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* This was released yesterday morning at 10 o’clock…
House Speaker Michael J. Madigan issued the following statement Monday:
“In November, a courageous woman made me aware that a high-ranking individual within my political operation had previously made unwanted advances and sent her inappropriate text messages. I immediately consulted with my attorney, Heather Wier Vaught, and directed her to conduct a thorough investigation. Ms. Wier Vaught conducted numerous interviews, reviewed the evidence, and recently came to the conclusion that the individual engaged in inappropriate conduct and failed to exercise the professional judgment I expect of those affiliated with my political organizations and the Office of the Speaker.
As a result, long-time aide Kevin Quinn is no longer an employee of any of my political committees. Mr. Quinn has worked with my political offices for nearly 20 years. While this is the only allegation of such conduct, Mr. Quinn also recently pled guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Based on the culmination of events, Alderman Marty Quinn and I decided that Kevin should no longer be affiliated with the political organization. For the record, Kevin was previously an employee of my State office, and he will not be returning to that role.
Further, Ms. Wier Vaught made several recommendations aimed at preventing inappropriate behavior and improving methods for reporting and responding to such allegations. My political committees are actively taking steps to implement those recommendations.
* The Tribune story popped almost exactly twelve hours later…
A key staffer in House Speaker Michael Madigan’s political operation made unwanted advances to a female campaign worker and sent her inappropriate phone texts, Madigan acknowledged Monday in cutting the longtime aide loose.
Madigan, who chairs the Illinois Democratic Party, praised the “courageous woman” who had come forward to complain. But in an interview with the Tribune, the woman said the action took far too long.
Alaina Hampton, who identified herself as the political worker who complained, shared texts with the Tribune that detail a relentless series of entreaties from her supervisor, Kevin Quinn, to go out with him. In one, he called her “smoking hot.” Hampton spoke to the Tribune on Sunday night, hours before Madigan made his announcement that he had cut ties with Quinn.
“Kevin should have been fired a year ago,” Hampton said Monday.
Quinn, a longtime Madigan state government and political staffer, is the brother of Ald. Marty Quinn of Chicago’s 13th Ward, where Madigan has reigned as committeeman for decades. Hampton said she informed Marty Quinn about the harassment in February 2017 and left the Democratic organization a few months later. She said she wrote a letter to Madigan in November describing her problems with Kevin Quinn. […]
Her [EEOC] filing contends that she was discriminated against in retaliation for complaining about the harassment and a sexually hostile work environment. The action names two Madigan-controlled political funds that paid her.
Hampton said she thinks she was denied the chance to advance in an organization where she worked hard for years because she raised the harassment issue. Asked what she is seeking, she said she wanted to “make sure they’re not able to do this to anyone else.”
* Sun-Times…
A press release about the news conference calls the firing “pro-active but a cover up” — showing the woman is not pleased about how her allegations were treated. […]
Hampton — who now has her own political consulting firm — is currently a campaign manager for Bridget Degnen, a Cook County Commissioner candidate. In a statement, Degnen thanked Hampton for coming forward: “By demanding accountability, Ms. Hampton is sending a message that discrimination has no place in our culture.” […]
Kevin Quinn had worked for the state between mid-March 2016 until June 30, 2016, before working for the political side between July 2016 and Nov. 8, 2016. The text messages were sent during that time period, according to Madigan spokesman Steve Brown.
Kevin Quinn returned to his state work on Nov. 9, 2016, until July 31, 2017, and again moved to the political side on Aug. 1, 2017, until he was dismissed, Brown said.
The text messages are here. Notice that some messages were sent after November 9.
* Full statement from Rebecca Evans at the Chris Kennedy campaign…
[Speaker Madigan] should definitely fire Marty Quinn. Instinctively, I think he should also resign. The two of them had the knowledge and the power to remove Kevin so she could work freely. They also had the knowledge and the power to decide NOT to remove Kevin, instead leaving him in place so he could continue to harass her and/or someone else. They made a choice to disregard her claims and leave him in place.
If what Madigan is saying is true and he didn’t know about it until November, the question really is: when was the investigation? Did it begin immediately in November or did it just happen last week? And, if it started in November, why did this investigation take three months? He should resign, either way. Whether Madigan found out about it in February 2017 or November 2017, it all took too long. Women don’t have the luxury of waiting months and months for decisions like this, instead they have to endure months and months of that behavior until something happens. If he truly cares about shifting the culture and removing harassment in the workplace, then Madigan should get out of the way and resign.
* Hampton is holding a press conference today at 10 o’clock. Here is her full statement…
– In November last year Speaker Michael J. Madigan simultaneously fast tracked legislation to eradicate sexual harassment in Illinois politics and killed the political career of Alaina Hampton for reporting sexual harassment in his own organization.
Yesterday Speaker Madigan released a statement saying a thorough investigation of the harassment led him to fire Kevin Quinn, the harasser. “One meeting in a coffee shop for an hour is not a thorough investigation. In fact, the lawyer he sent to speak to Ms. Hampton said if this were a serious situation we would not be meeting in a coffee shop,” said Lorna Brett, former president of Chicago NOW who is also currently providing pro bono strategic assistance to Harvey Weinstein’s accusers.
“The irony of Michael Madigan protecting a sexual harasser while championing laws to fight it cannot be overstated,” said Brett.
In 2016 Alaina Hampton was employed by Friends of Mike J. Madigan and the Democratic Party of Illinois and worked out of the office of Alderman Marty Quinn. It was then when her supervisor, Kevin Quinn, started sending her inappropriate text messages asking her out and complimenting her on Facebook photos taken while on vacation. She asked him to stop many times over the course of many months. Finally she went to his supervisor Alderman Marty Quinn, brother of Kevin Quinn.
“The only reason this is not a sexual harassment complaint is because they led her on and ran the clock,” said, Brett.
