Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

More on the Silverstein allegations

Posted in:

Illinois

* DNAInfo Chicago…

When Silverstein thought she had a boyfriend, Rotheimer alleged that the state senator moved to kill a bill she was pushing.

“I want him to answer for it and to know that it is wrong,” Rotheimer said, referring to Silverstein. “It is unconscionable.”

* Sun-Times…

Silverstein recalled holding hearings on Rotheimer’s bill and holding meetings with the attorney general’s office in a failed attempt to find middle ground.

“I worked the bill as hard as I could, but she would not compromise,” he said.

Silverstein was asked whether he ever propositioned Rotheimer, threatened to put a hold on her bill or said, did or wrote anything that could be construed as sexual harassment or intimidation.

“No. Not that I know of. It’s not in my nature. It’s not in my blood. I was trying to help her. I was just trying to help her get this bill through,” he said.

* Tribune…

Rotheimer also said she turned to state Sen. Melinda Bush, D-Grayslake, for help getting a response to her complaint, but “nothing happened.”

Bush said she was contacted by Rotheimer, who told her that she had been treated in an “inappropriate way” by Silverstein and raised concerns that her complaint was not being taken seriously by Cullerton’s office. Bush said she immediately called Cullerton, who said he was aware of the complaint and already had forwarded the matter and documents provided by Rotheimer to the legislative inspector general.

Bush said after that she did not respond to subsequent calls from Rotheimer because she believed it was inappropriate given it had been referred to the appropriate authorities.

“Any time anybody alleges misconduct, the first thing I am going to do is go to the appropriate authorities. It is not my job to decide,” Bush said.

* Rotheimer shared three documents with reporters. The first (click here) is a letter from the Office of Executive Inspector General telling her the OEIG has no jurisdiction over legislators.

She also shared this complaint she filed…

The first order of business that needs to be established in Springfield is to enact a zero tolerance policy for elected officials who abuse their position of power and require their immediate resignation. I did not deserve to be violated by state Senator Ira I. Silverstein. He sponsored my bill with the intent to degrade me and invade my privacy by messaging me and calling me at midnight–on numerous occasions, by arranging private and personal meetings with me at the park and ice cream parlors, by asking me to be “friendly” and answering personal questions about myself, etc., by telling me he had feelings for me and that I was fun, pretty and very, very attractive, by wanting me to send him pictures of me and telling me that he can’t stop thinking of me, by being mean and hurtful to me on numerous occasions when I tried to talk about the bill, etc. There are nearly 4000 Facebook messages between us since he began “pursuing” me while deceiving me about his motive to support my cause. I told him I would know whether his intent was genuine or not based on the outcome of SB2151. He knew I was committed to this bill and this cause because of all the people who continue to call me and ask for help. All the parents whose children have been raped or murdered and reached out to me and shared their grievances with the system never even scratched the surface of his conscience because his fantasy about me clouted his mind. Liars are master manipulators who betray the trust of those who seek their help with the intent to empower themselves and satisfy their own twisted agenda. Yesterday I filed a complaint with state Senate President John Cullerton on an ethics violation against Senator Silverstein. During the presidential campaign there was a lot of public outcry about Trump’s behavior–I hope the stand that certain elected officials took against Trump’s behavior also stand in support of my complaint. When we mothers whose children have been victims of violent crime and we seek legislative change to prevent other crime victims from becoming further victimized by the system we should not become victimized by any elected official who wants to “play” with us because we “make them smile.”

She also sent a pdf document of their Facebook chats, but said “Please keep the information about any crime victim confidential that are in the fb messages” in her e-mail. So, I’m not linking to the whole thing.

* There is a lot of banter like this…

Ira Silverstein: I will walk behind you and pretend I’m homeless. That way you’ll look good when you give me salami

Denise Rotheimer: great idea and u can then kiss my ring

IS: Oh yes and I will wash your feet

DR: no i have bad feet not many people know that i need a petticure

IS: Do you want me to kiss your toe ring too

DR: how did u know i have a toe ring no one else knows

IS: do u have any tattoos

DR: You’re just that kinda guy. No. Nada on the tattoos

IS: i have one of that lady you love in the attorney generals office

DR: You got a donkey. Where. Your bicep

IS: butt

DR: An ass on your ass. Good one

IS: you finally got one of my jokes not bad for a fake blond

DR: That is too funny

* And this…

DR: I’m in for some kosher food. If you don’t shop for speedos how are you going to buy a new one

IS: i bet you never had kosher food

DR: You lost that bet because I ate at your fundraiser remember. ..

