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* From an e-mail sent by Rep. Peter Breen…
Dear Fellow Republican,
As we read recent headlines about the kinds of inappropriate and disgusting behavior that have been tolerated for years by the Madigan/Democrat machine, I write you today about similar behavior by a current candidate running under our Republican Party label. In particular, I’m writing you because your name has been associated with that individual, potentially without your permission.
You may have heard over the past few months about a meeting in which an unnamed Republican township chairman directed offensive questions and comments to Erika Harold, a Harvard attorney and former Miss America, who is our party’s leading candidate for Attorney General. That chairman asked Ms. Harold personal questions about her marital status, and even her sexual orientation, going so far as to inquire whether she was a “lesbo.” The chairman also used the full n-word repeatedly in front of Ms. Harold and her assistant, asking whether she found its usage offensive.
After the initial reports, it was confirmed that the chairman in question is Burt Minor, of Winfield Township. Mr. Minor later filed petitions to become a candidate for State Representative in the 42nd District, the seat currently held by Representative Jeanne Ives.
At an in-person meeting that Mr. Minor requested with me, with a witness present, Mr. Minor confirmed that he had asked Ms. Harold if she was a lesbian and that he had used the full n-word in her and her assistant’s presence. He explained this away by claiming that Ms. Harold “wanted him to ask the question” about her sexual orientation and claiming that Ms. Harold asked him to say the full n-word. Suffice it to say, this is not how the other participants to the meeting heard or understood the statements, nor how they reported those statements to others both immediately after the meeting occurred and consistently in the months since.
While this conduct is not appropriate for anyone in our Party, it is especially outrageous for a declared Republican candidate for Illinois General Assembly.
The General Assembly’s unified endorsement of “#MeToo” and “#TimesUp” isn’t just lip service–it’s a recognition and demand that the culture of sexual harassment in Springfield is, and must be, finished for good. Additionally, revelations like the FBI wiretaps of conversations between Democrat gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker and disgraced former governor Rod Blagojevich demonstrate that we still have a long way to go in addressing race discrimination in Illinois politics.
Mr. Minor’s boorish behavior is beyond the pale on both fronts. I would respectfully contend to you that a person willing to engage in this sort of speech–the casual use of vile racial epithets–and line of inquiry–asking unmarried women highly personal questions about their sexual orientation–is not fit to serve in the House Republican Caucus. And I am certain that my fellow caucus members agree.
Since Mr. Minor’s actions came to light, many in our Party have urged Mr. Minor to withdraw his candidacy for state representative. However, he has continually refused to do so. And, just as with the white supremacist currently running as an alleged Republican in the 3rd Congressional District, we appear to have no means to have Mr. Minor thrown off the ballot.
The reason I bring these concerns specifically to your attention is that Mr. Minor has used your name as one of his alleged endorsers. And in numerous consultations with others whose names Mr. Minor listed in his fundraising solicitations and on his web site, I have learned that he fabricated a not insubstantial number of those endorsements, including alleged endorsements from my own colleagues in the Illinois General Assembly. Some of those individuals have since asked to be removed from his solicitations, his website, and any campaign literature.
If you fall into the category of those whose names are being used without their permission, then I would respectfully request that you contact Mr. Minor directly and instruct him not to use your name as an endorser. I know that some individuals in this category have not reached out to Mr. Minor as of yet, because they do not want to risk recrimination from him, but at this time and under these circumstances, I would urge that his unauthorized use of your name gives an impression of support for Mr. Minor that is undeserved and unwarranted.
If you did give Mr. Minor permission to use your name as an endorser on his solicitations, then I would respectfully request that you withdraw your endorsement, because he is not fit to serve as a Republican nominee for the General Assembly.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Very truly yours,
Peter Breen
House Republican Floor Leader
State Representative, 48th District
* Erika Harold’s campaign and Breen’s witness, Kevin Fitzpatrick, both confirmed the two conversations.
“She found [Minor’s comments] offensive when he said them and she told him at the time they were offensive,” said Ms. Harold’s spokesperson Jason Heffley.
