149 Comments - Oneman - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:29 pm: ugh - Walter Mitty - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:31 pm: Oh boy.Game over. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:31 pm: –Further, as you are aware there are many other names of men in this administration, that have been forwarded to your attorney, who have all felt Dan’s unwanted sexual advances or inappropriate sexual comments– Forwarded by whom? I don’t read that as complaints from other individuals. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:32 pm: The list of questions gets longer, and the answers are going to be hurtful(?) - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:33 pm: Word, to my knowledge there are five people who say they are either witnesses or can corroborate various allegations. They are being interviewed this week by the special investigator. - Served - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:34 pm: How convenient that they obtained the letter. No idea how it could have been leaked. Must have magically appeared. The drip-drip is starting to make this really feel like it’s being executed like a media hitjob, but it’s impossible to tell until we can actually know the details of the incidents. By then, though, it might be too late for it to matter. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:36 pm: Another Republican hopeful down in flames. The Governor’s office is there for the taking and at this rate Quinn will survive again. - Samurai - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:36 pm: Dan has been quite open in use of the Treasurer’s Office as a campaign platform. But, the sexual harassment allegations are really disappointing at a minimum. Where is Steve Kim when we need him? - Wensicia - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:36 pm: Timing is everything. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:37 pm: The physical appearance of the paper speaks volumes to words that are written in the letter… - downstate hack - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:39 pm: Rutherford is done as a candidate. Even if the charges are not substantiated, the damage is done. If he blames Rauner get our now and endorse Dillard. - Bill White - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:39 pm: === The physical appearance of the paper speaks volumes to words that are written in the letter… === Eh, couldn’t it be the photocopy that was crumpled up, rather than the original? - Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:39 pm: Keep in mind that this letter was likely written with the object of making things sound as negative and painful as possible while walking out the door. Obviously, a letter like this tends to hyperbole and exaggeration. Let’s establish some more concrete facts before assuming everything asserted in the first “leaked” document is 100% accurate and true. Some have criticized my comments in recent days for defending the accuser’s rights. I am certain some will now criticize me for defending the accused. One way or another, the truth will come out. Even if it’s not on our preferred timetable. - Stones - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:42 pm: Pretty nasty stuff. Can a document that looks like it was dug out of a trash can be believed? Also these are allegations, not proof of wrongdoing. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:42 pm: - Bill White -, I was speaking metaphorically, not as an employee of Dunder Mifflin. - Chi - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:46 pm: Rutherford should call it all “baloney” and blame sellout legislators and government union bosses. These are the magic words that make the press back off. - Samurai - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:48 pm: ==Pretty nasty stuff. Can a document that looks like it was dug out of a trash can be believed? Also these are allegations, not proof of wrongdoing== Yes, but allegations drafted and/or approved by the victim’s attorney with full knowledge the letter will likely be EX A at some point. - Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:48 pm: Boom…there goes the dynamite. Also casts Rauner in a bad light given the allegations that Rutherford has cast against his campaign. - Ignatius_reilly - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:49 pm: Mr. Miller, since you are around politicians all the time, I want to ask you a question about the mind set of these guys? How can Mr. Rutherford even think that something like this is not going to come out? I mean, it looks like many people have complained about his behavior for some time now. How could he not assume that this will come out? I am thinking also of people like Weiner in NYC. He kept up with his sexting after the first time he was fond out. Still, he went ahead and tried to get elected Mayor. I am seriously at a loss here. Are these guys really this delusional? Do they really think that in this day and age this kind of stuff is not going to come out? - AFSCME Steward - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:50 pm: As a likely Rutherford voter, this gravely disappoints me. The issue here is whether the other men mentioned will agree with this position. Sexual harrassment normally involves multiple victims. This could get really realy ugly. Regardless, the Rutherford campaign is toast. Its probably time for him to withdraw from the race for the good of the party. “Further, as you are aware there are many other names of men in this administration, that have been forwarded to your attorney, who have all felt Dan’s unwanted sexual advances or inappropriate sexual comments. I beg you to please treat these individuals as victims and do not violate their rights as you have mine.” - Amalia - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:50 pm: Turn out the lights…. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:51 pm: ===the mind set of these guys=== I can’t read his mind. But I do think he thought it was all harmless stuff and is stunned that some believe otherwise. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:53 pm: To the Post, This is the opening salvo of possible leaks and documents, and papers, or whatever, and what needs to be kept in mind is that until the end of business on February 10th, Rutherford for Governor, and the Office of the Treasurer are fighting off things with “no response” or with very calculated answers, as the “resigned” enployee, is still an “employee”, and this window is very difficult to manuver. Dan Rutherford’s presser brought all this to light, and right or wrong, timed, not timed, “getting ahead”, or even “chasing” all of this … these events need pause before we al tumble over ourselves with facts and speculation needing to be seperated. The letter is the letter. Pretty heavy stuff, but hyperbole? We have no clue if any sentence is true, or all the sentences need much more scrutiny. The letter is the letter, and it is quite a letter. - RNUG - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:55 pm: I don’t know what the truth is but the timing just seems contrived. How long did the accuser work there before deciding he couldn’t take it any more? Years? So why NOW? The thing that continues to strike me as strange is the resignation action, which pretty much weakens the claim, as opposed to brazening it out and forcing Rutherford to fire the accuser, which would strengthen the workplace claim. The whole tone of this letter just comes across to me