* There were a ton of cops outside JP Kelly’s when I drove by last night, but I was running late for a meeting and couldn’t stop…
“@BetsyforIL” is, of course, Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, Congressman Davis’ Democratic opponent. I’m told her husband was pushed.
I’ll post the video when it’s available.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Oh, man, this is so bad…
Rodney needs to issue a statement now.
*** UPDATE 2 *** From Congressman Davis’ campaign…
Hey Rich - here is a statement from Matt Butcher, Campaign Manager. Would appreciate you posting.
“As soon as I was made aware of the incident, his employment was immediately terminated. This campaign has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or violence of any kind.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** I’ve asked for a statement from the congressman himself.
Pantagraph…
Dirksen Londrigan issued the following statement: “I’m relieved that my family, staff, and supporters are all OK and that this incident didn’t escalate even further.
“I am disturbed that someone would show up to an event and try to harass and intimidate me and my family, but he is sorely mistaken if he thinks that it is going to slow me down one bit.
“Nasty, divisive politics do nothing for our community. I will continue to hold public town halls, campaign with civility, and show this office and voters the respect they deserve.”
Her campaign manager, Emma Brown, said it was clear that Davis is worried about re-election, but that is no excuse for the behavior of his staff.
“Rodney needs to answer very clearly whether he or his campaign were aware of what this young man planned to do or even directed him to attend the event and try to intimidate Betsy, her family, and her supporters,” Brown said.
*** UPDATE 4 *** Rep. Rodney Davis himself…
My sincerest apologies to Betsy, her husband Tom, and everyone at JP Kelly’s. The incident involving a young field representative on my campaign should have never happened and his employment was immediately terminated. His actions go against everything I stand for and go directly against what I have been promoting, which is more civility in politics. This kind of behavior will never be tolerated on my campaign or with anyone on my staff.
*** UPDATE 5 *** SJ-R…
Springfield police Lt. Brian Oakes said Lovell showed up to the event “purposely trying to record members of Betsy Dirsken Londrigan’s campaign, trying to get them to say something inappropriate.”
Oakes said Lovell “smelled like an alcoholic beverage” and was “believed to be intoxicated.” […]
His profile says he had volunteered for U.S. Rep. John Shimkus’ 2016 campaign and had interned for state Rep. Tim Butler in 2015.
The profile says Lovell graduated from Lincoln Land Community College and from Eastern Illinois University, where he was involved with College Republicans.
