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Sen. Hastings’ spokesperson calls female lobbyist a dishonest bully for speaking out

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* Illinois Leaks…

We finally obtained a copy of the settlement agreement in the lawsuit where Senator Michael Hastings was sued, along with the Illinois Senate, for discrimination and harassment against Cassandra Matz, a former employee of Sen. Hastings.

In the settlement agreement, Hastings and the Senate deny any wrongdoing but agree to pay a total of $100,000 to Matz and her attorneys.

The settlement also:

• prohibits Matz from disclosing the settlement (a gag agreement) to anyone,
• prohibits the filing or use of the settlement in any court
• agrees to file a Stipulation to Dismiss in the court stating that each party shall bear their own attorney fees, costs, or expenses (kind of flies in the face of the $100,000 payment)

This leads us to think there are wider harassment issues in the Illinois government than simply this lawsuit, which by all appearances attempts to make the public think it was dismissed and no payments were made.

There’s more.

* I told subscribers about the $100,000 payout last week, but here’s WBEZ today…

And those were not the only costs to taxpayers from that legal battle. The state also hired a private attorney who represented Hastings — with the payments to the outside counsel’s firm adding up to nearly $47,000, according to records obtained by WBEZ.

Scroll down…

Still, a veteran environmental lobbyist in Springfield told WBEZ that Kathleen Hastings’s complaint to police — and what she says are her own personal experiences of being bullied repeatedly by Michael Hastings in professional interactions — have led her to decide she would no longer lobby him and to call for his resignation from the Senate.

Jen Walling, the longtime executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, said in an interview last week that Hastings had yelled at her, pounded his hands on a table in a Capitol meeting room and approached her in a menacing manner during disagreements over legislation in Springfield in the past five years.

“He clearly, to me, in observing him, has had serious issues with anger management that aren’t appropriate for the workplace where we are making laws for the state of Illinois,” Walling said. […]

But in a written statement sent to WBEZ, Hastings spokesman Ray Hanania said Walling was “not being honest,” and Hanania suggested her accusations and other complaints against Hastings recently — including those stemming from the senator’s marital problems — were designed to hurt his reelection bid. […]

Hastings’s spokesman, Hanania, said Walling “is the bully. And she is not being honest. Hastings has been the sponsor of the most sweeping environmental legislation we have seen.”

Yeah, that attack ain’t gonna fly, dude. Stay tuned.

* Related…

* Senator Hastings Continues With Lawsuit To Discover Who Distributed Police Report His Wife Filed Against Him

…Adding… I asked Senate President Don Harmon’s spokesperson if Harmon had a comment…

We are just seeing this article, and at this time we do not.

…Adding… Sen. Napoleon Harris has released a statement in support of Sen. Hastings…

“With the statements made by Jen Walling, I cannot sit by and allow her misleading and false political rhetoric to go without a response.

“First, how coincidental that Ms. Walling decides to make a statement two months before an election. I have known Mike Hastings to be one of the most upstanding, professional, and honest legislators in the Illinois Senate. As the Chairman of the Senate Energy & Public Utilities Committee, he helped champion one of the most sweeping clean energy pieces of legislation in the nation and has fought to implement diversity hiring requirements throughout the utility industry.

“Second, there is an unknown truth to Ms. Walling and the manner in which she conducts her business. She is one of the most abrasive and disrespectful lobbyists in Springfield. She is a bully. When trying to advance a piece of legislation that would help the South Suburbs and the 17th District, she literally threatened to organize local people in my community against me along with threatening to protest my office location. I know that she did the same to Senator Hastings in his district when she did not get her way.

“Jen Walling does not have the slightest clue about the best interests of Harvey or the South Suburbs, for that matter. However, when she does not get her way or someone does not agree with her demands, she either threatens you or bullies you to get what she wants. In this instance, she should be ashamed of herself and reflect on the way she conducts business.

Walling flatly denies the protest threat. She doesn’t deny asking constituents to contact their lawmakers, which is pretty common. The issue in question was SB1104, a bill pushed by the fossil fuel industry.