as a bit off, as if it is one more forum to push the accusations. - From the 'Dale to HP - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:55 pm: Rutherford is done. Meanwhile in Chicago, lots of people working for the City feel the same way, only replace Rutherford with Rham, Treasurer with Mayor, and governor with President. “I have objected to turning the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer into a campaign arm of Dan’s bid for governor. You and the Treasurer have forced this issue repeatedly.” - Bill White - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:56 pm: I agree with RNUG - Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:56 pm: === They are being interviewed this week by the special investigator. === They should interview every employee in the office. If other employees disclose additional complaints of their own or more statements supporting the complainant, investigators will learn valuable information that helps guide their investigation. If the employees state by a 100-1 margin they have never seen anything inappropriate and are shocked, that may also tell you something. Either way, it is stronger to say “We were very thorough and invited every employee to raise additional issues. Here is what we found” as compared to “We interviewed the witnesses” - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:58 pm: ===resignation action, which pretty much weakens the claim=== I dunno. If it was me making those claims against a former good friend, I don’t think I’d wanna stick around very long. - Lakefront Liberal Gay - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:59 pm: Granted, the only Republican I have ever voted for Statewide is Judy, so I come with my own partisan leanings when I say this but… Setting the sexual harassment allegations aside (and everyone deserves the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise) why isn’t the press making a bigger deal of his foreign travel and junkets? Not a single one of his predecessors wasted time and money like that. This guy clearly only thought about raising his profile and enjoying the spoils of public office. And I don’t care if he’s closeted/out/straight/gay: sexual harassment can never be tolerated. If it happened: throw the book at him. No sympathy. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 12:59 pm: FKA, I believe others are being interviewed as well. - Hold Up - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:00 pm: I’m not a Rutherford supporter or a GOP voter, but it would be really nice if everyone would hold up concluding that DR did these things. What we have right now is a single person–who continues to maintain his anonymity–making various public accusations of an inflammatory and politically harmful nature. We don’t know: who the accuser is; what specific instances and misconduct he’s referring to; his possible motives for making the accusations 30 days from the primary; whether anyone witnessed the conduct; whether anyone else was allegedly victimized; what contacts the accuser has had (or not had) with any of DR’s political opponents and when, etc. - Nonplussed - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:02 pm: Rich, do you know who this person is. Why does he have the right to anonymity? - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:02 pm: If you are getting iinterviewed, at least talk to an attorney, and if you are, and you know if you are, central to any/all the alligations, you might want to just …consider… to “Lawyer-Up” Remember, you are talking to a former FBI agent, with unknown powers given to him, and really with quite the large berth, probably as far as the investigation will take him to get to the “botttom”. Also, be truthful. Like 100% truthful. If you think you can fool a former FBI agent, and you also think that questions, direct questions, are being asked randomly, and without any idea what the answer is/was, or if there is something you “forgot” that proves you are not being truthful … Some advice. As good as the value of Free. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:03 pm: Nonplussed, we had a very long and intense conversation on the blog about this yesterday. I have not yet changed my mind and do not want to go into it all over again here. So go look it up and you’ll see my reasonings. - Powell - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:04 pm: Hold Up- this single person may also be a victim of some pretty traumatic events, so let’s not forget about that either. - Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:05 pm: So, are we left to believe that Rauner’s campaign threatened to “out” the Treasurer if he did not make the financial contribution? If that allegation were to be true, Rauner is employing some darkhearted operatives IMHO. - CollegeStudent - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:05 pm: ===Setting the sexual harassment allegations aside (and everyone deserves the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise) why isn’t the press making a bigger deal of his foreign travel and junkets? Not a single one of his predecessors wasted time and money like that. This guy clearly only thought about raising his profile and enjoying the spoils of public office. === Illinois’ economy won’t recover just through tax breaks, workers comp reform, or right to work. Illinois businesses are going to need opportunities to do business abroad. If these junkets helped Illinois businesses secure even one foreign contract, then they were worth it. - Wensicia - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:06 pm: I don’t get this; “…you and other agents of the Treasurer, both on government and the political side, continue to leak information about me, the victim, for political gain.” But, he didn’t have a problem with his own lawyer immediately going on radio to talk about his accusations and further suspicions? And how convenient is it that this letter shows up and is published the day after? - Cassiopeia - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:07 pm: If this was an organized hit job to knock out an opponent it is one of the most well executed ones I have ever seen. If not a hit job it is just very sad. - Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:07 pm: Did someone literally dig this letter out of the trash? I have never before seen an “intentional” leak that resembles this. It is quite simple to print or email a fresh copy of the letter if you want someone to publicize it. Even the Pentagon Papers were crisper than this, and they had to be smuggled out. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:09 pm: - Wensicia -, The accuser can claim the “high ground”. It was Dan Rutherford who started the ball rolling in the Public forum. The press may have had it, or not, I don’t know, but that is the place that sentence is “coming from”. Not having writtten the letter, that is my specualtion. - phocion - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:09 pm: I’m kinda blown away at the commenters here who are trying to find some way out for Rutherford. Go after the accuser; parse the letter; letter is crumpled; Rauner is behind it; just an accusation; accuser should have quit earlier; accuser should have stayed on to be fired. Look folks. No one came to Blair Hull’s defense when his divorced papers leaked that lead to an admission that he kicked his ex-wife in the shins after she kicked him. No one came to Jack Ryan’s defense when his divorced papers leaked that he lead a sexual life that was not to everyone’s approval. Workplace sexual harassment allegations are more serious. And those against a statewide office holder who aspires to be Governor are more serious still. Folks, we know there are some disappointed people out in Commentlandia. But for the majority of voters, this allegation will be a big, big deal. Rutherford’s campaign is over whether he drops out of the race or not. - Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:10 pm: That makes sense. Thanks, Rich. - John A Logan - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:10 pm: I have also wondered why the name of the accuser has been kept under wraps. It is not that difficult to figure out who it is with a little asking around. With the number of “news” outlets available online today I am surprised it has not been leaked or published somewhere. - Peter B - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:10 pm: I am always impressed with the dialogue in this thread, so I ask this sincerely, as I feel sort of clueless. The letter is implying that Rutherford is gay, right? I know everyone here is very diplomatic, so I figured I would just ask. - E Man - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:10 pm: Isn’t fun to speculate on someone else’s problems? Knowing most of you, when most is out in open, you’ll be saying, “I knew it” or “I told you so.” To borrow a line, the letter is the letter. If it makes you feel better to write about how much you think you know, well, this is the internet machine and last I checked, that kind of behavior is abundant. I appreciate Rich providing information as it becomes available. But I’ll choose to refrain from forming an informed opinion until all the facts are published. I did a couple projects for DR when he was in the House. Nice guy. We’re all flawed in some way. Keep your stones in your pockets for the time being. And really, no matter who’s the person in the wrong here, is it really worth throwing them when the cat’s out of the hat? I say no. - RNUG - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:12 pm: == I dunno. If it was me making those claims against a former good friend, I don’t think I’d wanna stick around very long. == Rich, I understand where you’re coming from but, when you cut out the emotion and look at the logic, forcing the firing is in the accuser’s best interest financially / legally. They continue to collect their paycheck until it happens, and even add a wrongful termination claim when it happens. By resigning, the accuser is out of a job and, unless someone is backing them, is going to need to replace the lost income, etc, plus legal fees. It’s not always about money, but in politics the first rule is to follow the money … and the accuser seems to be leaving a potential pile on the table. - The Colossus of Roads - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:13 pm: Apparently Dan and this persons supervisor missed the mandatory CMS sexual harassment training. A lot of things can be unwanted but this issue should have some documented history besides a letter. On issues not so clear cut, courts usually look at what would offend a reasonable person, or Rich Miller. - Casual Observer - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:14 pm: Am I blind? I’m no BR fan…at all, but I don’t see his fingerprints anywhere around any of this. Do I need a tin foil hat to make a connection? - Samurai - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:14 pm: FNA==Did someone literally dig this letter out of the trash?== I doubt the letter would be posted on CapFax if there was not some reasonable basis for authenticity. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:15 pm: - phocion -, I am coming from this in a straight-forward way. I am not making any assumptions on guilt, innocence, right or even wrong. The careers of many are hanging in the balance, and the reputation’s, including the accusers, are going to be dragged through the mud, maybe for all the right reasons, but maybe for all the wrong reasons too. Taking a breath to just take in what is in front of all of us is not being any type of apologist. If you think this is going to be the end, I don’t. All I know I can do is just let the issues play themselves out, and hope for the truth. That’s it. Going from “A” to “J” at 100 Miles an hour does not change what it is to go from “A” to “J”. - Joe M - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:17 pm: “Every state executive department, State agency, board, commission, and instrumentality must develop a written sexual harassment policy and post it in a prominent and accessible location and distribute to employees in a manner to assure that all employees see it. They must all provide sexual harassment training as part of all ongoing or new employee training programs.” Ill. Comp. Stat., Chap. 775, § 2-105(B)(5). Also, part of that training gives the employee specific avenues to pursue to file a complaint if they experience harassment in their state workplace. My questions is, why didn’t this person report this long ago to the appropriate avenues their harassment training instructed them to. - Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:18 pm: === when his divorced papers leaked that lead to an admission that he kicked his ex-wife in the shins after she kicked him. No one came to Jack Ryan’s defense when his divorced papers leaked that he lead a sexual life that was not to everyone’s approval. === Indeed. The crucial difference is, in those examples you were dealing with established facts. It is a fact that Blair Hull kicked his wife and threatened her life. It is a fact that Jack Ryan asked his wife to go to that club. Right now, all we really have is speculation. The facts will come. In fact, they are on the way. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:18 pm: ===My questions is, why didn’t this person report this long ago to the appropriate avenues their harassment training instructed them to.=== That’s parsing a bit too deeply, ain’t it? Real life doesn’t always match up with state guidelines. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:18 pm: ===Knowing most of you, when most is out in open, you’ll be saying, “I knew it” or “I told you so.”=== You know nothing of me, as I know nothing of you. How about you leave the speculation about what I might say, not say, to yourself. Thanks. - railrat - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:18 pm: as a famous ships captain once stated “just the tip of the iceberg” E.J. Smith….Titanic - veritas - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:18 pm: On the one hand you have Dan Rutherford who has lived in a glass house for decades without any such claims being made. On the other hand you have Bruce Rauner who denies being behind the attacks, but ALWAYS seems to have a connection to the monkey business: Club for Growth, Christine Svenson, Stuart Levine, Ed Rendell, Rahm Emanuel etc. So we are left to choose between someone who has never been charged with such wrongdoing and someone who always seems to be in the neighborhood of wrongdoing. I’ll stand with Dan on this one, but he is a victim of the old, “Do you still beat your wife??” question. He can’t win. I agree that his best revenge is gracefully exiting for the good of the party and endorsing Dillard. He loves the Ill. GOP and that is the only way he can help save it from the Billionaire invasion and ultimate demise. He must fall on his sword and live to serve another day. You haven’t heard the last of him