IS: you got me!!!!!!!!! wait a minute that does not count because it is not is a resturant

DR: your the bacon and I’m the egg

IS: bacon is not kosher i am the egg

DR: Wait I meant you’re not your - Mr. correct my grammar whenever you get a chance. Yeah you look more like the egg

IS: u r mean
enjoy your popcorn

DR: I knew you would say that. I thought the egg was cute but you think in the negative. Think positive then you wont think of me as mean. Also I ate chocolate ice cream. No popcorn tonight.

IS: ok get fat u need it

DR: I’ll work on it:) by the 2nd I will gain 4 pounds and you will lose 4 pounds. You game?

IS: u r on
how much do you weigh today?

DR: I lost a pound today. I’m skipping the gym. I tried to get up to 115 but I’m stuck at 112. How much do you weigh today?

IS: never ask a man how much he weighs It is like asking a women her age!!!!!!

DR: Come on! How much

IS: no way bring a scale with you to springfield

DR: Are you at least losing like you’re supposed to…since you won’t tell me your weight?
If you tell me I won’t tell, so don’t be shy!!! I told you!!!!!!!!!!

IS: I am shy
and sensitive

DR: Fine. I’ll bring the scale and you bring the corn beef since you’re sensitive I won’t make you tell!

IS: deal what kind of bread do you like

DR: Italian. Not rye- yucky. Can you add a banana split to my order

That might - I repeat might - explain the voicemail message from Silverstein about working on her sixpack. But, then again, maybe not.

* And they also talked food and politics during a debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump…

DR: I know you’re a gambling man so if Trump knocks it out of the park during today’s debate you have to buy ice cream after lunch. If Clinton knocks it out of the park I buy the ice cream. Either way I get ice cream wanna bet…..

IS: Deal
I love ice cream. This will cost u

DR: The ice cream I want is $15

IS: Ok

DR: Hillary just threw the first stone. Sign of weakness. I’m going to win!

IS: U r dreaming

DR: No I’m watching donald is holding up and being nice! […]

IS: Ok there goes your ice cream

DR: Haha. Bet is still on you can’t back out. Remember your word is your bond

IS: Ok
she is coming on stronge􏰀

DR: Wait

IS: i am going to bed i win i heard enough

DR: You’re going to miss the best debate ever. Good night

IS: only kidding

DR: It’s hard to hear about Chicago. He’s right though the blacks are majority victims. Law enforcement and whites keep getting blamed for the actions of the thugs which she propagated and needs to stop.

IS: It is a draw

DR: No pun intended. Glad you’re not taking all this seriously. No one is

* The only reference to him pulling support from her bill appears to be a joke, but, remember, he could’ve said that in person, on the phone or whatever…

DR: I respect my elders. After your birthday o can no longer make fun of you

IS: I would not talk at least i do not have grey hair and wrinkes like you

DR: Booya That’s a good one. NOT

IS: insult me one more time and i will remove myself as the sponor of your bill

DR: Ah the threats. You can’t intimidate me silly besides you love the bill as much as me

IS: wait until thursday when u check the status of the bill

* Their last conversation that she shared was from November 28, 2016…

IS: Did u get there

DR: Half way there. At gas station. Figured out Facebook

IS: Sorry for blowing up on you
I am just as frustrated as u

DR: Put it on the schedule and let me deal with Fullerton. I just spoke with Rep Greg Harris and Elaine netkoritz at dinner
I will deal with Fullerton

She sent her letter to the OEIG on January 19th. So far, we do not know what happened between those two dates, so I would caution everyone to take a breath and keep an open mind. This ain’t over yet.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 3:53 pm

Comments

===I will walk behind you and pretend I’m homeless. That way you’ll look good when you give me salami===

Huh?

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:00 pm
They talked a lot about salami. 9 mentions in the document. Running joke for him.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:01 pm
Reading those is just horrendously uncomfortable. He flirts like a 6th grader with a hormone rush.

Comment by PJ Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:03 pm
It is very difficult to gauge this stuff without the full context of their relationship.

