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*** UPDATED x1 *** *** LIVE VIDEO *** Alleged abuse victim’s press conference
Thursday, May 31, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller * Many, many thanks to the folks at BlueRoomStream.com for this access to today’s press conference. I’m hearing there may also be a follow-up presser by the accused legislator. The first presser is scheduled to start at 1 o’clock… Click here if the embed doesn’t work for you. And if you can’t watch videos at work, click here to follow along with our live coverage post. *** UPDATE *** The worst-kept Statehouse secret of the week is now public. House Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang is the alleged abuser. He also sits on the Legislative Ethics Commission. Here’s the press release…
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- Amalia - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 12:49 pm:
anyone heard if this is getting tv coverage?
- Dee Lay - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 12:57 pm:
The chit-chat between reporters before a press conference is most times more interesting than the presser itself.
- Lisa - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:04 pm:
Buh bye Lou lie. #metoo
- Grand Avenue - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:06 pm:
Leader Lang is currently unopposed.
If you live in the 16th District & want to run against him as an Independent or Third Party, you need to collect 2,103 good signatures between now and June 25th. Not impossible, but you better get a crew and start now.
- Lolz - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:06 pm:
LOOOOOOUUUUUUU
- Stark - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:07 pm:
This is quite a 2 day period for Rep. Lang, pass the ERA one day and the next get accused of sexual misconduct.
- OneMan - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:08 pm:
I think if there was any doubt about this getting ‘coverage’ I think those questions have been answered.
- Springfieldish - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:14 pm:
Perhaps someone ought to explain to Denise, et al that dangling the story for a couple of days, giving a scoop to Dan Proft, and then having Denise and Ives up there totally invites the suggestion that Lang is a political target. Is it bad to minimize the accuser? Yep. Given the background of everyone there, the obvious motives, the slipping of a little extra info to Ives, who could not suggest this is all theater.
- Jones - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:15 pm:
I can’t imagine anyone is surprised by this. My only surprise is that there aren’t at least a half dozen other complaints about how things have been done in Springfield.
- If Lang resigns - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:16 pm:
The Democratic committeemen that cover the 16th house district are Lou Lang (Niles) and Ira Silverstein (50th Ward), with a small portion of Patrick O’Connor’s 40th Ward.
- Grand Avenue - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:18 pm:
Right, Lang could actually appoint his own replacement as Dem nominee as he has the majority of the weighted vote if he decided not to stand for re-election.
- Amalia - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:19 pm:
oh, great. there goes my hope for a hemp bill.
- Perrid - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:20 pm:
Springfieldish@1:14, you do have a point, they didn’t do themselves any favors, and the “sexual” component of this misconduct seems a bit light to me at first glance, but still, if she has the receipts so to speak it’s not going to go well for Lang. Nor should it, to be clear.
The irony here is just about choking me.
- wordslinger - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:22 pm:
–Amanda Vinicky@AmandaVinicky
Let us be clear:These are all allegations, freshly revealed. Locar says it is time to touch “the untouchables.” –
Probably not the the best turn-of-phrase, under the circumstances.
- Wait. What? - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:23 pm:
So this wild-eyed highly emotional woman is alleging Lou Lang touched her lower back and asked her to dinner?
So awkward flirting is now illegal?
I’m Dan Proft wing Republican for sure, but I think I’m with Lou Lang on this one.
- Amalia - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:23 pm:
so there’s some MeToo stuff in this, but a small amount.the issue about who she’s with might be because he does not want to disturb. the hand on the back, not good. the husband lucky to have you. not good. the rest is what anyone would experience. and while every victim deserves to be listened to and there is no one way to be a victim, she is not a likable person and a distracted witness.
- PUH-leeze - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:24 pm:
This is weak.
- Amalia - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:26 pm:
I don’t want to have to depend on strong and virtuous men. Ives, no thanks.
- PUH-leeze - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:26 pm:
Jeanne Ives uses same line she used in opposing ERA in supporting alleged “victim” of ERA sponsor. Weird.
- Thoughts Matter - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:26 pm:
Hmmm. I’m not watching the video, just reading the press release. I don’t know anything about anyone involved. Having said that, this whole hype up the press conference lead up to the presser made me take two steps back. Reading the press release makes me take another two steps back. It doesn’t read like anything major to me. But I could be totally off base.
