* Press release…

Today, in a letter to the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, Michael J. Madigan, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos formally withdrew from the effort to form the Anti-Harassment, Equality and Access Panel before it becomes a legal entity.

While Congresswoman Bustos passionately agrees with the mission of the Panel to advance women’s leadership in the Democratic Party and address sexual harassment in the workplace, she agreed with the other two co-panelists, Comptroller Susana Mendoza and State Rep. Carol Ammons, that this work can only be effective if it’s done independently of the Democratic Party of Illinois. During the past two months, the three panelists worked to identify a funding mechanism that complied with both State and Federal election law and ethics rules.

After thoroughly examining all legal options, it was determined that in order for the panel to form as an independent legal entity — entirely outside of the Democratic Party of Illinois — Congresswoman Bustos, as a federal officeholder, would have to withdraw and allow this to become a strictly state level effort.

“I am disappointed that I cannot help lead this important effort to eliminate sexual harassment and advance women in the Democratic Party of Illinois,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “While I wish I didn’t have to step away before taking this panel to the next level, this decision will allow Comptroller Mendoza and State Rep. Ammons to establish an independent, legal entity that can do the work that needs to be done. It is going to take all of us doing our part to stamp out sexual harassment, not just in political campaigns, but in all workplaces - and I’m proud to continue my efforts in Congress.

“I have total confidence that Comptroller Mendoza and State Rep. Ammons will do a thorough and complete job, and I wish them luck in this effort.”

The letter to Madigan is here. She claims she consulted with the US House’s Ethics Committee before making her decision.