In February 2017 Ms. Hampton went to her supervisor’s boss Alderman Marty Quinn who listened and seemed sympathetic. He told her Kevin would not be bothering her anymore but did not say he would be removed from a supervisory position for any other women. He asked her about her interest in being a precinct captain for Speaker Madigan, considered an honor in the hierarchy of Illinois politics unfortunately Ms. Hampton knew if she were a precinct captain she would have to work closely with Kevin.
Distressed by the Democratic Party’s lack of response to her complaint, and the prospect of having to continue to work with Kevin Quinn, she quit her employment with Friends of Michael J. Madigan and the Illinois Democratic Party in April 2017.
Frustrated not working in a career she enjoyed and feeling her fealty might be in question in an organization that above all demands it Hampton wrote directly to Speaker Madigan and mailed it on November 1st 2017. It was only then that Heather Weir Vaught, an attorney for the speaker, called and asked her to meet for coffee.
At the meeting on November 15, 2017 meeting Hampton gave Vaught print outs of the text messages and told her all she wanted to do was work, not cause trouble for anyone. Ms. Vaught joked about her wanting a “big Tribune story” or a $25K financial payout. Vaught said, “This is not sexual harassment in the work place” because Hampton technically did not work for them. However, Friends of Michael J. Madigan and the Democratic Majority Party paid both Ms. Hampton’s and her supervisor’s salaries.
She reiterated her loyalty to Speaker Madigan and Alderman Quinn and her desire to work on a specific campaign. She was told they were not working that campaign while in fact they were. Vaught said she would be in touch.On January 15 of this year, after not hearing from Vaught, Ms. Hampton reached out to Alderman Quinn directly asking if she could speak with him, but in instead she received a phone call from Ms. Vaught. It was then that she knew her political career was over.
“This a litmus test for every legislator who publically supported and voted for SB 402. Time’s up for Mike Madigan he needs to step down,” said Lorna Brett.“I believe that the conduct Alaina Hampton had to endure is something that women throughout this country have had to put up with in the workplace on a far more widespread basis than people realize. Hopefully, this case will be another step on the long road to freeing women, regardless of whether they work on the factory floor, in the halls of government or in the corporate suite, from this kind of exploitative and unlawful behavior,” said Shelly Kulwin, of Kulwin Masciopinto & Kulwin, LLP.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…
STATEMENT FROM ALDERMAN MARTY QUINN
“In February 2017, I met with Ms. Hampton to discuss her future with the political organization. As one part of this conversation, Ms. Hampton told me that Kevin Quinn, my brother, had sent her personal text messages and she didn’t want him communicating with her. She made it clear she wanted the text messages to stop. She did not share the text messages with me or advise me of the number of times Kevin had asked her out. Hampton’s request was that Kevin cease all communications with her. She also asked for my discretion, and indicated she did not want others to know about the situation, and that Kevin not be further reprimanded. I told her I would make sure he never contacted her again. I told Ms. Hampton she would never need to speak with Kevin again, and that all communications could be directed to me. I had hoped Ms. Hampton would continue to work with me, but I understand her desire to remove herself.
I immediately met with Kevin and told him to stop all communication with Ms. Hampton. I advised him that such behavior would not be tolerated, and that any further communication with Ms. Hampton would result in immediate termination. He was remorseful and acknowledged his poor judgment.
I did not take further action, such as advising the Speaker, because I was attempting to protect Ms. Hampton’s privacy and honor her wishes. I thought I took swift action and handled the matter as she requested.
After Ms. Hampton advised the Speaker and the investigation was conducted, I realized the extent of the text messages and the nature of the conduct. Although the investigation found that the text messages had ceased immediately at my direction, the Speaker and I discussed the full extent of the situation and decided Kevin should no longer be affiliated with the political organization. I asked for Kevin’s resignation. The Speaker accepted his resignation from the political organization and the State office.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Marwig is mentioned in the text messages between Quinn and Hampton, so here is her statement…
Candidate Merry Marwig calls for law change to “end sexual harassment culture” in state politics.
The Democratic candidate for Illinois House District 20 Merry Marwig said she plans to propose legislation extending “the ridiculously short time” a sexual harassment victim has to file suit against her alleged abuser.
Officials let the statute of limitations run out before taking action against political consultant Kevin Quinn, denying his victim Alaina Hampton her day in court.
Candidate Marwig said “this protracted delay is evidence of the culture of sexual harassment in Illinois politics.”
If elected, Marwig would extend the current 300-day statute of limitations “by at least one year.”
She says her outrage is compounded by the fact that she knows the victim, whose character she strongly vouches for. “Alaina Hampton is a sharp-minded, diligent, and devoted Democrat. I’d hire her in a heart-beat to run my next campaign.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Very good points…
She did everything she was “supposed” to do. She sought help through her chain of command. And it still took a year. And we ask why women don’t come forward? #twill https://t.co/lhIxBISXIN
— Rep. Kelly Cassidy (@RepKellyCassidy) February 13, 2018
…Adding… Her letter to MJM…
Letter Aliana Hampton sent to Speaker Madigan about supervisor Kevin Quinn #sexharrassment pic.twitter.com/2J7bKIlE6E
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) February 13, 2018
*** UPDATE 4 *** You can watch Hampton’s presser by clicking here.
*** UPDATE 5 *** Biss campaign…
“We need to support Alaina Hampton and get to the bottom of this story immediately,” said Daniel Biss. “It’s clear there was inappropriate, unwanted, and unrelenting contact from Kevin Quinn. What isn’t clear is why it took until the day after a Chicago Tribune reporter started asking questions, for Speaker Madigan to make a public statement and terminate that staffer.
“This is further evidence of the larger culture of misogyny that must be addressed and why the misuse of power and privilege must be stopped.”
*** UPDATE 6 *** Kennedy campaign…
Alaina Hampton has given voice to the blatant, suffocating harassment that so many women experience. The allegations she made today are very serious and must be fully investigated by the appropriate authorities. This harassment she experienced prevented her from working freely and achieving equality, and the fact that people in positions of power alledgely knew about it and only took action when contacted by reporters is exactly what is wrong with the power structure in Illinois.