- Arsenal - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:27 pm:
It seems like Locar’s biggest objection is that Lang played hardball politics, whereas I rate the inappropriate touching and comment about the husband as much worse.
- PUH-leeze - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:28 pm:
Bullying? Has anyone ever dealt with Jeanne Ives in committee?
- Amalia - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:28 pm:
Lang may be Illinois for Schneiderman
- VanillaMan - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:30 pm:
It is high time for the generation that pushed for gender equality be exposed for the fact that they didn’t believe gender equality applied to them personally.
Time to go after the same group’s treatment regarding minorities.
- Amalia - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:30 pm:
I’m with Arsenal on that analysis. I don’t like someone yelling at me or bullying me but touch me or make a suggestive comment to me, no. and that’s what MeToo is about. not yelling.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:32 pm:
Isn’t it amazing how many still bash Ives as though her party absolves them of their own behavior?
Bizarre
- Dr. M - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:33 pm:
The only logical explanation for this spectacle is that Rotheimer and now Roncar have been planted by people who really want to discredit the #metoo movement. Roncar comes across as unhinged. Her claims are impossible to substantiate and even if true, they don’t rise to the level of workplace harassment and certainly don’t justify her outrage over having been allegedly blackballed. I don’t doubt that people in power including Lang wanted to avoid working on bills associated with this woman. But that doesn’t have anything to do with her gender. She sounds like a crazy, aggressive, vindictive person.
Is anyone surprised? We got the press conference spectacle we deserve, people.
- Rocky Rosi - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:33 pm:
If true this is not good but there seems to be holes in this story. Still Lou should have shown restraint.
- Iggy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:34 pm:
what i have learned from this thread:
Lou Lang is chill
This lady is crazy, don’t trust her
It must be an interesting life to constantly doubt victims. My guess is this voice will be silenced but it is only a matter of time before more people come forward. tick tock.
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:35 pm:
Can’treally say that I’m shocked that Lou Lang is the one being accused.
- A guy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:36 pm:
This lady brings a lot more credibility to the table than DR did in my opinion. She’s pretty specific on policy being negatively effected. She demonstrates some professional maturity to me.
- Barrington - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:36 pm:
Too many republicans blur the message into the political arena. Not sure I would believe anything Ives and Proft say.
- Anon - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:36 pm:
i’ve never love ed lou lang, but this is a total BS hit job.
- Chicago_Downstater - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:36 pm:
@Wait. What?
“So awkward flirting is now illegal?”
This is your idea of awkward flirting, eh? I hope you keep that out of the workplace then.
And yes, if that so-called awkward flirting “is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted),” then it’s sexual harassment and therefore illegal.
https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/sexual_harassment.cfm
- OneMan - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:37 pm:
“I should be abused because that is the Illinois way”..
It seems like a lot of people are comfortable with ‘well that is the way it is’
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:37 pm:
Amelia
Not everyone who goes thru type of experience is going to be Gwyneth Paltrow.
Smh
- wordslinger - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:37 pm:
–Leader Lang is currently unopposed.If you live in the 16th District & want to run against him as an Independent or Third Party, you need to collect 2,103 good signatures between now and June 25th.–
You were ready with that at 1:06 p.m.? You sure it’s not 2,102 or 2,104?
- Anon-I-Guess - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:37 pm:
Those of you calling her “wild-eyed” and “unhinged” have learned little on how to deal with these issues.
- Angel's Sword - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:39 pm:
I don’t have an issue with the hardball politics. That’s the game and we’ll have to cart away half the legislature if we suddenly decide it’s wrong.
The inappropriate words and touching, on the other hand, bother me very much.
- wordslinger - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:39 pm:
–It is high time for the generation that pushed for gender equality be exposed for the fact that they didn’t believe gender equality applied to them personally.–
There’s just one of them? Which generation is it?
- Amalia - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:40 pm:
hey Anonymous, like I wrote, there is no one way to be a victim. but it’s also true that she’s not likable.