Fitzpatrick said Minor explained to Breen during their meeting that Harold wanted to be asked about her sexual orientation because “she wanted to get it on the record” that she was straight.
Asked if Harold wanted Minor to ask the question about her sexual orientation, Heffley flat-out denied his candidate ever did such a thing.
During the follow-up meeting with Breen, Fitzpatrick said that Minor explained he used the n-word while “discussing a radio show” hosted by Joe Walsh. Heffley confirmed that Minor used the word several times in his meeting with Harold.
* I’ve asked Minor for comment. He is running against two other candidates for Rep. Ives’ seat.
*** UPDATE 1 *** React is coming in. From GOP Rep. Dave McSweeney…
Minor needs to drop out of the race now! I hope that Tim Schneider, Chairman of the Illinois Rauner Party, immediately seconds my call for Minor to exit the race.
* From GOP Rep. Mark Batinick…
A few weeks ago I became aware of very troubling statements made by township chairman Burt Minor who is a Republican State Representative candidate. I have since had those statements confirmed by multiple sources and have been working with party officials in an attempt to remove him from the race. It is my understanding that those attempts have been futile. This sort of conduct does not belong in our party and will not be tolerated. He needs to immediately withdraw.
*** UPDATE 2 *** House Republican Leader Jim Durkin…
Mr. Minor’s statements are offensive and beyond unacceptable. I call on him to withdraw from the race immediately.
*** UPDATE 3 *** From GOP Rep. Grant Wehrli…
Racism in any form cannot be tolerated anywhere. Burt Minor must withdrawal from this race immediately. After learning of his disturbing comments I can no longer support his candidacy
*** UPDATE 4 *** From Gov. Rauner’s campaign spokesperson Will Allison…
Erika Harold is a star attorney and candidate who is a bright part of the future of the Republican Party in Illinois. Burt Minor’s racist and demeaning language has no place in the GOP or our society. He should drop out of the race.
*** UPDATE 5 *** Gov. Rauner and Rep. Jeanne Ives agree on something…
Based on the letter from my colleague Rep. Peter Breen and the corroboration of the accusations against Burt Minor, I join my colleagues in calling for Mr. Minor to withdraw from the primary election to be the nominee for the seat I currently hold. Mr. Minor’s alleged comments are inexcusable, indefensible and disqualifying.
*** UPDATE 6 *** Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider…
I was appalled to learn today of Mr. Minor’s deeply offensive comments. His words do not represent the views of the Illinois Republican Party. Racial and gay slurs have no place in our political discourse and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Mr. Minor should withdraw from the race for State Representative in the 42nd House District and immediately issue an apology to Erika Harold and to all Illinoisans he offended by his disgusting choice of words.
*** UPDATE 7 *** The Sun-Times interviewed Erika Harold…
“We had a meeting with [Winfield Township Republican Chairman] Burt Minor, and during the course of the conversation he asked me if I had children. I said no. He asked me if I was married. I said no. He then asked me if I had ever been married. I said no.”
Harold said Minor then asked her if she was a lesbian, using a slur.
Harold said she told him no.
“But then I also made it clear that someone’s sexual orientation should not be used to disqualify them for running for office,” Harold said.
Harold said Minor seemed “surprised” that she was standing up for herself.
Within the same conversation, Minor also asked Harold whether it was ever appropriate to use the n-word, “but he said the full word,” she said.
*** UPDATE 8 *** From Minor…
STATEMENT FROM BURT MINOR
Candidate, 42nd House DistrictLast October, I met with Erika Harold in my capacity as Winfield Township Republican Chairman, at her request, to discuss the challenges she might face in her campaign for the Republican nomination for Attorney General. Our meeting has been greatly misrepresented.
Not all Republican voters are comfortable discussing issues of race and sexual orientation. I wish it were different, but it is a reality those of us active in the Republican Party’s leadership confront, not infrequently.
