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Silverstein almost fell for the ol’ “woman in the gallery” prank

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Illinois

* I’ve seen this happen to several freshmen back in the day, particularly in the House, but never to a veteran. From the IG’s report on Sen. Ira Silverstein…

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:03 pm

Comments

So it seems like Silverstein himself was the victim of sexual harassment. Completely besides the point, except to point out how pervasive toxic behavior is among state legislators.

Comment by Perrid Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:07 pm
I feel like I’m following the script from a Jerry Springer show; it just seems to get more bizarre as it unfolds.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:11 pm
If I recall, those who would venture up to the gallery would be surprised by a round of applause from their colleagues on the floor.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:13 pm
Yes because if a married man doesn’t want to cheat he must be gay ugh.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:14 pm
Always listen to your staffers!

Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:19 pm
Yeah, how about some action against that very enlightened “Senate colleague?”

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:21 pm
The great thing about that flavor of ‘prank’ is that the threat is so strongly implied, you don’t even need to threaten the mark with exposure, e.g. “No, no — don’t worry, Joe. It was just a joke between us pals. Nobody else needs to find out about this… We are pals aren’t we, Joe? Oh, of course we are!”

And soon, the mark is asked to do a ‘favor’ for his ‘pal’…

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:29 pm
I would say this is a high school prank but would be insulting to high schoolers. No wonder Illinois is in the shape it is

Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:35 pm
===If I recall, those who would venture up to the gallery would be surprised by a round of applause from their colleagues on the floor.===

Yep, andoccasionally the Chair would be in on it and recognize the member when they were up in the gallery.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:39 pm
So this is a “thing?” Embarrassing.

Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 4:42 pm
I would agree that the fact that this is even a “thing” that has been done once let alone repeated shows the environment these folks have created which is - for hundreds of us - our workplace whether they are our direct employers or not.

Comment by LobbyistGrl Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 5:22 pm
I hear ‘Senator’ Manti Teo once fell for this…

Comment by Pritzker's Toilet Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 6:02 pm