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:05 pm
Hmm…based on her testimony today, I was expecting a lot worse. I mean I was expecting just worse. This is mostly idiotic banter.

Comment by Shytown Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:05 pm
This makes Love Story look like a classic. What drivel. More important to bad there is not an inspector general with teeth.

Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:05 pm
hmmmm. this text reads like I would divorce him. But “great idea and u can then kiss my ring” and her testimony don’t ring true to her allegation.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:06 pm
In general, I agree with Ducky: “Huh?”

Comment by Keyrock Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:06 pm
Taking a breath, keeping an open mind…

Both Cullerton’s office earlier today and Sen. Bush in the Trib article said that Cullerton forwarded the complaint to the “legislative inspector general,” a job which was vacant at the time.

Honest question - was there someone else in the legislative inspector general office that would have received the complaint?

Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:06 pm
She’s running for state rep, right? So if he doesn’t resign and she wins, those two will both be in the GA at the same time?

Gross.

Comment by PJ Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:07 pm
This is a distressing revelation. Just as well the last time I spoke to Silverstein was when I worked for Debra in 2011. Certainly I won’t be talking to him again.

Comment by Will Caskey Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:07 pm
seriously?!

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:09 pm
How long can Cullerton get away with “forwarded it to the Legislative Inspector General” when there was no one in the office and he obviously knew it? Talk about the dead letter office.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:11 pm
===was there someone else in the legislative inspector general office that would have received the complaint?===

Yes. The ethics commission has an executive director.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:12 pm
Childish to be sure, but if there is more like this Silverstein is going to be damaged goods.

Denise Rotheimer comes off as bad as he does in terms of the bantering, but it may not matter.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:12 pm
At first glance, neither seem very wholesome to me. “…kiss my ring.” “Kiss your toe ring.?.” “How’d you know I had a toe ring”. Is this supposed to be the ‘smoking gun? The worst of the harassment?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:14 pm
the senator from Cringeville.

Comment by Homer J. Quinn Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:17 pm
certainly appears to be two way flirting here

Comment by BiggerFish Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:18 pm
“DR: It’s hard to hear about Chicago. He’s right though the blacks are majority victims. Law enforcement and whites keep getting blamed for the actions of the thugs which she propagated and needs to stop.”

The blacks, eh? They had a comfortable enough relationship for her to say something like that. This is getting murkier by the minute and probably not the slam dunk people were hoping for this morning at this point.

Comment by Dr. Bronners Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:19 pm
It’s unfortunate that movies and politics are trades where success seems more dependent on personal relationships than merit. Trying to develop or fake a relationship to gain advantage blasts open the door for misbehavior. People in charge need to learn how to behave professionally, and people looking for advantage need to learn how to respond to nonsense. When it comes to light, it’s an embarrassing spectacle for the person in charge. And why participate in the messaging or phone calls if you are on the receiving end? “unfriend” on facebook or just ignore, and keep a separate phone for business and personal calls. Don’t give out your personal phone number and don’t answer the business phone after hours. Only meet in business settings or public places. Ultimately, people have to try to look out for their own welfare and personal security, too.

Comment by NoGifts Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:19 pm
Evidence of an illicit, embarrassing (to Silverstein) relationship outside of marriage? Certainly.
Evidence of sexual harassment? None that I can see. This seems like friendly bantering with no evidence of coercion. From what has been disclosed to date, Rotheimer’s case rests on the slender thread that Silverstein dropped his support of a bill once he found out Rotheimer had another boyfriend. Bills can die for many, many reasons, not always easily traceable.

Comment by Quiet Sage Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:24 pm
Ick.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:27 pm
The quote attributed to Bismark relating to not wanting to see how laws and sausages are made came to mind reading these exchanges. A very high “Yuck” factor on both sides. If that’s what’s going on in Springfield, think I’ll see if I can find a butcher shop blog to follow.

Comment by West Side the Best Side Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:29 pm
Not to split hairs with you, Rich, but the Leg Ethics Comisssion is a one-person office. Hasn’t fared too well in recent OAG audits on basic State compliance. Hasn’t issued a founded complaint since 2013. Sounds like the perfect level of oversight for creeps like Senator Salami.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:31 pm
Huh?