That Napo comment is just weird, man.

…Adding… ILGOP…

Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings continues to blame everyone but himself for his problems, like the inexcusable domestic violence allegations and the taxpayer-funded defense of alleged discrimination and retaliation against a former staffer. Meanwhile, Hastings’ Democratic colleagues have been either completely silent on his alleged misconduct or, in some cases, have even come to his defense.

Senator Napoleon Harris went so far as to defend Hastings, saying in a statement he was, “one of the most upstanding, professional, and honest legislators in the Illinois Senate.”

According to the police report as quoted in WBEZ, Hastings’ wife, “advised on 11-09-2020, Michael battered her, by placing her in a chokehold/neck restraint, and slammed her body into a door multiple times.” What has Hastings himself had to say?

Instead of taking responsibility for these deplorable allegations, Hastings has attempted to deflect time and again.

According to WBEZ, “Records show Hastings called two different police departments and unsuccessfully sought to have his wife arrested and charged two months ago in a dispute over visitation rights. In addition to denying his wife’s allegations of domestic-battery, he also sued south suburban Frankfort for allegedly leaking the report containing those allegations.”

According to the Chicago Tribune last month, Hastings accused the police report of being, “intentionally leaked to the news media in a sinister attempt to influence the elections, hurt me politically by tarnishing my reputation, and turning the divorce around to blame the divorce on me by using these false domestic violence accusations.”

While Hastings and his colleagues dodge and deflect, Illinois taxpayers are left to pick up the tab for his state-funded settlement and legal fees, to the tune of nearly $150,000.

“Senator Hastings’ colleagues should be ashamed of their silence. He has lashed out against everybody while using our tax dollars to do so. It’s time for Illinois Democrats to step up and condemn Hastings for these allegations unbefitting of anyone, let alone a public servant,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 9:30 am

Comments

==were designed to hurt his reelection bid==

So, we are to believe the Jen Walling would prefer Hastings’ Republican opponent on environmental issues?

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 9:42 am
So Hastings case is that Jen Walling is trying to elect a Republican to the Senate? He has totally lost the plot.

Comment by vern Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 9:44 am
It has now become that anyone whom you don’t agree with is automatically a bully.

Comment by Big Dipper Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 9:45 am
The (IL) Senate Dems desperately need a Kirsten Gillibrand.

Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 9:48 am
Good for bullies not to get away with it. But I have personally experienced bullying from people who are not in government to people who are in government service. Either way, it’s wrong.

Comment by Amalia Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 9:50 am
Nobody who has ever met Jen Walling and Mike Hastings would believe for a second that Walling is the bully in that interaction. Nobody.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 9:59 am
I guess that in Governor Pritzker’s Illinois right to free speech ends when one accuses a sitting State Senator of harassment. Not only that, public funds raised from our tax dollars are spent to make sure that the public can learn nothing more about the allegations from the victim.

Senator Hastings needs to resign immediately. There is no service he provides to the People of Illinois that is so unique it can’t be provided by another person who the State of Illinois doesn’t have to protect with gag orders.

Michael Hastings demonstrates that so much of what has occurred in the last few years has been performative and our elected leadership is unwilling to take a stand against whatever these behaviors we’re not allowed to hear about from the victim were.

Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:06 am
It’s not exactly a secret that this is the way Hastings conducts himself and handles his legislative business. Good for Jen for stepping up and saying something.

Comment by Costanza Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:09 am
I had the same experience with Hastings. In a meeting with stakeholders, Hastings pounded his fists on the table and screamed at me in front of others. Called me into his office, slammed the door, and continued to yell at me, pointing his finger in my face while everyone outside could hear him yell at me. It was the most uncomfortable interaction with a lawmaker I’ve ever had. Glad others are speaking out.

Comment by Another Lobbyist Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:10 am
Hastings is taking a lot of heat from those who would often say innocent until proven guilty. Frankly, I believe the accusations against both Hastings and Walling could be true, but more details and time will tell.

