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* Roll Call demanded an ethics investigation of Jerry Hurckes, the Chicago-based chief of staff for Congressman Dan Lipinski yesterday…
The case of Hurckes seems to involve no question marks at all — and deserves an investigation by the ethics committee. Ethics rules do not bar aides from holding elective office but warn that “staff should take care … to avoid any undertaking that is inconsistent with congressional responsibilities”
And, “in dealing with the public, staff who serve as local officials should always make clear in which capacity they are acting. They should discourage any suggestion that their local constituents will receive any special treatment from the congressional office, beyond that received by any other residents of the congressional district.”
Yet, in a 2007 mailer sent to local voters, Hurckes took credit for securing $4 million in federal funding for the village, including money for the Oak Lawn Children’s Museum and emergency traffic lighting. […]
Hurckes denied securing earmarks and Lipinski refused any comment after stories on the aide’s activities appeared in Roll Call and local papers. They ought to answer to the ethics committee.
Agreed.
[Background here]
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Apr 3, 08 @ 6:16 am
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Roil Call? You’re better than that Rich.
Comment by Diamond Dog Thursday, Apr 3, 08 @ 7:53 am
This guy actually had the nerve to call the boss of a friend of mine, after the election, to tell them it wasn’t good that their employee backed one of Lipinski’s challengers. And it appeared he called from the congressional office. I might understand if they had lost the election and they were mad they had to look for new jobs, but he won by a mile. I never had any interest in working on elections in Oak Lawn but the next time this guy runs I think I will find something to like in his opponent.
Comment by South Sider Thursday, Apr 3, 08 @ 8:12 am
Jerry is running for mayor as well. Rich thanks for picking this up. The SouthtownStar seems to think that everything that Jerry does is fine and hasn’t really given it much coverage.
Comment by Darkhorse Thursday, Apr 3, 08 @ 8:28 am
Ethics Investigation? in a clear cut case of abuse? thats just crazy talk
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Apr 3, 08 @ 8:32 am
This is a clear cut case of violating House ethics rules.
Depending on how far this goes, given that there’s a Democratic majority, Hurckes will be lucky if this isn’t turned over to the Justice Department and Lipinski can hold on to his seat in 2010.
Comment by Alan McNish Thursday, Apr 3, 08 @ 8:35 am
I think that this is a pretty small story outside of Oak Lawn and is really being blown out of proportion for political purposes. Seems Hurckes may have cooked his own goose, though.
Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Apr 3, 08 @ 11:37 am
Snidely, I agree this is a small story except I would expand your area to the whole 3rd Congressional District. Hurkes has tried to flex his muscles throughout the district.
Comment by South Sider Thursday, Apr 3, 08 @ 12:58 pm
After watching Daley, Stroger and Blago cheat taxpayers out of hundreds of millions of dollars, this Hurckes thing is nothing to be excited about.
The Congressman needs to sit Hurckes down. Maybe a spanking is in order.
Did anyone find it curious that the CTA was ready to virtually close down, but once they had secured hundreds of millions of dollars in additional money from taxpayers (us), Huberman found $27 million for upgrades? What happened to the families of bus drivers who lost their jobs?
Comment by sidelines Thursday, Apr 3, 08 @ 2:58 pm
Well Jerry would not be in such hot water if he was not so disliked. He clearly thinks he is the Congressman, and with a stick like the “lesser Lip” sitting in the seat… well maybe he IS the Congressman.
Comment by Elder Thursday, Apr 3, 08 @ 9:00 pm
It’s time ethics investigations happen with the state as well. Why are the poor saps doing the work of the people required to take an annual ethics test when they see what really goes on with those who run with the “Big Guy.” Hypocrites and sleezebags.
Comment by Disgusted Thursday, Apr 3, 08 @ 9:42 pm