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* UPDATED x2 * Sen. Hastings’ divorce records are unsealed, and they look ugly

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Newly released court records show the ex-wife of powerful Illinois State Sen. Michael Hastings accused him last year of elbowing her in the face in the presence of their small children and harassing, intimidating and threatening her in a series of text messages during their highly contentious divorce. […]

In the newly unsealed divorce files, Kathleen Hastings provided further details regarding that alleged incident two years ago. Her lawyer wrote that Michael Hastings “slammed Kate’s head against the door leading to the garage multiple times and put her in a choke hold — all because she asked Mike where he was working that day,” according to a filing in the divorce case in October 2021.

Kathleen Hastings alleged the assault took place at about 7 a.m. on Nov. 9, 2020, “in front of” one of their children and woke up their other child, according to the filing.

“Not wishing to disrupt Mike’s political and social image, and frankly not knowing what to do, Kate did not report the abuse to the authorities at the time,” wrote Kathleen Hastings’s lawyer Brett Buckley.

In the same court filing, Kathleen Hastings alleged that “Michael cannot control his anger in front of the children,” and the lawyer wrote that the senator “elbowed Kate in the face in front of the children.”

I’ve asked the Senate President’s office for comment.

* Hastings’ spokesperson Ray Hanania…

“Sen. Michael Hastings has been on the receiving end of every type of personal and political attack and misrepresentation throughout this divorce, and each of the accusations are inherently false and just not true,” Hanania told WBEZ. “To use a family’s divorce in a political manner as it has been, to influence an election, is reprehensible.

“Sen. Hastings continues to work tirelessly for his constituents throughout the South suburbs and will continue to defend his family and reputation from these baseless personal and political attacks.”

* And from Illinois Leaks…

Illinois Senator Michael Hastings lost his battle to keep his court records sealed and it only took moments to reveal serious problems. Within those records is a document that reflects Hastings earned $108,901.00 in 2020 from Geld Solutions, LLC, a company for which he is listed as the Agent of Record and Manager. Hastings did not disclose these earnings on his 2020 or 2021 required Statement of Economic Interest Documents.

That failure is part of an OIG complaint filed against Hastings last week.

Hastings’ spokesman told WBEZ that “Everything was done by the book,” on that topic. He didn’t explain what the company did or why Hastings didn’t disclose any income from it.

* On the campaign front, Hastings is busily sending out negative mailers against his opponent. Just FYI, a court overturned that IG finding against Don Tracy. Click here to read it…

…Adding… ILGOP…

“This is yet more behavior unbecoming of a State Senator. Our legislators are supposed to exemplify the very best of Illinois. Senator Hastings has repeatedly demonstrated behavior this year that shows he is unfit to hold public office.

He should do the honorable thing and resign to save South Suburban voters the trouble of throwing him out of office in disgrace. However, as Hastings’ past behavior has proven, doing the right thing seems to be something he is not capable of doing.

Further, Governor Pritzker has already done the right thing and called on Senator Hastings to resign. It’s a partisan sham that Senate President Don Harmon continues to stay silent regarding whether or not he feels Senator Hastings is still fit to serve in his caucus and hold public office.”

Harmon said of Hastings in July of 2021 after Hastings dropped out of the race for Secretary of State, “Though I am saddened the people of Illinois won’t benefit from the leadership and dedication to working families Senator Mike Hastings would bring to the office of Secretary of State, I’m happy that the people of the 19th District and our colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus will continue to have him fighting for Democratic values in the General Assembly.”

Harmon kicked Hastings out of leadership, so it’s not like he’s done nothing.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Senate President Don Harmon…

“There have been a series of troubling elements brought light by Senator Hastings’ ongoing personal divorce case.

Accusations of domestic violence are to be taken seriously. I took immediate action to remove him from Senate leadership given the circumstances. The situation remains under review.

This week, I asked my staff to reach out to Senator Hastings regarding his ethical disclosure filings and to recommend he update them if needed. At first glance, it appears this situation may very well highlight how ineffective the previous forms were and why Illinois Senate Democrats led efforts to update them and make them relevant.

Good government practices built around meaningful ethical disclosure and a safe workplace are necessary steps toward rebuilding public trust in state government.