Comment by JustAThought Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:14 am
=== I believe the accusations against both Hastings and Walling could be true ===

No you don’t. You are just a troll for Hastings.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:16 am
=== those who would often say innocent until proven guilty.===

That’s the standard for “not being in prison.” The standard for “not being a Senator” is a little less forgiving. That’s a good thing.

Comment by vern Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:17 am
Senator Hastings has not been charged with a criminal offense. Let’s not make apples to oranges comparisons to defend a man so privileged that the Illinois taxpayers are on the hook to pay his hush money.

Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:17 am
= Nobody who has ever met Jen Walling and Mike Hastings would believe for a second that Walling is the bully in that interaction.
Nobody. =

Came here to say this exact thing.

Comment by Graybeard Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:20 am
“He clearly, to me, in observing him, has had serious issues with anger management that aren’t appropriate for the workplace where we are making laws for the state of Illinois,”

Discrimination/Harassment settlement, claims of inappropriate behavior towards his spouse, and anger issues from a lobbyist - clearly this guy is incapable of serving as an elected official.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:20 am
Agree this isn’t going anywhere. Also agree that Hastings days are numbered. Too many problems.

Comment by New Day Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:23 am
It appears a pattern is emerging regarding Sen. Hastings behavior.

Comment by Anonymous 101 Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:28 am
=You are just a troll for Hastings=
No, I’m saying he could be guilty of what he’s accused of and so could she, lets not jump to conclusions.

Comment by JustAThought Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:28 am
Going to make a prediction - a flood of these types of indictments of his character are incoming. Also way to add another villain to your flack rogues gallery, Ray. How do you sleep other than in a cave?

Comment by P Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:29 am
=== No, I’m saying he could be guilty of what he’s accused of and so could she, lets not jump to conclusions. ===

You just have never met Jen Walling then.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:29 am
Narcissism 101.

Comment by DSM V Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:32 am
===and so could she===

LOL

Go take a nap or something.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:35 am
I also have to say that what Jen did was not without risk. Senator Hastings controls the fate of pretty much or almost all of her legislative priorities. It takes a lot of guts to do that, knowing the blowback could hurt you for the next decade if Hastings sticks around.

Comment by Ok Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:40 am
===Go take a nap or something====

ask staff how Jen treats them

Comment by Double hmm Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:43 am
Has Jen Walling either threatened protests or to run people against legislators throughout her tenure working for the IEC if they didn’t vote her way?

Comment by Protests & Coffee Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:45 am
===Has Jen Walling either threatened protests or to run people against legislators===

LOLOL

You’re claiming that basic politics is bullying? What a buncha snowflakes.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:47 am
=== Has Jen Walling either threatened protests or to run people against legislators throughout her tenure working for the IEC if they didn’t vote her way?===

Yes, as a professional lobbyist, she has likely engaged in those very normal lobbying activities. The question at hand is whether Hastings made anyone concerned that he would imminently become violent, which would not be normal legislator behavior.

Comment by vern Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:53 am
Not sure how many other comments critical of how Jen treats people in the GA got deleted but I know mine did ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Comment by Double hmm Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:54 am
===but I know mine did===

It wasn’t deleted. It was held in moderation and not released because of a basic fact issue.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:56 am
Lots of fog in all of the allegations so far. We haven’t actually seen the police reports, etc. That said, there has been one constant throughout.

Every time Mike Hastings opens his mouth on this issue, or posts something online, he comes across as the type of person who could/would do everything for which he has been accused.

Personally, I think that speaks volumes.

Comment by SpiDem Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 10:57 am
======Vern=====

Sounds like something Jen Walling would say. Sounds like Napoleon Harris, a member of the Harmon leadership team, has some issues too. Watch out when you live in a glasshouse, probably should have just had coffee.

Comment by Protests & Coffee Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 11:03 am
Glad Walling spoke out.

Hastings needs to resign and Harmon needs to release a statement.