My discussion with Erika was an attempt to point out this unfortunate reality, it was in no way meant to be offensive. I honestly left our meeting unaware that our conversation might have made Erika uncomfortable. My apologies to Erika if she was in any way offended.
Erika is a great candidate who has a bright future in the Republican Party.
Throughout my 23 years in the military, I worked alongside people of all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. We worked together to get the job done, and that is the way it should be. Period.Ironically, at the 2016 Illinois Republican State Convention I was vilified for defending fellow Republicans who were advocating for a more inclusive and tolerant Illinois Republican Party Platform.
I was also upset with Gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives recent television advertisement. Interestingly, many of the individuals criticizing me over this misunderstanding remain silent about that disgustingly provocative television ad. The hypocrisy is stunning.
Peter Breen and Kevin Fitzpatrick, who are attempting to capitalize on this misunderstanding for the benefit of one of my opponents, tried to bribe me months ago with the offer of a government job if I were to get out of this race. They told me that they wanted another candidate to win because Peter Breen would be able to control her. When I declined the offer, they said they would support my daughter if she were ever to run for higher office. This morning, when Peter sent his letter to the media he attempted to follow through on a promise to destroy my reputation.
I completely understand the fierce reaction this misunderstanding has generated, but I wish those who rushed to judgment would have gotten all the facts first. I intend to discuss those facts and the many issues of importance to the residents of Illinois’ 42nd District in the days leading up to Election Day. So there is no further misunderstanding, let me be clear, I believe there is no place for racism or intolerance in the Republican Party and the State of Illinois.
*** UPDATE 9 *** Sen. Kwame Raoul…
I applaud the Republican leaders and others who have joined together to speak out against this incident. No one who’s putting themselves forward as a candidate - in politics or in the workplace - should be subjected to what Erika faced. Unfortunately, this incident represents a broader reality of what individuals face everyday and we all need to join together to put an end to it.
*** UPDATE 10 *** Rep. Peter Breen…
Burt Minor’s statement makes clear that he doesn’t deny the allegations against him, nor does he see any problem in his repeated use of the full n-word in conversation or his questions to an unmarried woman about whether she is a “lesbo.” He now shifts the blame to the victims of his vile actions for being “uncomfortable,” with a half-hearted apology to Ms. Harold, “if she was in any way offended.” Burt Minor should take ownership of his outrageous and offensive statements, apologize for making them, and return to private life away from any public involvement with the Republican Party.
Burt Minor lied in his fundraising solicitations by claiming the endorsements of numerous elected officials who had never given him permission to use their name, including falsely claiming an endorsement from our Republican Leader Jim Durkin. His accusations today are more lies.
At no time was any government job offered to Mr. Minor by anyone, and certainly not by me or anyone on my volunteer team. As a state representative, I have the ability to appoint a single Legislative Aide—and I have one of the most qualified and experienced Legislative Aides in the state in that position today.
Even if I had control over 1,000 jobs, I wouldn’t willingly put a person like Burt Minor anywhere near my family, my volunteers, or any of the residents of my district. As for Mr. Minor’s daughter, I couldn’t pick her out of a lineup and have never made any statement about her, whether in regards to her apparent political ambitions or otherwise.
All of his other accusations are false, and in particular, Burt Minor now insults and slanders yet another strong female candidate—respected DuPage County Board Member Amy Grant—by claiming she would somehow be “controlled” instead of serve the people of the 42nd District. Folks in the district know Amy as an accomplished community leader, wife, and mother of two great kids. She doesn’t deserve Burt Minor’s insults.
Shame on Burt Minor. He is unfit to serve in any position of public trust.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:17 pm
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I can’t stand the Republican Party. It’s largely filled with awful people.
Comment by Ron Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:24 pm
Donnie Trump being the best example
Comment by Ron Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:25 pm
Good for Breen for calling this guy out. I hope it starts a trend in the GOP, but regardless, Breen deserves credit for speaking out loudly and well.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:27 pm
I suppose when Jeanne Ives has been your representative, you either afford yourself some introspection or lumber “forward.”