Comment by Lil Squeezy Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:31 pm
Btw, there are 4 smiley faces from her to him in the exchanges above. Im sure he crossed the line in these exchanges, but that line seemed to be pretty dull.

Comment by Dr. Bronners Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:35 pm
==why participate in the messaging or phone calls if you are on the receiving end? “unfriend” on facebook or just ignore, and keep a separate phone for business and personal calls. Don’t give out your personal phone number and don’t answer the business phone after hours. Only meet in business settings or public places. Ultimately, people have to try to look out for their own welfare and personal security, too.==

“You shouldn’t wear that short dress if you don’t want to be harassed.”

She had a choice between staying in contact with a Senator who controlled her bill, and take the harassment, or watch her bill go down in flames. Not really a choice she should have to make, and that’s the entire point and problem with creeps like Silverstein.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:36 pm
“certainly appears to be two way flirting here”

I agree with this statement. Neither one should have kept this banter going. They are both being unprofessional and flirty.

Comment by John's Daughter Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:37 pm
There’s the bell. Junior High is out for the day. Time to head to the gym for the Sock Hop.

Ick doesn’t even begin…

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:41 pm
““certainly appears to be two way flirting here”

I agree with this statement. Neither one should have kept this banter going. They are both being unprofessional and flirty.”

The problem is that the Senator is in a powerful position and the victim might have felt they had little choice but to go along with it to get anything done.

If you think he’s not guilty of abusing his position unless an explicit proposition was made, you still don’t get it.

Comment by Willfully Clueless Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:44 pm
==The problem is that the Senator is in a powerful position and the victim might have felt they had little choice but to go along with it to get anything done.

If you think he’s not guilty of abusing his position unless an explicit proposition was made, you still don’t get it.==

This. Times 10.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:46 pm
It sure looks like both are flirting, but there is a strong possibility of her trying to play along to get her bill passed. And that shouldn’t have to happen. Whether she was playing along the whole time or got upset after the fact no one but her can know, but just the fact that we find ourselves asking the question means, to me, that Silverstein acted inappropriately and needs to go.

Comment by Perrid Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:49 pm
This all sounds very consensual. I don’t want to victim-blame or say I don’t believe her. But I hope she has more than proves this was unwanted advances, because its certainly not harassment in a legal definition, and right now it trivializes what some of us have been through

Comment by young woman Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 4:59 pm
==the victim might have felt they had little choice but to go along with it to get anything done==

Except, at least as it appears from what Rich has posted, the “going along” is quite elaborate and not the responses you would expect from an unwilling participant in a conversation. For example, “can you add a banana split to my order”, “so don’t be shy”, “if you don’t shop for speedos”. If these came from Silverstein there would be no doubt of innuendo, however these are her statements and I cannot for the life of me think of why she would make them if for the sake of “going along”.

Based on the text of her complaint to the OEIG it looks like there may be more revealing conversations, but from these excerpts, the lack of professionalism goes both ways.

Comment by Swift Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:04 pm
I don’t see any possibility that it is appropriate
for an older married person in a powerful position to participate in banter such as this. Do you?

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:05 pm
This doesn’t look at first glance like sexual harassment to me.

The telling point is when she basically says “if you love me, you will pass my bill.”

That is the opposite of Silverstein saying “If you want your bill to pass, have sex with me.”

An official from the Dept of Human Rights looking at this would see a concensual exchange, I believe.

The problem for Silverstein is explaining this emotional infidelity to his wife.

Comment by Thomas Paine Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:09 pm
Gotta agree with Responsa. While there’s not yet enough evidence out to confirm Silverstein was sexually harassing her (let me unequivocally say that if some DOES come out I wouldn’t be the least bit shocked) but as of right now his best case scenario is he’s caught in an extramarital affair that’s so immature my 7th grade cousin would probably roll their eyes.

Comment by Franklin Delano Bluth Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:09 pm
“The problem is that the Senator is in a powerful position and the victim might have felt they had little choice but to go along with it to get anything done.”

Going along with this doesn’t stop the behavior, it encourages it.
If you think you change this type of behavior by going along with it, you don’t understand basic communication.

Comment by John's Daughter Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:16 pm
If Sen. Silverstein physically harassed her, that would be one thing. Based on what I’ve read so far, this seems like mutual unprofessional behavior… but will hold judgement until the facts are all out there. Still agree this is not becoming of a state senator.