As this investigation proceeds, Speaker Madigan should temporarily step down as Chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party. In the course of further investigation, if it is found that Speaker Madigan knew about these allegations and chose to protect his machine political allies instead of the women who were abused by them, he no longer can lead our party. We must be a party that stands up for the victims of sexual harassment and not protect the abusers. This behavior reinforces that there is a corrupt system in place in Springfield that allows behavior like this to go on, even protecting those who perpetrate it. We need to end this broken system and bring radical change to the state of Illinois.
*** UPDATE 7 *** Pritzker campaign…
JB Pritzker: “It takes unimaginable courage to do what Alaina did today. I’m inspired by her bravery and strength, and the bravery and strength of women speaking up across the country. Women should not be forced to accept sexual harassment as the price of admission to a career in politics. Today should be about Alaina and Alaina’s story. I’m proud of Alaina for telling her story and paving the way to a future where women never experience this type of harassment again. I stand with her in that fight and today, we should focus on conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that there are systems in place to protect all women.”
Juliana Stratton: “Today, Alaina showed strength and honesty in joining powerful women across this country who are standing up against the type of harassment that has become all too familiar. She spoke on behalf of women who have come before her, women who are not able to come forward, and our daughters who should grow up in a society free from harassment and retaliation. I was proud to have Alaina as my campaign manager and I’m proud of her today for standing up and speaking her truth. This type of harassment should never happen and I will continue the work ahead to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:23 am
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Madigan is more responsible than anyone else in the history of Illinois for both our fiscal woes and our inability to strike while the iron is hot and move the needle on progressive causes (legalizing marijuana; increasing the minimum wage or passing a millionaire’s tax after the fantasyland referendums on the ballot). His continued pattern of “legal but shady” (his property tax appeal firm, the practice of loading his ballot with pretend candidates to dilute votes to competitors) erodes faith in our government in a disastrous and irreparable way.
I say all of that as prelude to this: He should not resign over this, and the people calling for his resignation over this are intellectually bankrupt opportunists.
Comment by Chris Widger Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:32 am
You know who should feel bad? That moron Polish kid who filed for State Central Committeeman against Madigan and only turned in less than 200 sigs (you only need 100). If he got off his lazy rear end and got 500 signatures, he would be on the ballot and Madigan’s party chairmanship would be hanging on by a thread.
Stupid is as stupid does.
Comment by Fax Machine Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:33 am
I think this falls on his number two who is Marty Quinn, he didn’t run this up the ladder and tried to take care of it in his own terms to protect his brother. I can’t see him finishing out his term. And these text messages are the definition of sexual harassment, for those calling for silverstein they should be doing the same for the Quinn brothers.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:34 am
Three months is a very reasonable amount of time for a sexual harassment investigation, especially when there is no violence or ongoing threat of danger to the complainant. It’s not like the Leg. IG or the EEOC would have/will do it any quicker.
Comment by chi Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:37 am
Calls? I see Lorna Brett called on Madigan to resign. Who are the others?
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:41 am
–“The only reason this is not a sexual harassment complaint is because they led her on and ran the clock,” said, Brett.–
Isn’t that what they filed yesterday at EEOC? Alleging retaliation for complaining about sexual harassment? The Trib has a story and photos of them doing so.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:41 am
Yikes, want to know when/if Madigan knew about the complaint?
Sounds like Ald. Quinn knew early on and did not act upon the seriousness of his brother’s actions.
Also find it disheartening that the only supervisor she could go to was the brother of the man harassing her!
Comment by Buford Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:43 am
I assume we will be hearing demands for Cadet Bone Spurs to resign for employing wife beaters in the White House.
Comment by Wondering Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:43 am
Ms Hampton could not have been any clearer that she did not want his advances. Clear from the get go, and this guy keeps going at her relentlessly after several clear and diplomatic “GO AWAY’s”. Creep
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:44 am
==I assume we will be hearing demands for Cadet Bone Spurs to resign for employing wife beaters in the White House.==
To be fair, there are regularly demands for him to resign.
Comment by Chris Widger Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:44 am
Follow-up, I mean, if Madigan knew about complaint before 11/1/17
Comment by Buford Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:44 am
=I assume we will be hearing demands for Cadet Bone Spurs=
A. way to deflect from the story at hand. B. what happened to keep the conversation Jermaine to Illinois?
Comment by Iggy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:46 am
Madigan would’ve been better off not having the press release. I feel like I’m reading the same release as Kevin Spacey when he tried to come out to cover up his allegations.
Comment by Snapper Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:47 am
She brought these complaints to Marty Quinn in February 2017, and nothing was done until she wrote a letter to the speaker’s staff nine months later. I have a feeling with the new sexual harassment legislation, supervisors in the state have to report this, not just sit on it and say the perpetrator will not be bugging you anymore.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:48 am
==Ms. Vaught joked about her wanting a “big Tribune story” or a $25K financial payout. Vaught said, “This is not sexual harassment in the work place” because Hampton technically did not work for them.==
Madigan needs to get some better employees.
Comment by Timmeh Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:48 am
–Follow-up, I mean, if Madigan knew about complaint before 11/1/17–
That is a marker Madigan laid down. Big trouble if it doesn’t hold up. Hampton has said she complained to Ald. Quinn in February 2017.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:49 am
=B. what happened to keep the conversation Jermaine to Illinois?=
Not to quibble, but I think you meant “germane” not “Jermaine”. But your point is correct.
Comment by Colin O'Scopy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:49 am
===Who are the others? ===
Kennedy’s spokesperson.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:50 am
Say what you want about our Governor, but this is one place he beats Madigan. Just ask the former DOL Director. Investigated and out in a matter of days. Murashko’s office led the charge.
Comment by raunerisbetter Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:51 am
Madigan cut off a longtime top lieutenant, saw him pressed for criminal charges, and praised the victim as heroic.
And it took only three months.
I don’t understand why two people are calling for Madigan’s resignation.
And I am confused: does Alaina want Madigan to resign, or does she want him to give her $25K and/or a plum campaign job?
