* The background is here. From a press release. All emphasis is in the original document…
Below is a statement from community leaders Gary Ciaccio, Mike Smith and former State Representative Lisa Dugan in response to allegations made by the Kankakee State’s Attorney’s Office on Tuesday:
“Since last Thursday, we have noticed illegal and unethical conduct by the Kankakee county state’s attorney, Kankakee county clerk and the Kankakee county sheriff’s offices. We took steps to ensure information was given to the Illinois Attorney General, the Illinois State Board of Elections and the Department of Justice regarding the actions of these local officials. We know many legally registered voters have been turned away from voting over the last few days. Since early voting for the 2016 general election began just a few short days ago, there have been numerous reports and eyewitness accounts of harassment and intimidation by local government officials of residents trying to participate in the democratic process of voting.
“We condemn attempts by anyone to engage in voter fraud, but we also will not tolerate attempts at voter intimidation aimed toward depriving local residents of their ability to vote. Everyone has a right to vote and no one should be subjected to intimidation. Our state and national constitutions exist for our protection as a people: to be protected from an overreaching government and to be protected from having our freedoms and our liberties taken from us.
“Again, we have ensured information was brought to the Attorney General and the Department of Justice to investigate these inexcusable incidents of intimidation and harassment against voters.”
- MissingG - Tuesday, Oct 4, 16 @ 4:45 pm:
Solid use of the word “ensure”
- Postbot 6000 - Tuesday, Oct 4, 16 @ 4:47 pm:
Stay Classy Kankakee
- Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Oct 4, 16 @ 4:48 pm:
OK, so now it’s a they said/they said situation.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, Oct 4, 16 @ 4:51 pm:
Smart money is on Michael Kasper. Always.
- Cubs in '16 - Tuesday, Oct 4, 16 @ 4:52 pm:
The Cloonen campaign sat on this information since last Thurs. and only reveal it when attacked by the other side? The timing makes Cloonen’s camp look disingenuous.
- Boone's is Back - Tuesday, Oct 4, 16 @ 5:01 pm:
This PR rings just as hollow as the state’s attorney’s. Provide some specifics please.
- @MisterJayEm - Tuesday, Oct 4, 16 @ 5:01 pm:
Q: “The Cloonen campaign sat on this information since last Thurs. and only reveal it when attacked by the other side?”
A: “We took steps to ensure information was given to the Illinois Attorney General, the Illinois State Board of Elections and the Department of Justice regarding the actions of these local officials.”
– MrJM
- Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Oct 4, 16 @ 5:02 pm:
For the record, the two gentlemen listed as “community leaders” appear to be local union officials. Not sure why they wouldn’t just say that. Is that in the full release anywhere?
- Archiesmom - Tuesday, Oct 4, 16 @ 6:17 pm:
Does being in the union prevent you from being a community leader? Just asking.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Oct 4, 16 @ 6:46 pm:
So - as expected and totally not surprising - this is now delved straight into a partisan issue. I hate politics sometimes, and things like this are why the general public despises politics and insider baseball.
- Anon2U - Tuesday, Oct 4, 16 @ 6:47 pm:
“Again, we have ensured information was brought to the Attorney General and the Department of Justice to investigate these inexcusable incidents of intimidation and harassment against voters.”
Clones is talking about Frank Mautino here right?