Also - I think this is before she lodged a complaint, but thought I would share:
“Please name one current leader who most inspires you.

Senator Ira Silverstein. Senator Silverstein reached out to me after I testified in Springfield and filed SB2151 to address the issue I raised.”

Comment by Anon12345 Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:22 pm
===Going along with this doesn’t stop the behavior, it encourages it.===

Doesn’t excuse his behavior.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:24 pm
If this is all there is, then there is no there there.

Comment by JoanP Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:30 pm
Well, it doesn’t appear to be the stuff of $34 million in harassment lawsuits, but who knows.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:30 pm
Does the right to claim sexual harassment go to the first participant who claims it happened? I can’t see the difference between either side of this juvenile back and forth unless there’s more than what’s printed here. JoanP is right.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:46 pm
Playing Hide the Salami was a line in a Woody Allen movie.

Comment by My New Handle Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:48 pm
Those who understand the particulars of Illinois Legislative investigations can correct me, but wouldn’t it be possible to subpoena the Facebook conversations?

Given it relates to the conduct of a Senator and the body has control over sanctions, this seems to be the way to approach it unless I’m missing something.

Her testimony as I can tell from the stories indicates an escalation of the behavior after November. Or am I misunderstanding that?

Whether he pulled the bill isn’t much in the evaluation of the conduct. She’s talking about harassing behavior and that’s a problem whether he held the bill or not. It could be aggravating, but most of the issue is an allegation of harassment.

Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 6:01 pm
Chouldn’t she have found another Senator to sponsor the bill?

Seems like both of them have too much time on their hands

Comment by plutocrat03 Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 6:06 pm
“…Woody Allen movie.” something that should no longer exist based on what his daughter says.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 6:16 pm
Time to resign.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 6:21 pm
I’d leave it to his constituents to decide if he should resign, but I would hope President Cullerton would remove Silverstein from leadership until the investigation is complete.

Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 6:26 pm
Thomas Paine - Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 5:09 pm:

“The telling point is when she basically says “if you love me, you will pass my bill.”
—-

I don’t see that. Where did you get that?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 6:49 pm
Anonymous at 6:49 is me.

Comment by Timmeh Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 6:57 pm
So these are the geniuses either running the state or wanting to run the state. That’s just great.

Comment by Uggg123 Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 7:00 pm
The processing of allegations made during the course of the coming PR extravaganza might become similar to the procedure used these recent years on university campuses. The appearance of misconduct for Silverstein will be most difficult to overcome. I wonder if he is on record supporting the preponderance standard used on campuses.

Comment by Chad Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 7:12 pm
I don’t agree with Wensicia & JoanP, but MrsJM does.

I haven’t changed my mind, but I’m almost certain they’re right.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 7:34 pm
Not to completely change the subject, but shouldn’t she be registered as a lobbyist? Her testimony today and these messages reveal more than inappropriate behavior, there’s also some pretty serious advocacy going on. Probably something you would want to get in order before you run for office or go to the IG.

Comment by Jimmy87 Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 7:35 pm
for those here who only think this is mildly or slightly inappropriate, I’m sure the bad stuff is yet to come. maybe this is the, ok I’m being nice and giving you a chance to step down or resign with a little dignity. and if he doesn’t, then boom comes the hammer.

no way this is all there is.

Comment by thatsoutrageous Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 7:35 pm
Where is the quid pro quo?

Comment by Liberty Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 7:54 pm
This is not as serious as the allegations against Harvey Weinstein or the admissions of Donald Trump. It is bad behavior, no doubt. I do not think it rises to the level of harassment without more.

Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 8:05 pm
Being the same gender as Silverstein, I’ve never experienced sexual innuendo inappropriateness from him. But I have experienced just plain old-fashioned inappropriateness - lobbying other units of government in ways that were just not right, threatening litigation on matters that really shouldn’t have been done. He seems to have a real problem coloring within the lines.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 8:15 pm
Who is Fullerton who is referenced in the final excerpt?

Comment by Midwestern Independent Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 8:18 pm
- I don’t agree with Wensicia & JoanP, but MrsJM does. -

I’m a very partisan Democrat and at the very least this is highly inappropriate and ridiculously unprofessional.

Regardless of an accuser’s participation, anyone with any common sense should know better than to engage in this behavior in a work environment.