Comment by Thomas Paine Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:52 am
Team Kennedy has been calling on Madigan to resign ever since Madigan decided Pritzker was the better choice for Governor. Lol.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:52 am
Sincere question - Does the new sexual harassment legislation apply to political operations in addition to legislative or is it only applicable to legislative jobs? I realize there are a lot of blurred lines between those two spaces.
Comment by Montrose Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:52 am
Thanks Scopy, no offense taken, you are correct my apologies. but my point remains, please defend Madigan’s actions instead of taking lazy cheap shots at dt.
Comment by Iggy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:53 am
I’m not naive, but is everyone just accepting the fact that she (who was fully a political staffer and only paid by PACs) was housed in an aldermanic office?
Didn’t Joe Moore get investigated by the feds for that exact same thing?
Comment by PJ Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:54 am
Appears Trump gets rid of bad staffers faster than Madigan.
Comment by Soapbox Derby Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 9:58 am
this, “I don’t see how Madigan could be blamed” stichk, is truly adorable please look at this objectively. Even Rep. Cassidy gets it, lol.
Comment by Iggy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:07 am
Republican hypocrisy is relevent to Illinois. Deflection? No, calling out Trib a double standard.
Comment by Wondering Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:08 am
Good for her for reporting abuse, staying strong, and coming out publicly. And Kelly’s right, this took way too long.
Not so sure about the peripheral political opportunists.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:12 am
Marty Quinn was up north running the Marwig campaign (instead of paying attention to his ward) so the issues with his brother and Ms. Hampton loom much larger for Marwig than her comments. where is the comment from Marwig against Marty for his actions/inactions in this matter?
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:13 am
Hampton resigned in April 2017 and made the complaint to Madigan in November 2017, so a 7 month span. M. Quinn says he kept the matter private, but Hampton tells Madigan’s attorney that she wants to work, suggesting she can’t find work with the Democrats. I can buy Madigan not knowing about the harassment, but, although not explicitly stated here, if Hampton couldn’t get work for 7 months someone got the message out to not hire her. Madigan and Quinn can crow all day that they stopped the harassment and investigated, but that 7 months is going to hurt someone.
Comment by Swift Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:18 am
===suggesting she can’t find work with the Democrats===
She did.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:20 am
=I’m not naive, but is everyone just accepting the fact that she (who was fully a political staffer and only paid by PACs) was housed in an aldermanic office?=
PJ, you clearly are not familiar with the layout of the 13th Ward Democratic Organzation, 13th Ward Offices, and the District Office for State Rep. Michael Madigan. They are all clearly separated from each other at the Balzekas Lithuanian Museum.
Comment by Colin O'Scopy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:20 am
Those text messages are infuriating.
She said flat out that she wasnt interested and the creep wouldn’t let go. I hate that my tax dollars paid this creep’s salary in his fake state job.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:21 am
Re: Rep. Cassidy’s tweet. If Marty Quinn did everything Hampton asked of him, and didn’t do anything she asked him not do “~I don’t want him fired”, then what is the relation of this situation to why other women don’t come forward?
Comment by chi Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:23 am
There are, as Chris Widget points out, many reasons for Madigan to be out of power as Speaker. (As long as the voters in his district keep re-electing him he can stay in the House forever.) But this incident is not one of those reasons. It appears he was only made aware of it in November and immediately ordered an investigation. Blood being thicker than water, he really can’t be faulted for Marty Quinn not running in and telling him to fire his brother.
Comment by West Side the Best Side Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:26 am
==moron Polish kid==
Not cool. Do you call out race and ethnicity for all the morons in politics or just the Poles?
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:28 am
Some of Michael McAuliffe’s constituents have to be displeased that Quinn and the 13th Ward crew have been commuting to his representative district. Some voters do not like outsiders engaging in electioneering where they do not reside. Marwig may suffer some collateral damage through no fault of her own.
Comment by Practical Politics Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:32 am
Is it a coincidence that she filed an EEOC complaint and was interviewed by the Tribune the same day Madigan fired the guy? Speculating here, but I would guess not. Perhaps they sat on this, and were going to continue sitting on it, until she decided to come forward.
Comment by TopHatMonocle Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:38 am
In the land of “what did he know, and when did he know it?” the Speaker appears to have acted reasonably quickly and done the due diligence to be fair. It can and should be argued that it could have and should have been investigated by the new IG as well as his internal investigation. To be completely fair, his investigation appeared to arrive at the correct conclusion and action was taken.
As for the Alderman? He would have been best advised to ask his brother to resign as soon as he was made aware. A lot of trouble would have been saved.
There’s no way to wash this to look good for anyone. There shouldn’t be. The Speaker should have known sooner, and should have been advised that his Alderman’s brother had been terminated months ago.
The Silver(stein) lining is that creeps aren’t going to be tolerated.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:42 am
Those texts are awful. It made me wonder if this was the first instance of Quinn hitting on younger staffers? Doubtful.
Comment by Steve Rogers Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:44 am
==Is it a coincidence that she filed an EEOC complaint and was interviewed by the Tribune the same day Madigan fired the guy? Speculating here, but I would guess not.==
I was reading things this way too but perhaps we’re misunderstanding. Did a reporter’s inquiry bring Madigan’s investigation to a quick conclusion?
Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:48 am
I have known Marty Quinn and his brother Kevin for many many years. I haven’t always seen eye to eye on everything but one thing I know is that they are a man of great integrity. They work hard at providing services to the constituents of the 13th ward and the 27th representative district. Kevin Quinn made a mistake.It is obviousi he was at a low point in his life when these actions occurred. His brother Alderman Marty Quinn addressed the grievance and now is the subject of unfair criticism. It’s sad that one event has the potential of destroying to reputations.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:49 am
When will Rauner issue a statement begging the Speaker to stand strong?
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:57 am
===It’s sad that one event has the potential of destroying to reputations.===
Agreed.
