* Mark Maxwell…

More than a month after the Democratic Party of Illinois elected Congresswoman Robin Kelly as the new chair of the party, her name still does not appear on official organizing documents at the state or federal levels while attorneys seek input from the Federal Election Commission.

The new party leaders did file updated documents to report Michael Dorf had taken over as treasurer, but did not report Kelly’s new role. The curious omission reveals how carefully the Congresswoman’s team is reviewing the fine print in election laws to avoid attracting any scrutiny from federal authorities.

Instead, state campaign records list Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough as the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. Yarbrough took over the role from former chairman Michael Madigan on an interim basis while the party leaders in the State Central Committee staged an election between Kelly and Chicago Alderman Michelle Harris. Kelly narrowly won by one vote, overcoming objections from the Harris camp that a sitting member of Congress could not run a state party and control its fundraising or spending decisions without running afoul of federal campaign finance laws.

Before Kelly was elected, election attorneys at Perkins Coie, a high-powered law firm with several Democratic clients, issued a legal memo warning that members of Congress could not “establish, finance, maintain or control” a state party apparatus without violating FEC guidelines. The memo also warned members of Congress would have to adhere to the stricter federal fundraising limits, capping how much “soft money” the state party could raise from outside groups like labor unions. […]

“The State Central Committee controls two political funds, a federal fund and a state fund,” said Hanah Jubeh, a spokesperson for Rep. Kelly. “We have updated the statements of organization for each fund listing Mike Dorf as treasurer. Vice-chair Karen Yarbrough remains listed as the chairman of our state fund, something that is permitted under the State Central Committee bylaws, while our lawyers review our structure to ensure compliance with all state and federal campaign finance laws.”

Dorf is listed as both treasurer and custodian of records on DPI’s federal disclosure forms.

Since US Rep. Kelly took over, the party has reported just one campaign contribution - $2500 from Health Alliance. It has contributed $25,000 to the Macon County Democrats, $15,000 to the Maine Township Democrats and $1,000 to the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association.

* Meanwhile, the IDCCA seems to be stepping in to handle some of the stuff that one would’ve expected from the reconstituted DPI. For example, this is from yesterday…

One week ago the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA) called upon Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis to give away campaign funds he received from Congressman Matt Gaetz following public reports that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Gaetz for allegedly having sex with and trafficking a minor. Today, IDCCA President Kristina Zahorik released another statement calling on Davis to speak out and give away the dirty money:

“More than a week later Rodney Davis remains silent on his political supporter Matt Gaetz’ alleged criminality. And as Illinois Republican Adam Kinzinger calls for Gaetz to resign, Davis has only made jokes and avoided taking action or a position.”

“Matt Gaetz’s partner in crime is striking a plea deal, prompting his lawyer to say ‘I’m sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable.’ Rodney Davis, the public evidence is mounting: speak out like your colleague and unburden yourself and your district of Matt Gaetz’s dirty money.”

More public revelations of electronic money transfers continue to lead back to Matt Gaetz. Joel Greenberg, a former tax commissioner in Florida and a friend of Gaetz’s, has been reported by CNN to be striking a plea deal in the face of federal charges that range from identity theft to sex trafficking of a minor. Last Thursday, Illinois Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger called for Matt Gaetz to resign.

Rodney Davis has taken $4,000 from Matt Gaetz, starting in 2018 and then again in 2020. On Monday, April 5, 2021, the IDCCA called on Rodney Davis to return the money to Gaetz or give it to charity like one of his colleagues did.

* And speaking of the Republicans…

It was revealed today that the new Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, US Rep. Robin Kelly, gave a February campaign contribution to the reelection campaign of indicted Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta.

WBEZ: “Indicted Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta’s successful re-election campaign got financial support from Congresswoman Robin Kelly — who became the new leader of the Illinois Democratic Party last month.”

“Despite being hit with federal corruption charges in August, Presta won another term as leader of the south suburb in the election a week ago. And in newly filed campaign-finance reports, Presta disclosed that Kelly gave $250 to his political committee on Feb. 12.”

ILGOP Spokesman Joe Hackler issued the following statement in response:

“For over two decades, the DPI was Chaired by political crime boss Mike Madigan, so it’s no surprise his successor Robin Kelly is following his lead in subsidizing public corruption. The people of Illinois are sick and tired of its leaders catering to political grifters and thieves instead of providing honest leadership and good government. Chairman Kelly should apologize for her misguided contribution.”