The gag order on Matz is just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous cases of abuse toward legislative staff, especially district staff, who have few protections and are at the disposal of the legislator employs them. They just don’t speak out for fear of having their careers ruined.

Comment by Buffalo Bill Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 11:04 am
Time for him to go

Comment by Shytown Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 11:06 am
=== Sounds like something Jen Walling would say.===

If you think I’m Jen Walling, you must not have been here for the Pembroke Township conversations. But that’s a political disagreement, and the ability to distinguish “doing politics I disagree with” from “bullying” is going to be an important one today. Brush up.

Comment by vern Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 11:06 am
Sounds like someone is calling around to his friends asking for them to have his back. Napo, one. Anyone else going to step up?

It’s kind of hilarious that they are trying to go after Jen. I mean, you want to make this a bigger deal and extend the story? That’s an odd strategy.

Comment by Ok Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 11:19 am
“she literally threatened to organize local people in my community against me along with threatening to protest my office location. I know that she did the same to Senator Hastings in his district when she did not get her way.”

Seriously, I’m glad to hear this. This is how it should be done. I’m glad to see IEC is not wasting the money I’ve donated playing footsie with replacement level Dem politicians.

Comment by Larry Bowa Jr. Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 11:21 am
= replacement level Dem politicians =

Is there some way to measure the effectiveness of legislators like there is in sports, the “Wins Above Replacement” (WAR) metric?

Comment by cover Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 11:29 am
I have found Jen Walling to be one of the most respected and respectful people around Springfield. She moved mountains and helped produce a nation-leading program in a difficult arena with multiple stakeholders.

Not sure she should have jumped into this mess, but I’m with her.

Comment by walker Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 11:31 am
Ms. Walling basically put the IEC on the map and is the go-to environmental organization for legislators. I’m sure she didn’t get there by being “one of the most abrasive and disrespectful lobbyists in Springfield.” Unless the definition of abrasive/disrespectful now means hardworking, intelligent, and thoughtful.

Comment by Constitutional Watcher Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 11:31 am
She organized like-minded people in pursuit of a policy to leverage your support? For shame. NFL football player can’t handle some constituents who disagree with him. I guess IL politics is tougher than the AFC West.

Comment by P. Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 12:08 pm
Is this the same Ray Hanania that once ran for State Rep against the late Larry Wenlund and challenged him to a boxing match during the campaign?

Comment by Oldtimer Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 12:25 pm
Harmon hasn’t had time to read the article in the time Napo put together a long and winding 3 paragraph response? How much processing time does one need?

The Napo response is wild. It’s basically “She told my constituents to talk to me about what they care about and I didn’t like that cause it was mean.”

What about the behavior Hastings engaged in? Are we cool with pounding on a table and treating a woman that way because she was abrasive and threatened to be a community organizer? Guess so. Noted.

Comment by Who else Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 12:26 pm
I’ve known Jen Walling for 20 years. To call her a bully is ludicrous.

Comment by Soccermom Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 12:29 pm
It sounds like Hastings has a problem of treating people with respect. Bottom line in politics, treat others how you want to be treated, especially if they are working for you.

I’m not speaking of knowing anything, but I’m going to guess Ms. Walling has dealt with a variety of different politicians over the years and Hastings behavior is not the only one like this, male or female and regardless of political party. And I think how things have played out, I’m pretty sure Madigan’s team over the years has participated in this aggressive behavior during session regarding policy. It’s not great, but that’s how sausage is made in Springfield.

No comment on the Harris press release, that was strange.

Comment by Almost the Weekend Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 12:41 pm
If Ray Hanania says someone’s being dishonest, he should know.

Comment by Socially DIstant watcher Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 12:42 pm
Is Napo talking about Sims’ district or is he confused which district he represents.