I’ll first urge the people of the 42nd District to vote their conscience. And, as a trial attorney in that district, I will say that, by and large, in a big way, the people here, government and civilian, are fine, decent, hardworking, ethical, and honorable people. Ives and Minor notwithstanding.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:28 pm
Breen starts out his letter “because Madigan.” Classy
Comment by Baloneymous Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:33 pm
What is happening with political races is just disgusting. WHo in their right mind in this day and age feels they have to say the “n” word or ask a candidate about their sexual orientation?
So very frustrating and disheartening.
Comment by HoneyBadger Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:35 pm
Breen is an excellent writer. He documented and articulated a compelling case. Writing as Republican Floor Leader adds heft to the piece and indicates this is not just his opinion.
Well done.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:39 pm
Minor is not Dan Proft’s candidate and thus Breen.
Comment by anonin Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:39 pm
==Good for Breen for calling this guy out.==
But did you notice, he had to take a swipe at Madigan and the Democratic party first.
First things first.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:40 pm
If you were wondering how thoroughly the Daily Herald vet candidates before making an endorsement: http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180221/endorsement-minor-for-gop-in-state-house-dist-42
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:42 pm
Did Rep. McSweeney actually call it the “Illinois Rauner Party”? I mean, it’s mostly accurate, but still…
Comment by bindyesqq Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:44 pm
You meet the qualifications and get the signatures you get to be on the ballot.
You might be despicable but the voters get the say in our system, not a bunch of folks who worry to late about the stench it might leave on them.
Stop him on election day.
Comment by don the legend Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:48 pm
Ron, that’s a terrible generalization. I’ve known good Democrats, good Republicans, evil Democrats, and evil Republicans. The Dems I have worked with lately talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk. I’ve gotten a lot more help with issues when I’ve worked with the Republicans.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 12:50 pm
These republican legislatures know who most of there base consists of. Stop acting brand new.
Comment by Real Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 1:07 pm
The GOP “big tent” is more of a hood, isn’t it?
Comment by Albany Park Patriot Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 1:20 pm
Actually that tent is appropriately and proactively not admitting a boor.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 1:37 pm
What is in the water in the 42nd district?
Comment by Lunchbox Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 1:37 pm
Of course Breen needs to make this, in part, about Madigan and Pritzker.
Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 1:52 pm
===…come mostly from the guys that vote Democrat, your base.===
Keep up, this is about one GOP candidate, Minor.
====…come mostly from the guys that vote Democrat, your base. They are also the biggest supporters of the 2nd Amendment and the NRA.===
lol, now you’re just trolling. Ask how many Dems right now are big supporters of the NRA.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 1:55 pm
Good for all of them for denouncing racisim. Maybe some democrats will take notice and start to call out some sleazy behavior on their side.
Comment by Just Visiting Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 2:02 pm
===The GOP “big tent” is more of a hood, isn’t it?==
Actually, they’re big tent isn’t big enough for someone like this.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 2:08 pm
*their.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 2:08 pm
–If you were wondering how thoroughly the Daily Herald vet candidates before making an endorsement: http://www.dailyherald.com/discuss/20180221/endorsement-minor-for-gop-in-state-house-dist-42–
Great catch, Mr.JM. From the Daily Herald endorsement:
–-Finally, a somewhat more moderate and pragmatic candidate can be found in Burt Minor, 58, a one-time Warrenville village trustee who is the Winfield Township Republican chairman and committeeman. He understands that government and religion sometimes do not mix and he sees the gray in many issues facing the state as opposed to holding a strict partisan view. We need more legislators like that and for that reason, we recommend Burt Minor in the March 20 GOP primary for District 42, which takes in parts of Wheaton, Warrenville, Carol Stream, Lisle, Winfield, West Chicago and Naperville.–
Yeah, he’s just oozing moderation and pragmatism.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 2:11 pm
This reinforces my belief that the “Miss” dig in the Grasso transcript yesterday was also a hit on Harold’s marital status. Gross stuff.
And I don’t listen to Joe Walsh’s radio show, does he use the n-word on the air or something?