It’s also sad that a young woman had to endure unwanted attention while doing her job. And it’s criminal if her complaint wound up costing her a promotion to a job she wanted. That is a very troubling allegation, that she was frozen out after complaining to the Alderman. We may never know the answer to that, but we know she complained and then she left the organization.
That’s troubling (and potentially more than troubling) regardless of how nice and dedicated the Quinn brothers are.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 10:59 am
@Anonymous 10:49 am
I too have made mistakes.
I too have had low points in my life.
I have not nor have I ever reacted to the situation by committing sexual harassment.
No, Kevin Quinn is not a man of “great integrity”. He tried to use his position of power to coerce an unwilling female into sex. That is not a mistake made during a “low point”.
That is the behavior of a predator.
Comment by Red fish blue fish Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:02 am
LOL how sad anonymous is for marty quinn. destroying reputations? the actions of Kevin Quinn, and his enabling brother Marty (working also for Marwig) were bad. have some sympathy for the woman who was harassed.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:03 am
If Rauner had to answer for an Illinois Policy Institute cartoon, Madigan has to wear this.
Comment by JB13 Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:06 am
Well, it got the JB apology tour off the front page. So there’s that.
I just watched the presser with Alaina Hampton and her attorneys. She comes across as very credible and quite impressive. Her involvement with Juliana’s previous campaign and that she is claiming Juliana’s support adds some added spice to the storyline.
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:09 am
Biss and Pritzker will be asked whether Madigan should resign. I wonder which of them will try the “Resign leadership position only” answer.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:10 am
3 months? This investigation should have taken 3 days. What took so long?
Comment by 19th ward guy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:15 am
These allegations from Alaina Hampton appear far more serious than anything that Denise Rotheimer alleged against Ira Silverstein. Beyond the post and the excerpts above, there are other troubling events related to Kevin Quinn’s behavior reported in the Sun-Times. The timing of the firing seems more than coincidental given the other episodes.
He could have been easily fired last summer.
Comment by Practical Politics Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:16 am
“McAuliffe’s constituents…displeased; commuting outsiders”
No. Not when also reminded about big bucks from
Bruce. The more conservative ones are likely more upset about money flow from the guy that signed HB40.
No detrimental impact on Marwig…
Comment by low level Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:19 am
Resigning is a pretty ridiculous demand, and a thinly veiled attempt to appear to be Madigan’s enemy. Assuming that Madigan really didn’t know anything before 11/1, taking a few months to investigate and make a decision before firing someone who has worked with you for 20 years is not unthinkable. I agree it’s a bit long, and I wonder about the timing with the Tribune article, but not immediately firing someone with allegations against them is not morally reprehensible.
Comment by Perrid Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:20 am
Unless Hampton is refuting Marty Quinn’s account, it seems this will all linger but not have any legs,
Lorna Brett and the attorney’s for the victim surely understand that campaign staff are temp employees, the idea that she lossed out on future employment/wages seems farfetched in a court of law.
However, Ms. Brett can still hope that by loudly demanding Madigan’s resignation, she can still get some sort of settlement. That appears unlikely. A settlement would be an admission of wrongdoing from Madigan, and it does not seem he did anything wrong.
It is hard to find fault with Marty Quinn. He fired his own brother.
Comment by Thomas Paine Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:23 am
So, where would we be if Ald. Quinn hadn’t asked her to be a precinct captain?
I realize Kevin was relentless in his pursuit of a relationship, but did he threaten her livelihood? Did Marty? Did the Speaker? From what I have read of her story, Ms. Hampton asked Marty Quinn to ask his brother to cease his pursuit of a relationship and to stop texting. And it appears this worked.
I’m honestly befuddled as to why she thinks “everything was stolen from [her]”. Can someone help me understand this?
Comment by Colin O'Scopy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:24 am
===He fired his own brother.===
Really? When? The way I read this story, Madigan fired Kevin Quinn yesterday, about a year after Marty should have canned him but didn’t.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:26 am
==It is hard to find fault with Marty Quinn.===
Sorry Tom P. It’s not hard to find fault at all.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:30 am
Still nothing from Pritzker camp. Given many of the comments on here defending the Quinns and Madigan, sadly the silence isn’t shocking. People are so blinded by bias they either don’t get or don’t care why this is so bad.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:31 am
Mike can’t be the “Master of all Detail” card and the “I had no idea of what was happening in my ward” It just doesn’t fit.
Comment by Kj Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:31 am
The allegation makes great political theater. However, many employers would opt for a verbal warning or counseling for employees who behaved the way Kevin did. I understand that she is alleging “constructive discharge” because she feared working with Kevin, but did he threaten her in any way or demote her? Just trying to assess the facts here.
Comment by GetOverIt Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:32 am
Hard to find fault with Marty Quinn? seriously? and Marwig needs to call him out. her comments are not sufficient. Unless, of course, he’s going back north to run things for her. Madigan Money.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:33 am
=Can someone help me understand this?=
She asked Madigan’s attorney about working on a campaign, and was told they weren’t working on it even though they were. She reached out to Marty Quinn about working on the campaign, and her call was returned by the attorney. She was shut out of working with them further. While technically not illegal as she’s probably a temporary or contract worker, it sure looks bad.
Marty Quinn sat on this for a year, and it sure seems like Madigan preemptively fired him only when they found out she was coming forward. Based on Marty Quinn’s statement that he didn’t inform Madigan it seems like he’s taking the bullet for him. They obviously realize this is a serious situation that’s probably not going to blow over tomorrow.
To anyone defending this, I wonder what you’d be saying if this was Bruce Rauner and the IL GOP. You’d probably be calling for their heads.
Comment by TopHatMonocle Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:35 am
Yes, Anonymous @ 10:49 am, Marty and Kevin Quinn are the real victims here. I’m glad that your thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. Judging by your comment and your grammar, which precinct are you the captain of? Fall into a ditch.
Comment by To: Anonymous @ 10:49 Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:36 am
= Bruce Rauner and the IL GOP. You’d probably be calling for their heads.=
1000 percent correct.