- Perrid - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:40 pm:
Iggy, straw man attacks don’t do anyone any good. No one, even the doubters, let alone everyone, has come close to what you’re saying they said. And to turn your logic around a bit, it must be exhausting and confusing to blindly believe every accusation. She claims to have documented everything and to have multiple witnesses, at least to the bullying if not the inappropriate comments and actions. Is that’s true it paints him in a really negative light, and voters need to question whether he’s the kind of representative they want. Until then lets not burn him in effigy.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:41 pm:
Ok,
To this bribe,
She better know Who, “$170 million”…
That’s nothing to just throw out there.
She better know and have it down.
Wow, $170 million.
- OneMan - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:41 pm:
Did she just mention a bribe?
- OneMan - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:42 pm:
Right now people are seeing if they have Andy’s current phone number.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:42 pm:
Now Andy Shaw and a bribe, and $170 million and two senators.
Not a thought about going to the US Atty
- Jen - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:43 pm:
The common factor between DR and MR: both are volunteer activists and not lobbyists. DR took her legislative loss personally, and was looking to assign blame to anyone but herself. In her narrative, it was Ira Silverstein’s fault. Seems like the same could be possible with MR.
- Saluki - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:43 pm:
Fears for her life daily….
- PUH-leeze - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:44 pm:
“I’ve written it down”. “Monique Garcia and Ray Long have all of this”. “This is Illinois…”. “I hope the senator will come forward.”
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:45 pm:
The bribe angle now might have hijacked the whole thing.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:47 pm:
Ives leaving tries to refocus.
Ives also says it’s not her press conference.
The takeaway may now be about this $170 million bribe with two senators Andy Shaw knows about.
- anon - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:47 pm:
Unfortunately, I believe every word. Lou Lang has no respect for women. Yelling, screaming and intimidation are his M.O. Disagree with him and your bill is dead. His abuse of power is well known but fear keeps others from coming forward
- PUH-leeze - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:47 pm:
Is a “Drive-by press conference” a thing? It may be now.
- Funny - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:47 pm:
She seems to be making it up as she is there. Maybe she should have picked better lobbyists to work with. Sour milk because her bills died. Please go away.
- Soapbox Derby - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:49 pm:
So many commentators here quick to attack the accuser in order to protect the accused.
Sad indeed.
- $170 million bribe ? - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:51 pm:
When Ives jumps in to shut down a press conference and try to reframe the press conference, then you know its gone off the rails.
Btw, Maryann Loncar probably should have registered as a lobbyist when she advocated for medical marijuana. The Google shows she is the president of Mother Earth Holistic Health in Plainfield: http://www.motherearthholistichealth.com/press.
- Captain Ed Smith - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:52 pm:
Any lobbyist that has ever had Lou sponsor their legislation knows he is a great sponsor, but he is not going to do your job for you. He demands you work the bill and do a hard roll call. If he doesn’t think you are doing your part you will hear about it male or female. That is the process and what you get if you want him to carry your legislation. I accept it and appreciate it.
- Anon49 - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:52 pm:
Soapbox - Agreed. I wonder if these same people were on the ERA thread celebrating its passage. Oh the hypocrisy.
- Amalia - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:53 pm:
I’m hoping for a post to dissect the bribe, the $170 million and two senators.
- Funny - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:54 pm:
She keeps backtracking on everything. She doesn’t even know her own story. Making it up as she goes. Worthless.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:56 pm:
I’m going to be very crystal clear.
The discussion of a $170 million dollar bribe, with 2 senators…
If you don’t think for a millisecond I’m not going to question ANYONE who decides to make an accusation about a 9-figure bribe, and says she won’t show that to prosecutors, that’s me wanting much more information before I say… “yeah, three legislators are divvying up $170 million in bribes, no evidence”, then you haven’t read too much of what I’ve written.
- PUH-leeze - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:57 pm:
Apparently every bill introduced deserves to become law.
- Chris Widger - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:58 pm:
My whole bag is being extremely skeptical of Illinois Democrats, but this is absurdity. Obviously, all claims need to be investigates and all victims need to have avenues to report misbehavior, but bringing in Ives and Proft and proceeding in this manner strains credibility to a stunning degree.
- PUH-leeze - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:58 pm:
Amen, Captain Ed.
- A guy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:59 pm:
DR has become a bit more savvy with her experience.
- wordslinger - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 1:59 pm:
Who has the cash to offer three Springfield legislators a $170 million bribe? For what?
