Illinois Treasurer Lawsuit Worries Watchdog Groups
From the Bloomington Pantagraph
While a federal lawsuit against Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford has publicized salacious sexual harassment allegations, government watchdog groups say the lawsuit's claims of political corruption are just as worrisome as the Republican campaigns for governor.
Rutherford, who has strongly denied allegations leveled by a former employee, is locked in a four-way Republican primary. He spent Tuesday _ the day after the lawsuit's filing _ countering the claims in radio appearances. He maintained that the suit is a politically motivated ploy meant to hurt his campaign weeks ahead of the March 18 contest.
In the lawsuit, Edmund Michalowski, a former lawyer and director in Rutherford's office, alleges a "long-standing pattern" of being forced to engage in political activity while working for the state.
Even the hint of such political corruption could taint Rutherford ahead of the primary, and it raises troubling questions, experts say, especially in a state where two former governors -- George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich -- have gone to prison for corruption.
"It's the question or appearance and it really wears on the voters," said Doug O'Brien, who was chief aide to U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., while he was an Illinois congressman. "The voters of Illinois are just so tired of having to put up with a lower standard for ethics among their elected officials."
According to the lawsuit, Rutherford allegedly demanded Michalowski organize petition drives and parades, solicit donations and constantly check his political email account while at work. Michalowski claims he was berated for not meeting fundraising goals and that employees active on Rutherford's campaign received raises and promotions.
Rey Lopez-Calderon, executive director of Common Cause Illinois, said the claims raise questions about a culture of bullying.
Read more in our daily News Update...
From the Bloomington Pantagraph
While a federal lawsuit against Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford has publicized salacious sexual harassment allegations, government watchdog groups say the lawsuit's claims of political corruption are just as worrisome as the Republican campaigns for governor.
Rutherford, who has strongly denied allegations leveled by a former employee, is locked in a four-way Republican primary. He spent Tuesday _ the day after the lawsuit's filing _ countering the claims in radio appearances. He maintained that the suit is a politically motivated ploy meant to hurt his campaign weeks ahead of the March 18 contest.
In the lawsuit, Edmund Michalowski, a former lawyer and director in Rutherford's office, alleges a "long-standing pattern" of being forced to engage in political activity while working for the state.
Even the hint of such political corruption could taint Rutherford ahead of the primary, and it raises troubling questions, experts say, especially in a state where two former governors -- George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich -- have gone to prison for corruption.
"It's the question or appearance and it really wears on the voters," said Doug O'Brien, who was chief aide to U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., while he was an Illinois congressman. "The voters of Illinois are just so tired of having to put up with a lower standard for ethics among their elected officials."
According to the lawsuit, Rutherford allegedly demanded Michalowski organize petition drives and parades, solicit donations and constantly check his political email account while at work. Michalowski claims he was berated for not meeting fundraising goals and that employees active on Rutherford's campaign received raises and promotions.
Rey Lopez-Calderon, executive director of Common Cause Illinois, said the claims raise questions about a culture of bullying.
Read more in our daily News Update...