Comment by Iggy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:40 am
This is much more than alleging a politician engaged in “mind games” as was the issue in the State Senate complaint. Even discounting the gravity of Hampton’s allegations (which, I do not, as the allegations appear to be entirely credible), Kevin Quinn was having other issues last year, some of which resulted in misdemeanor charges for disorderly conduct, etc.
It looks like the Speaker and the Alderman protected a veteran aide for months.
Comment by Practical Politics Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:43 am
Why is a letter so important as this handwritten on a piece of notebook paper?
Comment by Not It Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:47 am
Seems to me that #1 Marty Quinn should have found out what the heck his brother was doing even if this young lady didn’t provide the texts. #2 Heather Vaught should have taken this much more seriously; what was she thinking?
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:58 am
=Resigning is a pretty ridiculous demand… =
Who would be “in charge” then?
Comment by DBC Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 11:58 am
“Why is a letter so important as this handwritten on a piece of notebook paper?” I’m so sure there is a stash of Crane stationery for the use of the 13th ward precinct captains.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:05 pm
=She asked Madigan’s attorney about working on a campaign, and was told they weren’t working on it even though they were. She reached out to Marty Quinn about working on the campaign, and her call was returned by the attorney. She was shut out of working with them further. While technically not illegal as she’s probably a temporary or contract worker, it sure looks bad.=
Is it possible that Ms Hampton fell out of favor because she decided to work for Lipinski’s opponent? Madigan’s people have severed relationships with consultants for less infractions.
Comment by Colin O'Scopy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:06 pm
Madigan’s was reactive rather than proactive to the harassment charges. The threat of the press conference finally forced his hand after sitting on this for 3 months.
Comment by Texas Red Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:07 pm
===is a stash of Crane stationery===
Lol. I don’t think Hallmark has a card for this special occasion. Maybe they should though, somebody could make a fortune now that more women are feeling it’s time to come forward.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:08 pm
Colin O’Scopy, that sounds very plausible. Unfortunately for them that will have to come out during a deposition for a federal lawsuit.
Comment by TopHatMonocle Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:12 pm
Does Mr. Quinn get a state pension? This dude is gross.
Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:20 pm
Juliana and JB issued nice press releases. But they are individually going to be repeatedly asked by the media how they feel about Mike Madigan’s performance in this mess. What will they say? Is this perhaps a safe opportunity for JB to distance himself a bit from Madigan and the “machine” and try to break the prevailing narrative that he is comfy in bed with all of that? Will be interesting to see how he responds.
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:20 pm
I keep reading comments that say Madigan worked to slowly. If he had immediately fired this guy, people would be saying he rushed to judgement. He ordered an investigation, upon hearing about the problem, and awaited the results. When the results came in the individual was terminated. I am no fan of the Speaker, but it seems he did it right this time. BTW Mr. Kennedy you may have just written your political demise, now and in the future. Talk about rush to judgement.
Comment by Retired Educator Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:22 pm
It will be interesting to hear what the Attorney General has to say about this matter.
Comment by Colin O'Scopy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:24 pm
===Is it possible that Ms Hampton fell out of favor because she decided to work for Lipinski’s opponent?====
===is currently a campaign manager for Bridget Degnen====
FYI. Degnen is running against Fritchey for County Commish.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:25 pm
Did the reporter as the female attorney about calling in Madigan to resign? Was her response something like she didn’t and they reporter point out that it was in the press release? If that is what that exchange was, the attorney fumbled that big time with her response about that’s what happens when you rush out a press release.
Second. I’m almost certain that when you leave staff/organization they don’t put you back on payroll. If you want to work on a campaign, your are usually a volunteer.
Third. I saw the text messages and watch part of the press conference, there is something with this case that is missing. And I hope that this does encourage bring Ms. Rotheimer to doing media.
Comment by Olivia Pope Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:30 pm
So Pritzker decides to just completely skirt the question about Madigan and Quinn. It cannot be a day solely about the victim by failing to call out those who were the victimizers.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:31 pm
Apart from possible legal technicalities, this seems to be a textbook example of unwelcome and inappropriate harassing conduct:
Quinn purportedly informed (Hampton) he was separated from his wife.
“I think about you all the time,” one text said. Another text stated that he’d seen a picture on Facebook of Hampton in a bikini and said: “You are smoking hot!”
A subsequent text included a message calling her “hot,” “beautiful” and “smart.”
Hampton repeatedly discouraged the overtures, saying she wanted to keep the relationship professional.
“I need you to stop,” one text stated. “I have dedicated a lot of time to this election cycle and I will continue to do so, but I need to be able to do my work without you contacting me like this. I’m not interested. I just want to do my work.”
Quinn recently pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct during his divorce proceedings.
Comment by Practical Politics Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:34 pm
Olivia Pope, No. Staffers routinely go off state payroll to go onto campaign payroll. And they are paid. These are adults. They have apartments/houses, need to buy food, a vehicle, etc. High schoolers and college students might be volunteers. Workers who shift between state payroll and campaign payroll are professionals and are paid.
Comment by BothSidesofHisMouth Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:38 pm
The sound of wagons circling is almost as deafening as the cries of the approaching vultures. Be very careful attacking this woman, boys.
Comment by JB13 Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:42 pm
===So Pritzker decides to just completely skirt the question about Madigan and Quinn.===
Buys him time to decide what more to day. I’m sure he’ll be asked whether Madigan should resign.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:57 pm
= Bruce Rauner and the IL GOP. You’d probably be calling for their heads.=
1000 percent correct.–
Nah, he’s not in charge, he’s not a politician and he just got here.
You chronic victims are positively Pavlovian.
Both Quinn and Madigan have laid down their stories and timelines. If any bit of it falls apart, they’re in deep stink.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 12:58 pm
On a Madigan resignation. #MeToo.
Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:00 pm
–It looks like the Speaker and the Alderman protected a veteran aide for months.–
Yet they couldn’t him a “station adjustment” on the disorderly conduct. Clout ain’t what it used to be, I guess.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:02 pm
I can’t believe that anyone is actually defending Kevin Quinn or anyone associated with trying to hide what went down with Alaina Hampton, or even defending how long it took to fire this guy. They sat on this. They then iced her out. This is what happens when women speak out against their harassers. What don’t you folks get about this? And then they fire the guy right before the Trib story breaks. C’mon folks. This is slapping you all in the face and those of you trying to rationalize or make excuses are in deep denial or actually trying to come to their defense. And shame on everyone who’s trying to tie this news to current races to their own candidates’ advantage. You’re just as bad as the perps.
Comment by Shytown Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:03 pm
-BothSidesofHisMout—
I’m aware of staffers leaving state payroll and cycling through campaign funds. I was referring when a staffer does not give a 2yr commitment and cuts ties with an organization. From what I read Ms. Hampton left in April 2017. In Nov 2017, she advised Ms. Vaught that she would like to work on a state rep campaign. Can you name one former staffer that didn’t give a commitment and ended back on payroll? We can exclude the former tops.
Comment by Olivia Pope Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:06 pm
Both Quinn brothers need to get out of Illinois politics the same way that Pat Q…. oh wait.
In all seriousness, KQ needs to permanently stay off the state and political payrolls and MQ has chosen to protect his bonehead brother than do the right thing.
Madigan is safe unless he is fibbing about when he first knew about this.
Repugnant.
Comment by Jake From Elwood Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:12 pm
@47th Ward -
Go back and read the part where Marty asked his brother for his resignation. That is getting fired.
Marty Quinn didn’t “sit” on anything. He told Kevin to no longer have contact with her, per her wishes. Kevin complied. Marty offered her a political position reporting directly to him, she turned it down. Apparently she wanted help getting a job after that, and she did not think they were as helpful as they ought to have been. Probably because she still resented the way Kevin treated her, and rightfully so.
Campaign jobs just ain’t that easy to come by, unless you are a fundraiser, from April to November. And you turned down precinct captain, which is considered an honor.
As for Heather returning your call instead of Marty: that is absolutely the way it works. You had filed a formal complaint, there was an investigation pending, of course Marty isn’t taking your calls.
Someone should have apologized to her for the way Kevin treated her, and it does not sound like that ever happened. She was genuinely injured by him, but it sounds like that was the extent of this case to me. We will see what the EEOC says.
Comment by Thomas Paine Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:14 pm
I know everyone involved in this sordid tale, and as such, there are some things that puzzle me.
I absolutely believe the accuser as it pertains to the allegations against KQ. And frankly, I’m not terribly surprised by them.
But I just as forcefully do not believe her claims around what Heather said. She would simply never say those things. She’s a woman of absolute integrity - absolute.
Appearances being what they are, it seems the investigation might’ve accelerated with the Trib asking. At the same time, why was the Trib asking if not because there was an effort to sensationalize this?
I strongly suspect MJM really didn’t know until November and then acted appropriately. But it sounds like the General may have a few more questions to answer.
Comment by Anonymizing to speak freely Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:16 pm
Did I read it wrong, or did Marty not inform the Speaker of his brother’s antics? If so, protecting his brother’s (and his) personal interests over the Speaker’s is not a good thing. That’s a LaPaille move. #forgotwherehecamefrom
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:19 pm
Amended: if she truly believed that going to the Trib was the only way to get KQ fired, then fair enough.
Comment by Anonymizing to speak freely Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:22 pm
=You chronic victims are positively Pavlovian.=
wow someone took Psychology 101 in college. so you think anytime something happens with the word Madigan I perk up looking for a treat. well sir, you are correct. I am always hoping that something sticks with your boy Madigan. and I believe yet again Madigan will walk away from this one untouched. but to call me a victim is an insult to the real individual who is clearly a victim of KQ.
Comment by Iggy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:26 pm
Just remember, he is taking notes on who is standing where on this. Disloyalty will be addressed.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:31 pm
Olivia Pope - you dishonor the name with your attempt to justify why Hampton was not hired. The real Olivia would know better.
Comment by Shytown Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:33 pm
The apologists for the 13th ward really need to get their heads our of the sand. Even if yo buy the malarky that they were investigating and the coincidentally reached the conclusion to fire kevin the day after the Trib was ready to run the story, why was he not suspended during the investigation. Surely the texts constituted enough evidence for a suspension while conducting an investigation Sham on MJM and his enablers
Comment by anon Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:34 pm
I watched the press conference with Alaina Hampton from beginning to end. She seemed similar to a member of a cult that realized they had been in a cult only after they were out of it. I mean all of this stuff about not wanting to hurt Alderman Quinn and her reverence for the Speaker of the House was just stunning considering the level of harassment she was faced with. So this is the real world of Speaker Madigan, one that requires totally loyalty for a political job and maybe eventually being slated by the party.
Comment by Rod Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:41 pm
–but to call me a victim is an insult to the real individual who is clearly a victim of KQ.–
No, it’s not. At all. Because you’re not a victim, you just chronically act like one.
Big difference.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:42 pm
–I watched the press conference with Alaina Hampton from beginning to end. She seemed similar to a member of a cult that realized they had been in a cult only after they were out of it.–
Gee, doctor, that’s a pretty strong diagnosis from just watching the TV box.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:44 pm
– Shytown - Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:33 pm:
Olivia Pope - you dishonor the name with your attempt to justify why Hampton was not hired. The real Olivia would know better——
Name me one former staffer that has left without giving a 2yr commitment and went back on payroll. You can exclude any of the former top staffers.
Comment by Olivia Pope Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:46 pm
An attorney interviewing a potential sexual harassment victim in a “coffee shop.” Classy.
As far as Madigan, looks like he only became interested in the “investigation” after the troncs started knocking on his door. Quite the whistleblower. Not.