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 2:15 pm
Pleasantly surprised that Ives didn’t find the comments to just be “edgy.”
Comment by Anon324 Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 2:27 pm
Sorry if someone already posted this, but…
—Based on the letter from my colleague Rep. Peter Breen and the corroboration of the accusations against Burt Minor, I join my colleagues in calling for Mr. Minor to withdraw from the primary election to be the nominee for the seat I currently hold. Mr. Minor’s alleged comments are inexcusable, indefensible and disqualifying.—
Um, does Ives have short term memory issues? “Inexcusable, indefensible and disqualifying” what about her commercial?
Also I don’t think Mr. Minor is a real candidate, how much money does his PAC have?
Comment by Sigh Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 2:28 pm
So the DH thinks “(Minor) sees the gray in many issues..”
As one would expect from a good Confederate soldier.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 2:37 pm
Note to all the Democrats who said “JB apologized.” This is how it’s done. Or do you just need the money so bad that you are willing to overlook his racism? You know what that makes you, right?
Comment by Just Visiting Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 2:47 pm
Thanks to Trump these folks believe they are now free to say what they think. At least it is easier to spot them in a crowd and banish them now.
Comment by Just Me Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 2:51 pm
===asking unmarried women highly personal questions about their sexual orientation===
When can we expect an apology from Breen for the “unmarried” qualifier? Can Republican candidates ask married women their sexual orientation? What about a woman married to another woman? Can unmarried men be asked about their sexual orientation?
Comment by Swift Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 3:13 pm
I applaud the calling out that the others here have done, and also supporting Ms. Harold. It’s important that the Party does this, because it’s the right thing to do.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 3:19 pm
So a bunch of politicos who don’t want someone to win act as witnesses for each other pointing fingers that someone is a racist less than a month before the primary?
Comment by downstate Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 3:31 pm
Leave it to the commenter downstate to come up with a conspiracy theory.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 3:34 pm
==I applaud the calling out that the others here have done, and also supporting Ms. Harold. It’s important that the Party does this, because it’s the right thing to do.==
Couldn’t agree more.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 3:35 pm
Amy Grant is being backed by Liberty Principles PAC in 42. The Daily Herald endorsed Minor. Who is the Illinois GOP’s candidate in 42? Is there a tape of him making racist statements? These are logical questions and should be asked. Everyone is in a rush to judgment as long as it serves their political purpose.
Comment by downstate Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 3:45 pm
–So a bunch of politicos who don’t want someone to win act as witnesses for each other pointing fingers that someone is a racist less than a month before the primary?–
As someone who has always been thankful and proud of the education they received at LCA Sunday school and in the public schools of Illinois, please tell me you’re from Mississippi.
Or Mars.
To be farm-boy and street-wise blunt, anyone who would talk to any woman in my life like that would be picking their chiklets off the street. If they were lucky.
I’m wondering — do you think you’re a “conservative?” You’re a malignant pornographic punk.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 3:49 pm
—From Gov. Rauner’s campaign spokesperson Will Allison…
Erika Harold is a star attorney and candidate who is a bright part of the future of the Republican Party in Illinois. Burt Minor’s racist and demeaning language has no place in the GOP or our society. He should drop out of the race.—-
How does Governor Rauner feel about President Trump and his racist and demeaning language?
Comment by Olivia Pope Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 3:53 pm
==As someone who has always been thankful and proud of the education they received at LCA Sunday school and in the public schools of Illinois, please tell me you’re from Mississippi. Or Mars. To be farm-boy and street-wise blunt, anyone who would talk to any woman in my life like that would be picking their chiklets off the street. If they were lucky. I’m wondering — do you think you’re a “conservative?” You’re a malignant pornographic punk.==
In a court of law, this would be laughed out of court. Does evidence/facts matter to you? I’m not OK with hearsay from people who have a vested interest in the outcome. Sorry, whatever you called me right back at you.
Comment by downstate Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 3:57 pm
He is a township chairman I think that should go away too.
Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 4:04 pm
===Additionally, revelations like the FBI wiretaps of conversations between Democrat gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker and disgraced former governor Rod Blagojevich demonstrate that we still have a long way to go in addressing race discrimination in Illinois politics.=====
Since Mr. Breen is an attorney and referenced the FBI wiretaps, could he please weigh in on the sealed wiretaps being used in a campaign commercial? Failure of leaders to question the use of the tapes show we “have a long way to go in addressing” legal reforms.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 4:15 pm
–Does evidence/facts matter to you?–
Definitely. Whole lot of evidence and facts here.
– I’m not OK with hearsay from people who have a vested interest in the outcome.–
So you’re banking on none of this ever happened? Let us know how that goes.
– Sorry, whatever you called me right back at you.–
I’m sorry, I thought I was clear, it was in writing, easy to reference. I called you a malignant pornographic punk.
Counselor, let us know when your freaky, racist, pervert “conservative” denies his words and actions.
If it were me, and I was accused of this stuff from the governor on down, I’d be lawyered up and banking my libel lawsuit money.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 4:15 pm
@downstate -
This isn’t a court of law. It’s politics. And it’s bad politics in Illinois to be a racist homophobe, or have no explanation to give to the public when being accused of being a racist homophobe. So far Burt Minor has not commented on these stories to say they are lies or some concocted conspiracy against him so I am not sure why you assume that is what happened.
That said, I am curious why the local Republicans that Harold says she told about this in October kept a lid on this until now. Was the Daily Herald endorsement a trigger point? Because this guy doesn’t seem like he belongs as Winfield Township Republican Chairman regardless of his statehouse run.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 4:17 pm
I agree with DuPage Saint. It did not appear that he was asked to resign the Township Chairman position. So, is it OK for that type of person to represent the GOP on a local level, as long as they do not run for a spot in the Legislature?
Comment by Grandpa2 Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 4:17 pm
@downstate:
“At an in-person meeting that Mr. Minor requested with me, with a witness present, Mr. Minor confirmed that he had asked Ms. Harold if she was a lesbian and that he had used the full n-word in her and her assistant’s presence. ”
You think Breen made that up?
Comment by JoanP Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 4:49 pm
== So, is it OK for that type of person to represent the GOP on a local level, as long as they do not run for a spot in the Legislature?==
I don’t think it is. But, in this case, a member of Leadership in the body this person was trying to become a member of, called him out. Loud and Clear and with no ambiguity. The buck stopped with him. Abruptly.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:01 pm
== You think Breen made that up? ==
I think someone who is tied to Bruce Rauner or Dan Proft or both is definitely capable of saying anything for political reasons less than a month before a primary so yes it’s possible he made it up. It’s also possible he didn’t make it up.
Comment by downstate Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:06 pm
== So, is it OK for that type of person to represent the GOP on a local level, as long as they do not run for a spot in the Legislature?==
No. But that term is up in 3 weeks with the primary. My guess is that he is not re-elected.
Comment by Stan Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:11 pm
I just read Burt Minor’s statement and it is reasonable, thoughtful, and sensitive - much more reasonable, thoughtful, and sensitive than Jeanne Ives’ bizarre “edgy” ad.
Comment by downstate Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:12 pm
I see that Minor does not deny using the language attributed to him.
Comment by JoanP Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:20 pm
Downstate, I don’t doubt that Breen and others want to derail Minor for political reasons. But please. This is what the guy you’re defending said and it isn’t going to help get him out of the problem he is in:
“Not all Republican voters are comfortable discussing issues of race and sexual orientation. I wish it were different, but it is a reality those of us active in the Republican Party’s leadership confront, not infrequently.
My discussion with Erika was an attempt to point out this unfortunate reality, it was in no way meant to be offensive.”
He basically called her a (n-word) and “lesbo” just to see if she could handle it? What “reality” was he trying to point out to her? I’d suggest the reality is people have no problem talking about race and sexual orientation, but most have the good sense to keep their bigoted views private.