Silverstein needs to step down to give a responsible adult an opportunity to represent his district.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 8:19 pm
hmmm. I wonder what Mrs. Silverstein thinks about this ” banter ” ?

Comment by mr. Nononsense Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 8:39 pm
===Not to completely change the subject, but shouldn’t she be registered as a lobbyist? ===
Depends on whether she was compensated. If not she didn’t have to.

Comment by Been There Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 8:41 pm
Everyone saying “this seems consensual”: you are very much part of the problem. You do not get to decide someone else’s consent based on your opinion of a text exchange

Comment by Will Caskey Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 8:59 pm
Serving with Sen Silverstein for a short time in the late 90’s, I really find this hard to believe, even after reading some of the Facebook posts, don’t even come close to the charges leveled.

Comment by Ned Mitchell Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 9:42 pm
well, I might not get to decide someone’s consent, but a jury sure might find the exchanges interesting.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 9:45 pm
Mike Pence apparently does have some good ideas.

Comment by Henry Francis Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 9:49 pm
the key will be finding when she makes it clear his advances are unwanted, if in fact she did that. and perhaps timing on action of the bill. he seems like a real goof, and if I were his wife I would dump him, but the complainant is making flirty and inappropriate statements. if she were a lobbyist in a shop I ran, she would be out.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 9:51 pm
In addition to the harassment training, do our Illinois state legislators need a separate training on how to comport oneself in a businesslike manner and speak professionally with constituents, colleagues, and others. This conversation would suggest yes. It’s really embarrassing.

Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 9:59 pm
zzzzzzz. This is a no sizzle and no steak either.

Comment by Saluki Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 10:03 pm
In response to a few comments making regarding whether or not these conversations involve actual sexual harassment:
Sexual harassment does not need to include “physical” behavior.
Sexual harassment does not require sexually explicit language.
This is what sexual harassment is: any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.
Blocking one’s work (killing their bill) because she doesn’t accept your advances is sexual harassment. This is what she accuses Silverstein of. Therefore, one of the main questions in this case is whether or not Silverstein held up her bill Because she didn’t accept his advances - not whether you think his comments are bad enough to make you uncomfortable or offended.

Comment by Priscilla Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 10:13 pm
My only reaction to that transcript is “Eeeeeeew.” If that exchange surfaced between two of my employees in a workplace context, regardless of gender, they’d both be fired for their apparently spectacular inability to understand the concept of professional behavior.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 31, 17 @ 11:30 pm
Silverstien isn’t any different than others in the political spectrum…I’ve been lobbying since the early 80’s and many of us would whisper about different reps, some just wanted to “cop a feel” (figure it out) others were more agressive, on both sides. OTOH, don’t think it’s any different than many private businesses and sexual harrassment. Just easier to target in media.

Comment by union thug gramma Wednesday, Nov 1, 17 @ 1:41 am
If this is the “smoking gun”, it’s underwhelming. The testimony yesterday certainly seemed to point to a more substantive level of inappropriateness.

Sadly, reading this makes me think these were two lonely people, each looking to get their egos stroked by having someone show an interest in them.

Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Nov 1, 17 @ 8:35 am
One word: CREEPY

Comment by Jerry Wednesday, Nov 1, 17 @ 8:56 am
I don’t think I’m part of the problem. I am a woman who has been sexually harassed (like most women). I know sexual harassment is rampant in Springfield (and IL politics in general). I don’t expect any women to name their harassers. That’s their decision, and frankly, you get put under a microscope if you do, as we can see.

I don’t get to decide her level of consent. I just know what I know from human behavior. There’s not friendly brushing off of flirtatious behavior; there’s evidence of it being amped up. We’ll see as facts roll out if there is quid pro quo, or something else that changes everything.

Comment by Anon12345 Wednesday, Nov 1, 17 @ 12:49 pm
It looks to me like both acted inappropriately. After her testimony, I figured we would see much worse. Instead, it looks like two people flirting with each other. But now one is mad because the bill did not go forward, and is running for office. Seems like a lot of opportunism going on.

Silverstein acted inappropriately and absolutely needs to be held to account, and a decision needs to be made by the voters in his district.

The same needs to hold for DR. All should be held to account for their actions.

Comment by Anon2017 Wednesday, Nov 1, 17 @ 2:19 pm