A handy loophole
Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
In a new TV ad, Democrat Melissa Conyears-Ervin declares to viewers she’s not “afraid to stand up to Donald Trump” and will “fight” for affordable health care and groceries.
Various graphics beneath her name flash that she will “Fight Trump and MAGA” and “Protect Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP from Trump’s Cuts,” referring to the Republican president’s “Make America Great Again” followers and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, issues befitting a U.S. House candidate seeking the Democratic nomination in a crowded race for the 7th Congressional District.
At the end of her ad, another graphic displays, “Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Democrat, 7th Congressional District.” But look a little closer, and in smaller letters are the words “State Central Committee.” The ad also says: “Paid for by Melissa for Chicago.”
She’s using state money to pay for TV ads. But since she’s running for state central committee, that appears to be legal. And she’s not the only one doing this…
“Vote Laura Fine for 9th Congressional District,” the mailer says. Underneath, in smaller lettering, are the words, “Democratic Committeewoman.” The mailer was paid for by Friends of Laura Fine, her state campaign committee, which had $340,180 cash on hand at the end of 2025. Her Laura Fine for Congress committee had $479,197 in cash on hand as of Sept. 30, the latest available federal campaign reporting date.
- Frida’s Boss - Thursday, Jan 22, 26 @ 9:07 am:
I’m guessing this will be addressed but how? Both leaders have significant funding in their respective committeeman coffers. They’re not going to want to add rules to their spending. Pretty smart move. Essentially every candidate should double file, whether they want to be committeeman or not.
- DuPage Saint - Thursday, Jan 22, 26 @ 9:14 am:
Gee that is almost Trump like /s
Insider game always was always will be and it is not limited to any party. Maybe they will change it when they eliminate picking your successor
- City Zen - Thursday, Jan 22, 26 @ 10:00 am:
Big loophole, especially for existing federal candidates who get to use a state-level PAC with much higher contribution limits than the FEC (see Delia Ramirez).
I suppose you could try to limit the messaging to committeeperson specific duties, but that would be clumsy.
- AlabamaShake - Thursday, Jan 22, 26 @ 11:21 am:
** I’m guessing this will be addressed**
I’m guessing it won’t.
- Candy Dogood - Thursday, Jan 22, 26 @ 11:46 am:
The manner in which Illinois goes about creating the statewide party leadership really needs to be revisited.
- Remember the Alamo II - Thursday, Jan 22, 26 @ 12:47 pm:
=== Whether it is legal or not, using taxpayer dollars for any political campaign is wrong. Plain and simple. ===
Nobody is claiming that anyone used taxpayer dollars.
- Excitable Boy - Thursday, Jan 22, 26 @ 12:51 pm:
- using taxpayer dollars for any political campaign is wrong. Plain and simple. -
You’re misunderstanding. These are political funds, state vs. federal.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jan 22, 26 @ 12:59 pm:
===You’re misunderstanding===
I deleted the comment. Everyone can now move along.
- twowaystreet - Thursday, Jan 22, 26 @ 1:00 pm:
Response from lawmakers: This is concerning, we shall fix it by mandating additional lobbyist reporting requirements.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jan 22, 26 @ 1:20 pm:
twowaystreet, that could be a default response to everything /s
- Lurker - Friday, Jan 23, 26 @ 12:08 am:
Mike Madigan is alive and well is how I see this. He knew and exploited every loophole but I must admit, I admired his effectiveness