Anyway, that certainly steps on the original purpose of the presser.
- Saluki - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:00 pm:
this is bizarre.
- So_Ill - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:01 pm:
This is totally bizarre.
- Smalls - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:01 pm:
Agreed Soapbox. I wonder if the accused was the in the other party if the tone of the people above would be completely different, and calling for his head. I think I know the answer to that. And it is hypocrisy, as Anon49 points out.
- 19th ward guy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:02 pm:
Another Proft production that blows up on the launch pad.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:02 pm:
===DR has become a bit more savvy with her experience.===
You think so? I don’t see it, but hey, she’s on your team so you’d have a better view.
- Anon - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:03 pm:
Should we talk about Rep. Cassidy and her threats to remove Board members of the Medical Cannibas Association if they didn’t fall in line with her. And her abusive tone and foul language. Threats from her to ram a bill down there…..
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:05 pm:
===I wonder if the accused was the in the other party if the tone of the people above would be completely different, and calling for his head. I think I know the answer to that. And it is hypocrisy===
You believe Lang and two unnamed state senators met to divy up $170 million in a bribe to them, without any evidence, and with the person doing the accusing refusing to share any of this?
That’s what you’re saying.
- Long time R - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:06 pm:
She all over the place and one thing I’m for sure correct aboiut is, her lawyer being against her doing this
- LincolnwoodGuy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:07 pm:
Ms. Loncar, who is appearing with failed conservative governor candidate Jeanne Ives has spent a lot of time hurling mud at a Majority Democratic leader aligned with Speaker Madigan. Her strategy seems straightforward, can’t beat Madigan? Then try to sully one of his floor leaders. Denise Rotheimer, her costar in this media circus made allegations against State Senator Ira Silverstein primarily citing flirtatious Facebook texts from Senator Ira Silverstein and going public with enough lead-time for March primary challengers to file against him, with one subsequently beating him. The only sense coming from this is coming from the press corps asking intelligent questions whilst her answers are preposterous and offer no proof. Consider the messengers, they are not credible, folks.
- Gooner - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:08 pm:
I don’t want to minimize abuse, but this is it? A hand on back and one joke about dinner?
Sexual harassment and abuse is a very real problem. But this? She’s so outraged over this? I’m just not seeing it.
- Saluki - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:12 pm:
Holy Moses. What just happened?
- PUH-leeze - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:12 pm:
I sure hope the only “press coverage” that comes from this is in Proft’s “newspapers”, because that’s all that this was for.
- Amalia - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:14 pm:
there’s so much to dissect that has nothing to do with MeToo issues. MeToo issues are important. I’m sad this did not concentrate on that because those are significant. the rest of it is something else. and I’m feeling there’s something more complicated for why this is actually happening today. it feels very political and not just because this is about politics.
- Benfolds5 - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:18 pm:
Wow. I am not sure the waiting and press conference was the most effective way? Only 2 people know if it’s true, not sure though if there’s a “there” here.
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:20 pm:
I’m stuck on “Warehouses full of cash. They have warehouses full of cash.”
OW, word and AA appear to all be on the same page. No one has $170 million in cash (or the equivalents) laying around to pass out in Springfield to three mopes.
- Dr. M - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:21 pm:
To those who think all accusers should automatically be believed, let’s assume this is true. Now compare to the (substantiated) case of sexual harassment brought forth by Alaina Hampton. Tell me, what do these cases have in common? How do they differ?
AH presented a textbook case of workplace harassment. I can’t speak to her further lawsuit, but her initial claim was clear as a bell. What’s ML’s legal or professional recourse? There’s room for nuance in these matters.
- Stark - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:22 pm:
Well, that was something.
- Board Watcher - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:24 pm:
How long before Mendoza does a press release saying that Rauner put her up to this?
- wordslinger - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:27 pm:
–I wonder if the accused was the in the other party if the tone of the people above would be completely different, and calling for his head. I think I know the answer to that. And it is hypocrisy, as Anon49 points out.–
I missed that part where Silverstein got a pass. He certainly didn’t get one from Dem primary voters.
Loncar allegations raised a lot of questions. It went from sexual harassment to a $170 million bribe in a hurry.
You’d think that kind of accusation will get some attention from the federales. And you have to be awfully careful when you answer questions from them.