Comment by 17th Dist Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 12:54 pm
==First, how coincidental that Ms. Walling decides to make a statement two months before an election.==

If this were two months before a Primary, it might raise some questions. But, two months before the General election where you are looking at a Republican who, based on party affiliation and a lack of information from that candidate on environmental issues, is likely to be less friendly to the issues Ms. Walling champions is not the time for her to speak out unless it is an issue of personal integrity.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 1:16 pm
Time for Hastings’ friends to step away. No need to be there when the inevitable explosion takes him down. It’s likely close.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 1:23 pm
Not shocked to see the Napo statement. He’s as tone-deaf as Hastings on the issue.

Comment by Costanza Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 2:16 pm
Hanania should be fired, Hastings should apologize for Hanania’s remarks.

I don’t think anyone has asked Walling if she filed a complaint with the LIG and if so what the outcome was. I believe her, but it would be helpful to know.

Things are complicated by the fact that Walling was a candidate for a seat in the legislature very recently, and it’s almost impossible to avoid political entanglements but this one is very entangled.

I wasn’t born yesterday, but the alleged threats of fielding a candidate against folks you are lobbying while you are lobbying is very problematic. You can imply, you can insinuate, or it’s probably best just to let people assume the worst, but lobbyists and especially nonprofit lobbyists should not be explicitly threatening to recruit, field or support opponents of sitting lawmakers, any more than they should be promising campaign support in exchange for a vote. It reeks of quid pro quo.

Comment by Crocodile Dundee Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 2:54 pm
===alleged threats of fielding a candidate against folks you are lobbying===

That allegation has not been made. Maybe read more slowly.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 2:59 pm
===Nobody who has ever met Jen Walling and Mike Hastings would believe for a second that Walling is the bully in that interaction. Nobody.===

ding ding ding

Comment by Guy Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 3:32 pm
So when a woman is abrasive and aggressive about doing her job it makes it ok for a man to yell, pound fists, and behave menacingly toward her? Even if she were a jerk, that doesn’t make his actions ok. And everyone knows this is true about him. Everyone.

Comment by Not Your Gramma Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 3:55 pm
Veteran, West Point ring knocker, O3 Hastings “bullied” by Jen Walling. George S. Patton he is not.

Comment by Chito Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 3:58 pm
Hastings’ spokesperson calls Ms. Walling a “bully” and then Sen. Harris claims Ms. Walling “threatens you or bullies you…”

It would appear someone is circulating talking points.

Comment by wndycty Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:07 pm
=== Hastings’ spokesperson calls Ms. Walling a “bully” and then Sen. Harris claims Ms. Walling “threatens you or bullies you…”

It would appear someone is circulating talking points.===

Typical Hastings pre-emptive strike. His playbook is to call a person out for doing what he does ALL THE TIME before he is accused of it. We are tired of his bullying ways and even more tired of the people around him who refuse to do anything about it. Time is up.

Comment by Day Late Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:20 pm
You are right Rich, I might have read too much into this statement from Harris:

=== literally threatened to organize local people in my community against me ===

That said, Walling is a former Democratic campaign manager, former Senate Dem staffer, and threatening other caucus members is Not the general approach, whether you are a Republican or Democrat.

Comment by Crocodile Dundee Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:25 pm
Did Harmon finish reading the article yet?

Comment by vern Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:28 pm
===threatening other caucus members===

C’mon.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:30 pm
A lot of us have been subjected to horrible interactions with Hastings, who acts tremendously entitled and is often dishonest. He demeans the office and the senate. The sooner he is replaced, the better.

Comment by And another lobbyist Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 8:28 pm
Harris’ statement is ridiculous and weird. Sen. Hastings is well-known for being unprofessional, rude, arrogant, and disrespectful toward most everyone he interacts with in the Capitol. Jen Walling is highly regarded and well-liked.

Comment by charles in charge Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 11:34 pm
Thinking back to the day that a current GOP Senator screamed at me, called me vulgar names, acted in a threatening manner, and further disparaged the publication I work for using political slurs. He also threatened to ruin me personally and professionally - all over a deer feeding bill for heaven’s sake. That was a memorable “interview” to say the least. I walked away feeling a little shaken by the display of anger and nearly unhinged behavior. Apparently, I struck a nerve with one of my questions.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 13, 22 @ 10:15 am