Yikes. He needs to do a better job of explaining this and you would be well advised to stop defending him.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:25 pm
So Minor is remorseful that Harold misinterpreted his comments but nowhere does he state that he’s remorseful for making them nor does he deny saying ant of it. I guess the lesson is when words like these are used we should seek clarification on what they mean.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:31 pm
There was nothing wrong with his statement, nothing at all. If we want to talk about hate, let’s talk about Ives’ ad and the people who helped her put that winner together.
Comment by downstate Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:31 pm
So does Ives think that Minor should have started his statement with, “So now that I have your attention…”
Proft and Ives Playbook.
Comment by Sound Familair Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:35 pm
==If we want to talk about hate, let’s talk about Ives’ ad and the people who helped her put that winner together.==
Guess you missed this post and the 109 comments on it: https://capitolfax.com/2018/02/02/ives-other-tv-ad-is-gonna-cause-a-huge-controversy-if-it-airs/
Comment by JoanP Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:46 pm
As others pointed out, Minor does not deny making the comments he is accused of making.
But I would like to hear from Peter Breen in response to the other comments in Minor’s statement. Minor’s accusations of being offered other positions if he got out of the race could explain why nothing was done when Harold told others about this last October and why these allegations against Minor are only coming out now after a Daily Herald endorsement of Minor.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:49 pm
I’m African American and I believe what Minor stated in that his words were misrepresented. The republicans who are speaking out are doing this for political reasons. They were and are silent as mouse when it is Trump.
Comment by Real Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:49 pm
I know Burt Minor & I accept his statement. He is not a racist & asking about a word doesn’t make you unfit for office. It’s ridiculous that the Republicans vilifying him here don’t acknowledge that being gay & black are an impediment to success in their party. Ives thinks something is offensive? Don’t make me laugh. Her own ad already made me sick. When these people call out the President for his clearly racist statements, then they’ll have standing to call out others.
Comment by warrenvillian Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:50 pm
== guess you missed this post and the 109 comments on it ==
Your point? Because you haven’t made one.
Comment by downstate Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 5:51 pm
=Your point? Because you haven’t made one.=
Point seemed plenty clear to me. We have already talked about that with a very high amount of comments and a link to that discussion was given to keep it going.
Comment by Seats Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 6:04 pm
This happened last October. Why did Breen wait until today to bring it up? What did Breen know, and when did he know it?
Comment by Sounds Familair Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 6:12 pm
so based on Breen’s statement, I sure hope Minor’s daughter doesn’t come out and say she has met him before. I’m not saying I believe Minor’s statement, but that is a heck of a story with lots of details to make up and put out there.
Comment by Baloneymous Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 6:24 pm
Minor offers the perfect “if-pology” (credit Harry Shearer). Not the same as an apology at all.
Comment by Groundhog Day Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 6:26 pm
Mr. Minor’s own words are enough.
Thinking his own words are helping him, that tells enough.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 6:45 pm
Who to believe? The racist homophobe or the anti-choice nut? Boy the GOP offers some winners.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 22, 18 @ 7:01 pm
Peter Breen knows Burt’s daughter. She has walked for him in his past elections (check his petitions). Peter, please try to stop lying when you condemn others.
Comment by Breen's Constituent Friday, Feb 23, 18 @ 12:19 am
I have volunteered for politicians too, and I doubt they “could pick me out of a line up”. I sometimes got a nice form letter.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Feb 23, 18 @ 5:50 am
==unaware that our conversation might have made Erika uncomfortable==
You use the “n” word several times and ask her if she’s gay and you weren’t aware. Clueless doesn’t even begin to describe him.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Feb 23, 18 @ 7:44 am
Demo, that sums it up.
Comment by A guy Friday, Feb 23, 18 @ 8:30 am
I’m surprised that Minor didn’t blame “Political Correctness” for the fact that you can no longer use slurs to describe people.
Comment by Terry Salad Friday, Feb 23, 18 @ 9:14 am
Anyone at all familiar with Burt Minor’s political career, particularly his time as an Alderman and on the Summerlakes HOA Board would not be surprised at his boorish behavior.
Comment by FromtheVille Friday, Feb 23, 18 @ 11:22 am