- PUH-leeze - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:31 pm:
From StL Post Dispatch:
The business will be extraordinarily hard to get into, though, as Illinois has some of the strictest regulations and most expensive entry fees in the industry.
Most won’t make it through the process. Gullickson said thousands of people have contacted her company about opening a dispensary in Illinois. Many drop out when they realize the cost. On top of the $400,000 in liquid assets, Gullickson said applicants face at least $60,000 in fees just to apply, and they may not be awarded a permit. Fees include an application fee, legal costs and payments to hire a consultant.
Or the regulations make them uneasy. Applicants must go through a fingerprint background check, full disclosure of past bankruptcy, defaults on student loans, child support or alimony, and they must release full tax returns for previous years.
- walker - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:38 pm:
Agree with Amalia. The MeToo movement’s sexual harassment issues are critical. They are hard enough to capture and fix, without conflating/combining them with other perceived abuses of power.
- Anon - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:41 pm:
She wanted a MM license because she claims to have worked the bill. She worked the hemp bill because she is trying to get into that business. She doesn’t get either so now she is mad. I know many involved in both and never saw that CRAZY woman involved. Lie after lie.
- wordslinger - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:52 pm:
–I wonder if the accused was the in the other party if the tone of the people above would be completely different, and calling for his head. I think I know the answer to that. And it is hypocrisy, –
I don’t recall Silverstein getting a pass. Certainly not from Dem primary voters.
Loncar raised a lot of questions. It went from sexual harassment to a $170 million bribe in a hurry.
I would think that allegation would get some attention from the federales. Be very careful when you answer questions from them.
- @misterjayem - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:54 pm:
Well, THAT was odd…
– MrJM
- Arsenal - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 3:01 pm:
==there’s so much to dissect that has nothing to do with MeToo issues. MeToo issues are important. I’m sad this did not concentrate on that because those are significant.==
That’s where I’m at, too. Conflating the MeToo issues with pretty typical legislative politics troubles me.
The bribe is a different matter, of course- though still not a MeToo issue- though the refusal to go to law enforcement is odd. We really think John Milhiser is in Mike Madigan’s pocket?
- Molly Maguire - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 3:19 pm:
Ives’ face during some of Loncar’s commentary is priceless.
- be careful what you wish for... - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 3:19 pm:
this is nuts. Are some legislators awkward and inappropriate? Yes. Are people in every industry awkward and inappropriate? Yes. Yes, he’s powerful, but because the bill didn’t pass AND he’s awkward, he’s abusive? I think people need to tread carefully when calling for Lou to resign.
- Hynes Guy - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 3:41 pm:
LL certainly brought some credible testimonials.
- Ronson T. H. Lighter - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 3:48 pm:
Next stop Judge Judy’s court room. We been hustled.
- Honeybear - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 4:04 pm:
I want start by apologizing to Denise Rotheimer. I did some research today and discovered she has a long history of victims advocacy. I didn’t realize that. I made the assumption that she was driven by narcissism and opportunism. She is not. I know understand that she is a passionate advocate. I apologize unreservedly for my attacks on her character. I am passionate as well so I am thankful for the opportunity to grow by understanding how I was wrong.
That being said, my previous comments and concerns have been born out.
This was s fiasco
This will backfire
This makes it more difficult for legitimate #metoo
This was an extrajudicial vigilante political assasination attempt
My suggestion offered in a spirit of contrition is this
Remove the taint and appearance
Of partisan politics
Alaina Hampton is the model
- This sure ain't me - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 5:50 pm:
My goodness, she did rave on, but about any legit Me Too issue - not so much. I wouldn’t consider the purchase of a live horse, let alone dead one she claims she can sell, from this mighty strange agent.
- dray - Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 9:54 pm:
Love the Rep. Ives exit.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Friday, Jun 1, 18 @ 6:08 am:
==So many commentators here quick to attack the accuser in order to protect the accused.Sad indeed.==
That’s the only reason a person would have for being skeptical of an accuser?
==Agreed. I wonder if these same people were on the ERA thread celebrating its passage. Oh the hypocrisy.==
What does the ERA have to do with accusers and accused people? Where does the ERA say one must always believe an accuser? Can you explain your comment? I don’t see any hypocrisy or any other connection.