Madigan and Comptroller Mendoza, who continue to defend and benefit from this broken system to either support reform — or get out of the way.”

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