and that is a good thing for Illinois. - Wensicia - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:23 pm: Rutherford’s toast, he might as well bow out. I’m interested in how and why this came to light at this particular time. I don’t need to know who the victim(s) are; I’d just like to know how this ended up in a bizarre press conference followed by further accusations? - Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:24 pm: === I doubt the letter would be posted on CapFax === Agreed. I question that only because the letter was obtained and posted by Illinois Review. Were it initially posted by CapFax, I would assume the providence was clean. - Yessiree - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:24 pm: Agree with RNUG, and you raise some of the same points that are puzzling to me. Namely, why did he resign? Granted it would certainly be awkward to continue going to work under the circumstances but would have put him in better position both financially and perception-wise. Makes you wonder if maybe this has nothing to do with Rauner, and everything to do with one seriously disgruntled employee out for personal revenge. Having worked for some *quirky* office holders myself, I can see it happening. - Frenchie Mendoza - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:24 pm: Not sure if this is SOP when publishing a photo on a blog like Illinois Review, but I noticed that the EXIF data is also mostly stripped from the image — so there’s no way to gather any info from the embedded image data (data that is automtically embedded when you take a photo with an iPhone or Android phone). Someone sure went to the trouble to make sure the image is clean. - Jimbo - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:24 pm: Well, that’ll do it. I didn’t expect this to have any there there. It doesn’t look good for Dan. At the very least this puts his sexuality front and center. Not good when you’re in a republican primary fight. - Stones - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:28 pm: I’ll say this…speaking as a male who works in a large department with a good number of female employees who directly or indirectly report to me, sexual harassment is something that is a constant fear. All it takes is an allegation, true or not, and you are in a position where you have to prove you are not guilty rather than the other way around. In just about any interaction you have with someone, something can be construed as sexual harassment be it a certain look, the words you use, job assignments, praise or criticism. I wouldn’t exactly jump to conclusions based on that document. - Hey There - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:30 pm: Per Phocion: Look folks. No one came to Blair Hull’s defense when his divorced papers leaked that lead to an admission that he kicked his ex-wife in the shins after she kicked him. No one came to Jack Ryan’s defense when his divorced papers leaked that he lead a sexual life that was not to everyone’s approval - E Man - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:33 pm: OW, when I see your comments, it’s like Charlie Brown’s teacher talking. So you’re correct, don’t know you. This morning’s fax lays out pretty clearly that DR can be demanding, a jerk at times, so say the least. To my point, just let it play out. You had me at: the letter is the letter. - Hey There - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:33 pm: Look folks. No one came to Blair Hull’s defense when his divorced papers leaked that lead to an admission that he kicked his ex-wife in the shins after she kicked him. No one came to Jack Ryan’s defense when his divorced papers leaked that he lead a sexual life that was not to everyone’s approval “Divorce papers” are sworn under oath with the penalty of perjury attached to them if the person filing them is not being truthful. These unsworn, anonymous, and–at least so far–uncorroborated allegations are anything but. Apples and oranges–at least so far. - Weltschmerz - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:35 pm: To those unfamiliar with State govt. Sexual harassment training is given regularly. Ethics training is given and monitored regularly. In our office there were many pictures of the governor exhorting us to act ethically. Of course the governor then was Blago and the pictures stayed up well into his federal trial. - All is fair - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:35 pm: Rutherford’s principal draw was his electability. That would appear to have been shattered. I think wounding Rutherford was in Rauner’s best interest. I think killing him, as I believe this is doing, is in Dillard’s best interest. - Aldyth - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:35 pm: If there really are a number of people who state that they have had this same experience with Rutherford, he’s done. The stuff has hit the fan. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:35 pm: - Hey There -, Blair Hull and “Jack!” Ryan didn’t have TWENTY plus years of public service and facing an electorate time and time again as a chip in the game. Further, there were documents, in real time, that both Hull and Ryan were answering to, this is still at a speculative point, with nothing filed, a pathetic presser, leaky lawyers, a crumpled letter, and the reputations of the accused, the accuser, and a former FBI agent thrown in for good measure. See any differences now? - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:38 pm: - E Man -, Does that make you Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy or Pig Pen? Funny, if you know what I am going to say, and all you hear is the Charlie Brown teacher, then how do you know if you are right? - Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:38 pm: == If it was me making those claims against a former good friend== To me, if it turns out to be a long-term friend/ally, this makes even less sense. Did the person not know that Dan has been planning to run for Gov since before he ran for Treasurer? With respect to the harassment charges, did Dan start treating him differently recently? Maybe this will become more clear over the next few weeks, but if Dan has been behaving badly for years, why wait until now? If the person has been a Dan ally for years, weren’t they also looking forward to working closely with Gov. Dan? What changed in the last few weeks that turned this person from supporter to opponent? Rich, sorry I have more questions than commentary, but my head is spinning… - Sunshine - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:38 pm: Innocent or not, the distraction is too great, as is the damage. Perhaps the fat lady hasn’t sung but she has certainly cleared her throat. - Tom Joad - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:41 pm: This letter expands the scope of the allegations. Now whoever Kyle is he is also responsible for not providing a safe workplace free of harassment. Instead, he colluded with Rutherford. The idea that the employee should have stayed with the Treasurer’s office, even though he would be subject to more forced political work and more harassment so he could collect more pay for the continued harassment is ridiculous. It enforces the truth of the letter, not diminish it. - Ken_in_Aurora - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:42 pm: I still feel the accusations - and especially the timing - don’t pass the smell test. I could very well be wrong, though. No matter, DR’s run is toast at this point. - Cassandra - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:44 pm: I wouldn’t want to be working at the Treasurer’s office right now. If various employees have been engaged in political activities as alleged, wouldn’t they have to be shown the door. Could be chaos. - quincy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:44 pm: Sounds like a lot of things go on behind close doors. Mr. Rutherford sound like its time for you to come out of the closet and come clean. Do you like men or do you like women. Or are you AC or DC. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:46 pm: Stay classy, - qunicy -. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:46 pm: The sexual harassment charges are the ballgame. And in reality, the ballgame is probably over for Rutherford. There are three other candidates and not enough oxygen in the room. As far as using the Treasurer’s office as an arm of his gubernatorial campaign — well, duh. Now, you can get in trouble with that if you’re swiping office furniture and such, but seriously, was that a revelation? What else does the treasurer do? You really don’t take a job in the treasurer’s office to “reform government.” - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 1:53 pm: You could make the case, that Friday’s presser might have been the ballgame(?) The rest of this could be playing out the final innings to get the game in the books(?) That is why you play the innings out… - Earnest - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:01 pm: Regardless of whether one of them is telling the absolute truth and the other is telling an absolute lie or things fall somewhere in-between, it is very harmful to Rutherford’s campaign. Even if a supervisor wins a claim against them, some people will still have their doubts. True also for the accuser, even if they win some will have their reservations. Best bet is to keep work and friend relationships totally separate, but work is a big part of everyone’s social life these days. In my ideal world, we wouldn’t hear of the accusation until the outcome of the complaint had been determined, but it’s not an ideal world. - very interesting - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:02 pm: How do accept Rutherford’s endorsement if he quits the race? - Robert the Bruce - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:03 pm: ==Word, to my knowledge there are five people who say they are either witnesses or can corroborate various allegations. They are being interviewed this week by the special investigator.== The faint hope for Rutherford to stay in the game (or even to stay in office) may be that those five decide to vouch for him. Even then, will a republican primary electorate vote for a guy whose sexual orientation might not match their own? (I’m trying to ask that question as respectfully as I can word it for both them and he; my apologies if I didn’t succeed). I hope so; this isn’t Mississippi. Anyway, I haven’t given up on Rutherford. But I won’t leave a 12-1 baseball game until the end of the 9th inning. - Cassandra - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:04 pm: Still, this is post-Ryan post-Blago Illinois where we are a bit sensitive to allegations of political shenanigans at the (state) office. Remember that Quinn aide who felt he had to get disciplined for making one phone call? Seems like somebody would have to investigate-the EOIG? - quincy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:04 pm: As a Republican I was thinking about voting for Bradey then I thought Rutherford would do a better job so I was going with him. NO MORE Iam backing Bradey again - SonofSuperAbe2014 - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:06 pm: It looks like DR will not get either mandate. - Archiesmom - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:09 pm: How damaging could this be? Two words: Herman Cain. - Downstate - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:11 pm: Word, Oxygen in the room in the apt analogy. Clock is ticking for Dillard and Brady if they hope to emerge. 1. People assumed Rauner, as a rich business guy, wouldn’t get higher than 3rd place. Polls are proving otherwise. 2. Even, if he emerged as a credible candidate, Rauner, it was opined, would crumble in the debates. That hasn’t happened either. 3. The last argument offered was that only Rutherford had the statewide organization to deliver the votes. There are lots of great people who have backed Rutherford, in this campaign, and prior ones. Of course, this is devastating for them. It sucks the life out of a campaign. For the most part, many Republicans simply want to get past the primary so the focus can once again return to the job that Quinn is doing. - Cheswick - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:15 pm: I am concerned about how much of this the accuser’s mental health can take. Did he think he was going into a game of bean bag, but ended up in a game of hardball in the middle of a roller derby? However, if he is more cunning than that, then I guess I’m not so concerned. (I’m not asking for an answer; just talking out loud.) - Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:25 pm: == Derrick Smith: “Innocent until proven guilty”. Of course he is staying in the race, don’t be silly. === == Dan Rutherford: No federal charges like Smith, but we got a resignation letter. He’s toast. == ^ I realize one set of allegations riles up our Puritan sensibilities and need for gossip more than the other set, but even so does ANYONE else get a certain Twilight Zone vibe here? - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:30 pm: FKA, everybody has their own cross to bear on their own. - Rod - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:31 pm: Presumably the Kyle, referenced in the letter is Kyle Ham who is Chief of Staff at the Illinois State Treasurer’s office. Mr. Ham is from Peoria and prior to 2010 when he was hired by Rutherford he was vice-president of the Heartland-Partnership which was linked to the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois, and the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. He held numerous executive positions with Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan. Ham is a supporter of charter schools and in the past was on the Board of a charter school. Kyle Ham was the mayor of Toulon Illinois for four years. It seems pretty clear from the letter that Mr. Ham is being accused of covering up sexual harassment for the Treasurer. By the way that too is a pretty serious charge as is the claim by Rutherford that the accuser’s lawyer is acting in the interests of Mr. Rauner and not the accuser. - Downstater - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:46 pm: Why should Rutherford get out? Sexual harassment charges CAN be serious, but until the actual incidents(s) are know this is nothing but speculation. Could be a disgruntled employee making an accusation and nothing more. - Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 2:53 pm: The timing is what makes this the likely end of the Rutherford campaign. It’s hard to imagine any resolution before the election, and that lack of resolution is certainly worse than exoneration. I find the letter curious. The previous week, the author was negotiating with Dan, asking for $300K in exchange for confidentiality. Presumably, no $300K, no confidentiality, and the letter writer was planning to go public. If he wasn’t planning to go public, why the need for a confidentiality agreement. And yet he writes, “I will not be part of the continued political gamesmanship…” If the negotiations for confidentiality weren’t political gamesmanship, what were they? The author claims to be a whistleblower.” If he intended to be a whistleblower, why was he negotiating a confidentiality agreement? That does not indicate the intent to blow the whistle, but rather to keep the lid on things. Curiouser and curiouser. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 3:00 pm: ===Sexual harassment charges CAN be serious, but until the actual incidents(s) are know this is nothing but speculation=== Fully and totally agree. Remember, however, there are two allegations here. - Alegra - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 3:03 pm: During over 30 years of front line State employment never did I write a letter or memo about my employment on official letterhead, as I felt my words were representing myself and not the department. So that struck me as kind of strange, but again I was not in upper managemnet. The letter writer came to the office to reform government, so he must be in a position of management I take it? Assuming that the February 2013 on top is a typo and was meant to read 2014. - Jaded - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 3:05 pm: ==In addition, I have objected to turning the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer into a campaign arm of Dan’s bid for governor. You and the Treasurer have forced this issue repeatedly.== Seriously, why would anyone want to be Treasurer except to run for another higher statewide office. In fact I can’t remember a Treasurer who retired from that office on their own terms. “I came into this office with the highest hopes to reform government.” Another load of crap. I’m not saying this person is lying about everything, but when you write canned phrases like this in a resignation letter, you certainly become suspect in my mind. “Reform government”…from the Office of Treasurer… seriously? That would be laugh out loud funny if this wasn’t so serious. - Barney Fife - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 3:14 pm: It is Finished. - walker - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 3:19 pm: I’d feel better if “the investigator” questioning the staff worked for a truly independent entity. - Loop Lady - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 3:25 pm: Rich is correct, that there are two charges: sexual harassment and doing political work on State time…both are damaging to all concerned and cause for investigation. Sexual harassment in subtle and overt forms on the job is an ugly, soul draining experience. This has happened to me, and it was not easy or financially feasible to just walk away from my job. Doing political work on state time is defrauding the state and pressure to do so can come from superiors that don’t give a crap if you’re caught, so long as you’re doing what they expect of you. Rutherford never struck me as a bright man, just an ambitious one, and it looks like that character trait trumped the others he possessed.. - Joe M - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 3:25 pm: Other training that every state employee receives is ethics training. A refresher course also has to be taken annually. And there are specific sections in that training about not doing political work on state time or even using state equipment such as computers after work to do political work. And anyone who sees anyone doing that, or is asked to do that for someone, is to report it to their agency’s ethics officer or the inspector general. That’s not a guideline, that is the law. Former Governor Blago ironically is the one who pushed through the ethics training and refresher courses for all state employees through the General Assembly - Robert the Bruce - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 3:48 pm: Very sorry to hear that Loop Lady. - A guy... - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 3:58 pm: It’s the very person friendships gone bad that are the most dangerous. You let your guard down when you think you’re speaking to close friends. What you think is a personal conversation may be represented as a professional one later. No question this person is angry. No question Dan didn’t see this coming. It’s sad all the way around for everyone. - Just Me - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 4:04 pm: I was comfortable keeping the identity of the individual a secret at first, but now that he is doing interviews and leaking his resignation letter, I don’t think it is fair anymore to give him the right of total privacy. He can either be private or not, can’t have it both ways. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 4:09 pm: =Also casts Rauner in a bad light given the allegations that Rutherford has cast against his campaign.= I think that whether Rauner is blamed depends on the level of credibility each individual assigns to Rutherford’s campaign and/or again, whether the “source of the hit” matters to people. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 4:17 pm: =I can’t read his mind. But I do think he thought it was all harmless stuff and is stunned that some believe otherwise. = Generally, in the private sector–even when extreme cost containment or cost cutting measures are in place, NO ONE shares rooms unless specifically requested by both employees because it can result in all sorts of extremely unfortunate misunderstandings. It seems that Government should consider that practice. - Kerfuffle - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 4:24 pm: So PQ has to be rooting for Dan to be the GOP candidate. - hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 4:27 pm: Well at least finally we get a clearer (though by no means clear) picture of what is actually being alleged by the employee. That is actually an improvement, although again we have the allegations thrown out here with anonymity promised to the accuser tilting things in favor of the accuser. I am sympathetic though to the argument of the employee in the letter of feeling intimidated by Rutherford’s press conference and think that would be a logical argument to make in whatever ensuing lawsuit that this person undertakes against Rutherford and his office. I agree with others that the whole thing being on the Dan Rutherford letterhead feels odd and am curious about how or why this letter is crumpled. Did the person who received it crumple it up and throw it away and a janitor picked it up and gave it to IR? Did the drafter of this letter dig up a crumpled blank sheet of DR letterhead to use as the background for this letter just as the ultimate “F You” by the employee to have the ability to send out a picture of the letter and its allegations under DR’s name? So interesting and something we will probably never know. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 4:32 pm: =The facts will come. In fact, they are on the way. = I’m stumped as to how that can even be possible–unless it’s the results of the independent investigation. And, if that is the case, people will still want details pertaining to jurisdiction and the results of that investigation and whether claims and/or civil suits can still be filed. As I’ve said before, it’s a very unfortunate situation for all concerned. - Aakash Raut - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 4:54 pm: Thank you (and Illinois Review) for posting this information. I just now learned about this latest Rutherford news. It is troubling, but it’s important not to jump to any conclusions, at this early point. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 4:55 pm: And–just to be fair, as others have recognized, there is a difference between undisputed facts and allegations. And, again, we all have our opinions as to whether even when armed with that knowledge, the public prefer to focus more on undisputed facts or allegations even when there is in fact a determination, judgment, verdict, or even subsequent statements from those involved on record. Again, very unfortunate for all concerned. - Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 5:04 pm: I agree with Anon 4:32. I think we’ve more or less learned about all we’re going to learn from this episode barring an admission of guilt by the Treas (extremely unlikely), a retraction by the claimant (again, unlikely), or others coming forward (that’s the question mark). We may learn some fleshed out details from a lawsuit, assuming one gets filed, but unless there is corroboration of the claims or admission of bad behavior by either party, it boils down to he said/he said and that’s really that. My opinion is evolving and is now wide open. Someone said maybe in another thread that if this is a hit job, then it’s the best hit job they’ve ever seen, and I would have to concur with that sentiment. But Occam’s Razor may hold too, and it could just be the accuser had a claim and saw a way out of debt at an opportune time. And unless there are corroborating witnesses, we may never know which. - All is fair - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 5:07 pm: The letter appears to have been not crumpled, but rather folded. Typically, it might be folded into eighths and fit into a guy’s suit pocket, let’s say. this one went a little further, perhaps 32nds. Maybe it got slipped into a woman’s bra? It’s entirely possible that IR got it from someone in Dan’s office. Doing my best Sherlock Holmes I’ll say a busty secretary of the named Chief of Staff. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 5:18 pm: I agree and disagree with Mr. Bidenopolous. Again recognizing the difference between undisputed facts and allegations, there is more to “learn” from the more formal allegations which seem to be forthcoming. And there will eventually be a “truth” in the form of a determination, judgment, or verdict–unless of course the action is dismissed or settled. But then again, while a dismissal (which seems unlikely) might sway opinion one way or another in Mr. Rutherford’s favor, it’s anyone’s guess as to what a settlement would offer. - Lincoln Lad - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 6:19 pm: Rutherford compared to Weiner… How sad for Dan. Even sadder is it seems almost appropriate. Don’t put your family through the humiliation…. Own it if you deserve to…and step aside. Learn from it, and perhaps return someday. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 7:05 pm: Let’s be clear on a couple of things. Sexual harassment is a charge that needs to be dealt with seriously. Being gay is none of your damn business. Separate things, not even remotely related. - LGHB - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 7:07 pm: I seem to remember Rutherford leveling similar campaign/office accusations against Jesse White when Rutherford was challenging him for SoS. If memory serves me correct, Rutherford was complaining how Jesse White’s name was on all literature sent out by that office & his name was on every DMV which made it hard to determine what was official duties & what was campaign duties. Perhaps Rutherford needs his own tumbling group. Worked for Jesse White. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 7:17 pm: Of course, word. I haven’t been to any other sites today so things may have changed. However, prior to today the few who seemed to be linking and/or distinguishing the two (which I’d guess aren’t even connected in most minds) seemed IMHO to be baiting others into discussing gender. And no one was biting. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 7:20 pm: As a matter of fact, I think most people know enough to realize that sex harassment in the workplace can even take place between members of the GLBTQ community. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 7:30 pm: That was odd. I almost feel as if I was coerced into delivering a public service announcement that wasn’t necessary, and now need to follow up with a “So, duh, word.” - wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 7:37 pm: –However, prior to today the few who seemed to be linking and/or distinguishing the two (which I’d guess aren’t even connected in most minds) seemed IMHO to be baiting others into discussing gender.– Gender? What gender are you talking about? - wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 7:49 pm: Anon, what’s your point? What public service have you delivered? What are you drinking? - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 7:56 pm: - wordslinger -, You have been On Point all day. Good on you. If others are “confused” it speaks more to them. You taught me that. To all this, This is not Act I. This is not the first song in Act I. This is the first page, first lines of Act I. I know I am glad those, like - wordslinger -, are here to remind us all to keep focused on what is being discussed, and not what “some” want discussed in their own view of the world. You have my Marker, - wordslinger -, as always. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 8:20 pm: The final act of the Rutherford for Governor play has been over since Friday. All that’s left to discover is how total his fall from grace will be. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 8:23 pm: This is going to be told in “flashback”… - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 8:37 pm: lol multiple anons, markers, flashbacks, drinking…? Logical discussion seems over, huh? - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 8:38 pm: Do. Not. Feed. Trolls. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 8:43 pm: For the record, once again, I see two issues here: There is an allegation of sexual harassment against Dan Rutherford from a male employee in his office. That’s serious stuff, and should be treated accordingly. Personally, I think Rutherford is done because of this. There is also a separate, concerted effort by the Rauner campaign to peddle homophobic, innuendo-filled stories that Dan Rutherford is gay because he shared hotel rooms with a male employee. In Illinois. In 2014. By the Sun-Times. I can’t believe it. So Bruce, you must think being a gay dude is disqualifying for governor, right? How’s that play up north, in Winnetka, in Deerfield? How’s that play on Central Park West? Key Largo? With your contributors? Let’s try to get this straight: Sexual harassment — bad. Needs to be investigated and let the chips fall where they may. Gay — none of your damn business. Should never be a question. Get your nose off the bedroom window. What’s wrong with you? Will you vote for a guy who peddles that trash and has such contempt for you that he thinks you’ll buy it? - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 8:58 pm: Amen, - wordslinger -, amen. - snucka - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 9:14 pm: Double amen. And I was Anon. 8:20. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 9:17 pm: Wilie, the Sun-Times story blew my mind. I never expected it from them. There’s a lot of silence there from some people I no longer respect. How dare you remain silent when you’re peddling that hateful trash? Two dudes in a hotel room? Wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more. What’s wrong with you? Rutherford’s done, I’m sure, because of the sexual harassment allegation. It’s not like he had a lot of wiggle room, anyway. He has no money. Rauner is the juggernaut. To me, the biggest story of the season is Rich’s where he reveals that the Rauner crew spread the homophobic story on Rutherford that the Sun-Times bent over for (excuse the metaphor; seemed apt). Really, Rauner? You think the dude is gay so he’s not qualified to be governor? Could you expand on that point, please? - lakecounty - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 9:19 pm: Sexual harassment claims are one of the oldest and most effective actions in the political arena. Happens at all levels of government, schools, government, organizations, municipalities. And frankly I am amazed that there is so much attention given to this matter if there are only allegations from some unknown person that authored a letter with a date that was a year ago. What is interesting is why go after Rutherford if he was not leading in the polls? - All is fair - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 9:24 pm: Bosses sleeping with subordinates is a big deal. Many corporations have policies against it. While the law may be ambiguous, it is unquestionably poor judgement as it opens you up for all sorts of harassment issues. I’m not even sure how we know Rauner peddled the story. But if he did, I have little doubt that they loved how this angle plays in a gop primary. At the same time, on its face, if this was a female subordinate this would be disturbing. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 9:27 pm: - wordslinger -, The Rauner “drop” to the Sun-Times was probably the most sickening thing to drop to date. Add to it, the silence, and letting it “sit” like so many did, really reminded me how ugly Rauner is willing to go, and who is willing to get ugly with him. The rest is the other side of the coin, as you have stated so well. The drip, drip of the story and/or stories will not be helpful in keeping the Rutherford Campaign afloat. I am going to wait, but for what, I have no idea. As others continue to try to keep all the baiting alive and the “winks and nudges” begin to filter out more brazenly, I an really glad a place like this can keep perspective, and keep the horse before the cart long enough for all this to be digested, and the Rauner/Sun-Times angle is not getting lost. Long memories here on this blog. Long. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 9:33 pm: lol…and it goes on. In the private sector, businesses that do their research and/or get advice from attorneys PAY FOR SEPARATE ROOMS TO AVOID LAWSUITS. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 9:35 pm: Sorry. Hit the say it button accidentally. It seems you say that and people jump all over you because they’re under the impression that you’re insinuating that because 2 people of the same gender slept in the same room together, they’re gay and that there’s something wrong with being gay. Your spins are unbelievable. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 9:38 pm: And not defending Rauner, what proof do you have that he planted the story? When I read it, I thought it was Team Rutherford trying to plant the “he’s always done this because he’s really that cheap” story out there to help in their defense. I don’t think it’s going to help. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 9:38 pm: Do. Not. Feed. Trolls. Read Rich’s post about the article, then get back to us. - steve schnorf - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 9:49 pm: word, for some reason (which I’ve really never understood) as you well know there is an element in my party which is just obsessed with who you hold hands with and what you do in your own bedroom. It’s a shame, but they’ll be there, along with the bigots and the know-nothings and flat-earthers until the leadership and majority of our party repudiates them, which I don’t see much of so far. Sigh. When your target demographics are elderly white people and undereducated southern white men (bibles and guns, double sigh) you don’t have much room to maneuver - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 9:55 pm: - steve schnorf -, Well said, nothing to add, but to remind you, as - wordslinger - reminds me often, you are not alone. I “own” these Dopes in hopes of trying to highlight the negative, and that white hot light will lead to a change and a party I will by more than fuy glad to call My Party. I am always reassured when you comment as you do. Thanks. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 10:12 pm: ==And not defending Rauner, what proof do you have that he planted the story? – LOL, been out there for a while. If only Rauner had some resources to rebut.,… Seriously, dude, do you know Rich? You think he would put it out there if he didn’t have it buttoned down? Hell of a thing, Schnorf, here in Illinois, in 2014. I know I got a better education in the Illinois public schools. And I know from the education my kids got in the Illinois public schools, sunnier days await. God bless those teachers and the brilliant future of my kids. I’ve been down on Rauner from jump street because I think he’s the worst phony and hypocrite I’ve ever seen. Freaky. What shocks me about him is how all the GOP money boys have lined up behind him, abandoning Dillard, Brady, and Rutherford. Really, that’s what you think about us? Are you out of your mind? Don’t bother knocking on my door. But I’m in Cook County, so if you’re a Republican, you never have, anyway. Lazy always loses. - Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 11:00 pm: Willy and word, I said earlier that this week was gonna be long and disappointing. Nailed that one. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 11:12 pm: That you did, - AA -. The unknown, now, is the only thing I am fearing. I don’t know what is coming or what to expect. Troubling. - Catrike - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 11:29 pm: The real and unspoken issue is the Republican party’s hateful treatment of gays that forces their gay politicians to lead deeply closeted, and potentially psychologically damaging lives. - steve schnorf - Wednesday, Feb 5, 14 @ 11:58 pm: Remember, though: in the long run Millard Fillmore did not prevail - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Feb 6, 14 @ 8:15 am: Fillmore’s “papers” are in Oswego … SUNY - Oswego, NY. I can’t get out of Oswego. - Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Feb 6, 14 @ 9:30 am: ==Bosses sleeping with subordinates is a big deal. Many corporations have policies against it.== One more time for those not reading previous posts & threads. When you travel on gov’t funds (local, state, fed) it is common & often required that travelers of the same gender share rooms (not beds). This is intended to save precious tax dollars. - Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Feb 6, 14 @ 9:31 am: I should add that these policies & practices are generally blind to supervisory level. If you can share a room, you do, because travel funds are limited. - Anonymous - Thursday, Feb 6, 14 @ 12:57 pm: It will be interesting to see the sex harassment, travel policies, etc. during discovery. What an eye opener it sounds like it will probably be for those in the private sector. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.