This news does clear up “Annonin’s” radio silence the past few days, though.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:49 pm
=== I’m almost certain that when you leave staff/organization they don’t put you back on payroll===
Normally, but she was working out of the ward office. That’s a different staff track.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 1:57 pm
Kevin Quinn is likely a medium risk sexual predator. From professional work done in the area of psychiatric disorders, based solely on the text messages and the disorderly conduct arrest (not sure the details but this type of charge is used for lots of things to get somebody out of places/situations), if this were a screening tool, Kevin Quinn needs to be further assessed by a trained clinician. He likely has other incidents in his past and he will do this again, possibly with escalation. Hopefully nothing else has already happened as that means more victims and more lives damaged. The impact of sexual trauma can be lifelong and for some folks requires treatment.
Comment by E Pluribus Unum Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 2:06 pm
“Olivia Pope” - name names? Yeah, right. Let me do that on this page right now. To the larger point, you are attempting to shield those who are at fault here. Again, the real Olivia Pope would know better.
Comment by Shytown Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 2:07 pm
Word you have it exactly correct it was a pretty strong diagnosis and its a pretty sick situation that woman found herself in too.
Comment by Rod Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 2:19 pm
=No, it’s not. At all. Because you’re not a victim, you just chronically act like one.=
oh my dear Wordslinger, please explain how I am acting like a victim. Because I feel that a machine that protects people that harass people is wrong? So in order for me to not be a victim I would have to endorse this time line of events.
pass, I’ll hangout with the me too folks on this one.
Comment by Iggy Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 2:20 pm
Sick behavior on this guys part. Can’t believe it went on so long after she made her intentions crystal clear on their relationship.
Plus, what a loser this guy is. Those texts are text book example of narcissism.
Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 2:28 pm
–oh my dear Wordslinger, please explain how I am acting like a victim. Because I feel that a machine that protects people that harass people is wrong? So in order for me to not be a victim I would have to endorse this time line of events.–
No, because your original post was this:
= Bruce Rauner and the IL GOP. You’d probably be calling for their heads.=
1000 percent correct.–
You weren’t “hanging out” with #metoo there, you were appropriating the troubles of a real victim to whine about how life is so unfair to Rauner and Republicans.
That’s how it’s Pavlovian. A person is a victimized, and you hear a bell that gets you whining about something else.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 2:29 pm
Sure would be sweet if a woman was responsible for taking down Michael Madigan. The congressmen should haven’t been able to do it thus far.
Comment by Galpower Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 2:32 pm
I am waiting for Oswego Willy’s take on all of this. He is unusually silent today.
Comment by Unreal Reality Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 2:32 pm
She values loyalty, so that made her part of a “cult”? No. Sorry.
Comment by low level Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 2:32 pm
===Name me one former staffer that has left without giving a 2yr commitment and went back on payroll===
It’s not the norm but it happens. I’ve seen several instances. Also, Rich is right that the ward track is different than the staff track. And no, I’m not naming names.
Comment by Anonymizing to speak freely Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 2:41 pm
His conduct definitely falls into the sexual harassment category. However, Kevin’s conduct is not the issue here - legally. If she is alleging retaliation, then the focus is on her not being hired or denied the opportunity to apply for an open position. She is going to have to establish a causal connection, which is going to be difficult based on the reported facts. That is, the Alderman offered her a position directly reporting to him and he addressed the illegal conduct. She decided to leave of her own accord. No retaliation at this point.
Thereafter, she inquires into an open position after sharing her complaint with Madigan and is denied a role in it (this part is unclear because it presumes there was job to be had or an advertisement for an open position - it seems there was not as I haven’t seen a report that there was an open position). Some might say this is a classic set up. That is, she puts Madigan on notice of the complaint and then asks for something (a job) that she does not get, which is prima facie basis for retaliation. The timing here works for her, but it also works against her - might I add, there are various jurisdictional issues that would have to be worked out. Also, it is completely plausible that the Speaker ordered subordinates to not hire her - again, that is if there was a job to be had. Compelling drama…indeed.
Comment by GetOverIt Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 2:42 pm
===Go back and read the part where Marty asked his brother for his resignation. That is getting fired.===
Thanks TP. I can read. I read that Marty requested Kevin’s resignation after discussing it with Madigan and that Madigan accepted the resignation. So did he resign or did Madigan fire him?
Marty Quinn didn’t fire his brother. It looks like he may have tried to protect him but that isn’t clear. What is clear is that Madigan fires Kevin Quinn when it became clear this story was about to be published. That doesn’t look good for any of them.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 3:02 pm
===Those texts are awful. ===
They are, but they’re also basically sadly common. Reading them put me in full cringe mode because I’ve received texts along exactly those lines way, way too many times. It’s almost funny how so many of these men all use the same “strategies” when propositioning co-workers. And it’s sad how very, very many of them there are.
Comment by Suburban Mom Tuesday, Feb 13, 18 @ 3:33 pm
Alaina Hampton could not file a sexual harassment suit against Kevin Quinn because the statue of limitations ran out. However, a retaliation and failure to hire is still in order. She wants no money. Her attorney and I are doing this pro bono. She wants this sort of stuff to stop. I do not believe Kevin would have been fired if they had not known there was an explosive Trib story coming out — it was a known secret in political circles that this was coming. There is one point being overlooked in this big story….Heather Wier Vaught’s treatment of my client.
Her dismissive comments at the coffee shop saying if this was serious they wouldn’t be meeting at a coffee shop (their only meeting), that this was not sexual harassment, that she wasn’t employed by them (her paystubs clearly prove that wrong) and jokingly asking if she wanted $25K or a Trib story. That is not the “thorough investigation” the Speaker noted in his statement Monday when they fired Kevin Quinn.
To be fair to Kevin, this appears to be his first time as a harasser. Perhaps they should have asked to take a leave and undergo sexual harassment training….take him out of any supervisory position, put him on probation. THEY threw him under the bus hoping this would go away. To be clear I am not a lawyer or human resource expert but it seems there could have been a way.
This is not the last story you will read about. And for those of you who say #metoo or TIME’S UP is a witch hunt I say you only feel that way if you are a witch. I believe in due process and do not jump in on speculative cases only clear ones. I do this for free I have nothing to gain except seeing wrongs be righted.
Comment by Lorna Brett Wednesday, Feb 14, 18 @ 8:34 am