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Silverstein says he just wanted to check Rotheimer’s roots

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Illinois

* Remember this from November 1, 2017?…

Silverstein, who is married, told The Associated Press that he could not remember whether he did the things Rotheimer alleged, but also suggested that she might have been unhappy because the legislation has not yet passed.

“There were no mind games, no power struggle,” Silverstein said. “I was working the bill. That was my job, to work the bill. She might not like how bill was proceeding. Maybe that’s the issue here.”

“I apologize if I made her uncomfortable,” he said.

* From Sen. Silverstein’s exchange with Denise Rotheimer on November 21, 2016 at 10:49pm CST…

i will check to see if u r a true blond

* From the Legislative Inspector General’s report…

When questioned about this, he says he was talking about checking the roots of Rotheimer’s hair (because grey hair and dying hair had been a repeated conversation for them).

*Hard sigh*

* More from the IG…

Just as Rotheimer downplays her own role in encouraging the intimacy of the discussions she had with Silverstein, Silverstein also has an overly generous view of his own conduct… he does not appear to fully to accept that the messages went beyond “joking around,” were unprofessional and created at least the appearance that he had a romantic interest in Rotheimer.

The IG went on to recommend that Silverstein be counseled by his ethics officer.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 3:23 pm

Comments

I wouldn’t call what’s on his mind “romantic.”

I also wouldn’t vote for him because he can’t use a shift key.

Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 3:27 pm
We passed “weird” a while back here.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 3:29 pm
I think that the Inspector General is correct.

Comment by Skeptical Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 3:31 pm
–When questioned about this, he says he was talking about checking the roots of Rotheimer’s hair (because grey hair and dying hair had been a repeated conversation for them).–

Unbelievable. Literally.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 3:31 pm
His justification is BS, and even if we are to believe it he still is super creepy

Comment by Texas Red Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 3:32 pm
If he had any decency, Sen. Silverstein would resign. However, given those creepy “exchanges” he had, he clearly has no decency.

Comment by cover Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 3:40 pm
QOTD: Silverstein or Rauner, who is less believable?

Comment by don the legend Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 3:41 pm
–When questioned about this, he says he was talking about checking the roots of Rotheimer’s hair (because grey hair and dying hair had been a repeated conversation for them).–

While it is an inappropriate comment/conversation, have we seen the entire conversation?

Comment by Sigh Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 3:47 pm
Time’s up, Silverstein. Time to shut up. When you say ridiculous things like this, insulting to our collective intelligence, it does not help your case. Your best possible option here is to sit down and shut up, keep your head down and don’t make waves, if you want to keep your job. Personally, I think you are unable to do your job well now — who would want to collaborate with you? I know I would never approach you to be a sponsor on my bills — and you should step down and let someone less compromised take the reins.

Comment by pawn Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 3:56 pm
When he asks whether the carpet matches the drapes he is totally talking interior decorating.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:00 pm
It is time to move on from this. Silverstein should not lose his seat. People should support him. He made a mistake but he is a good person.

Comment by Chicago Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:00 pm
===People should support him===

You’re gonna have to do better than that, bub.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:05 pm
One would have to why a politician is even asking about hair color and what relevance that would have with anything….

Comment by Politically incorrect Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:07 pm
I live in Silverstein’s district and have voted for him repeatedly in the past. No longer. This is just too creepy. Granted, it is consistent with the wacky sexual attitudes in the legislature, but I want a State Senator who can keep it in his/her pants and can say, “I’m sorry. I screwed up. I will strive to do better in the future.” Sadly, Silverstein appears unable to meet this minimal test.

Comment by Draznnl Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:09 pm
Eric Zorn was one of the few journalists who tackled this story early on. It appeared to many of us though, that he sought to insert himself into this drama in a one sided way that sometimes went beyond fair reporting. He was even referenced in Porter’s report with respect to an interview he conducted with Denise. I would be interested in knowing if Eric has any second thoughts about how he handled the story and/or his role in the investigation.

Comment by Responsa Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:12 pm
Eric Zorn did a solid job. Unlike everyone who wants to pile on the one #metoo story that named a name, he actually read their conversation for what it was. Was Silverstein being creepy? Yes. Was he engaging in behavior unbecoming of a senator (and a husband). Absolutely. Was it harassment? No. And finally, was Denise Rotheimer actively engaging in whatever you would call the relationship to further her own interest? Yes.

Comment by Blue sox Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:31 pm
==I will show everybody with this evidence that I have that she has but doesn’t know I have,” Rotheimer said. “I’ll make it public and she’ll have to answer to that.”==

As I recall, that’s all Eric Zorn was asking from her weeks ago.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:43 pm
The IG got it right: Creepy and unbecoming, but not harassment. The IG’s conclusion is generally consistent with Zorn’s position. Though Silverstein deserves chastisement, I never thought it was fair for him to be the poster boy for all the actual sexual harassment in legislative history.

Comment by anon2 Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 5:56 pm
REALLY, Ira? You wanted to check to see if the drapes matched the carpet. High school locker room stuff. Must be taking lessons from POTUS.

Comment by Jerry Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 12:27 pm