*** UPDATE 2 *** Leader McConchie…

In light of new allegations found in recently unsealed court documents obtained by WBEZ, Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) has made the following statement:

“These new troubling and disturbing allegations against Senator Michael Hastings further prove why he should step down from office—just as he should have weeks ago. Even Governor Pritzker has called for his resignation, but instead, Sen. Hastings has put his ego over what is best for his constituents. These allegations are so beneath the office he holds, and the people of the South Suburban district deserve representation that is beyond reproach.”

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:20 am

Comments

==inherently false and just not true==

Masterful turn of phrase. No wonder Ray gets steady work speaking on behalf of suburban Chicago’s skeeviest politicians.

Comment by Roadrager Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:26 am
Carroll, Threemill, and Hastings are going to have to create their own separate caucus.

Comment by SpiDem Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:29 am
“will continue to defend his family”

Buddy, the accusations are coming from inside the family. What does this sentence even mean.

Comment by Larry Bowa Jr. Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:30 am
Harmon had better get in front of this. Election is too close across board, yes polls show leads but same polls show large, even double digits of undecided voters who can easily overcome current lead.

Comment by Not impressed Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:31 am
This is my district and I’m likely going to leave this race blank. Hastings has disqualified himself, and Sheehan is an insane extremist.

Comment by Mike Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:31 am
==failed Governor Bruce Ruaner protegé==

Helps to proofread mail before you send it.

Comment by SuburbanCook Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:32 am
Divorces are inherently ugly. It’s also important to remember that there are two sides to every story. I’ve worked with senator Hastings, and I’ve always found him to be professional. While a dissolving marriage could cause normal people to act abnormally, he still deserves fairness. Unfortunately, as a public official, he won’t be afforded fairness or privacy as he and his ex wife sort out there issues. He has kids that he loves, and I hope that they will not suffer as a result of this very public divorce. I think he wins, and I think he returns to springfield and figures out his next steps. He’s a tactician and I wouldn’t rule him out.

Comment by Tood Aloo Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:40 am
====Harmon had better get in front of this.====
How? What are Harmon’s options besides hoping Hastings wins. He is not helping him and shouldn’t be but its not like he wants Sheehan to win. His best bet is Hastings wins the election, then resigns and another Dem gets appointed in the interim. But I am not sure Hastings would leave quickly.

Comment by Been There Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:40 am
Hastings needs to resign.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:43 am
Between this and the report from the lobbyist, I’m thinking the lame attempt by his staff to bolster his bona fides on women’s issues with a post on the local Patch website encouraging women to get their annual mammograms may fall a bit short.

Probably won’t matter, though. And it’s too bad nobody with any influence on him has told him the truth: that he should resign and go get counseling.

Comment by Anon324 Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:46 am
Agree with Been There - though I might go so far as to say if I were in Harmon’s shoes, I might want Hastings to lose, let the Republicans have that seat for two years (or 4 depending on the term breakdown) and then take it back, perhaps with a strong woman candidate. Eliminates the headache that would follow a Hastings win and it’s not like they will lose the majority with this loss. Not even sure they lose the supermajority.

Comment by Longtime Listener Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:55 am
@Mike 11:31: Someone’s going to win. Think of it this way: which committeeman do you want to pick the replacement when they fall apart?

Comment by Socially DIstant watcher Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:56 am
Overlooking these kinds of problems goes hand in hand with one party rule with big majorities. Where is our Mr ethics Governor today?

Comment by Sue Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 11:59 am
What is “Geld Solutions?” Do they provide gelding services for farm animals?

No indication what it did on the link.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 12:00 pm
===Overlooking these kinds of problems===

How long have the records been unsealed?

The ethical aspects to what’s found here, as awful as they are, the voters by mere timing will decide first to their thoughts on this.

After election day it will be something to the ethics of Hastings first…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 12:05 pm
= Where is our Mr ethics Governor today?=

He already called for his resignation. What else do you expect him to do?

Comment by Because I said so... Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 12:10 pm
=Overlooking these kinds of problems goes hand in hand with one party rule with big majorities. Where is our Mr ethics Governor today?=

Says the party of trump acolyte.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 12:19 pm
To : Because I said so- JB can insist that they be removed from their committee assignments

Comment by Sue Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 12:32 pm
The SOS filing for his Geld Solutions, LLC lists his Senate district office as Geld’s principal office? Oy vey

https://ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=102&MemberID=2852

Comment by The Office Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 12:33 pm
I didn’t have to read past “spokesperson Ray Hanania” to dismiss everything that follows.

Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 12:34 pm
===JB can insist===

Moving goal posts.

The realty to the “thinking” or appeasing a - Sue - is in reality, you’ll never please - Sue - by appeasing - Sue -

Voters will decide first. That much is clear so far.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 12:36 pm
==JB can insist that they be removed from their committee assignments==

So asking him to resign doesn’t do it for you then.

==in reality, you’ll never please - Sue==

Can’t please partisans like Sue

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 12:41 pm
Maybe I missed it but are his current colleagues and candidates running for State Senate calling on him to resign? If not, why not?

Comment by Torco Sign Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 12:53 pm
=Can’t please partisans like Sue=

Spot on.

And maybe work to clean up your own house.

When did @Sue call for the resignation of the Miller’s? Mary Miller has a convicted sex offender on the payroll.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 12:58 pm
He never should have run for another term.
He should have bowed out with the first inking of his issues.
He should resign immediately.
He should have already resigned.

Even if we allow the consideration that the accusations of beating his wife are false, his repeated failures to disclose a massive source of income are unacceptable in their own right.

Hastings needs to understand that he himself is undermining the ability for Illinois Democrats to move past the specter of corruption.

Hastings has no business being a part of the future government of this state anymore than the right wing insurrectionists.

He has become a stain on Illinois.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 1:10 pm
I’ve worked on just a couple bills that Hastings carried, and that was a couple too many for my taste. Even so, I don’t relish this public accounting since it involves children and a non-political spouse.

I will admit that allegations are allegations, not necessarily truth. But the allegation of the choke hold is particularly troubling. Research into domestic violence indicates that choking/strangulation is a strong indicator that the victim is at high risk for more serious violence.

Whether he goes before or after the election, he needs to go. And, as has already been said, get counseling.

Comment by Leslie K Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 1:15 pm
Not taking a side here, but these aren’t criminal convictions. People can and do say whatever they want in court filings. Too often the media treat arrests and accusations as proof of guilt; they’re not.

Comment by filmmaker prof Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 1:22 pm
Believe the women.

Comment by Jerry Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 1:37 pm
=== Even if we allow the consideration that the accusations of beating his wife are false, his repeated failures to disclose a massive source of income are unacceptable in their own right.

Hastings needs to understand that he himself is undermining the ability for Illinois Democrats to move past the specter of corruption. ===

I know we don’t generally agree on much, but I can actually say I agree with you on this.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 1:37 pm
Harmon needs to ask him to step down. That’s it. That’s the only reaction as the leader of that chamber that is acceptable.

Comment by Shrug Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 1:46 pm
JS Mill — you are a political hack. No such person on Congressman Miller’s payroll. Too bad you can’t be sued for such BS but that is what you Dems do best. Lie, deflect and avoid addressing the issue. And, you do it well.

Comment by Reverb Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 1:47 pm
Nice PR work there, Hanania. Don’t even try. Just lie. He should give comedy another shot. He’s got jokes.

Comment by Politix Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 1:50 pm
==No such person on Congressman Miller’s payroll==

True. He was a volunteer. That make it any better for you?

==Too bad you can’t be sued==

Lol. The Donald Trump play. Gonna sue you. Idiot.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 1:59 pm
===No such person on Congressman Miller’s payroll==

True. He was just her personal chauffeur, circulated petitions for her, fundraised for her and “enjoyed virtually unlimited access to Miller” (no relation).

https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/miller-campaign-volunteer-convicted-luring-young-boy-for-sex/63-e90e0853-6329-4749-a45a-78d053326ce8

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 2:01 pm
I wonder if the old “smoke filled” rooms run by party elders would have weeded out these bums? Surely the word on each of them was out there.

Comment by Sister Imelda Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 2:02 pm
===I wonder if the old “smoke filled” rooms run by party elders===

His dad was one of those party elders.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 2:04 pm
And it was reported on this very blog:

https://capitolfax.com/2022/05/06/chris-and-mary-miller-still-stonewalling-over-their-apparent-close-campaign-relationship-with-man-jailed-for-indecent-solicitation-of-a-child/

Comment by Teacher Lady Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 2:04 pm
=== I wonder if the old “smoke filled” rooms run by party elders would have weeded out these bums? Surely the word on each of them was out there. ===

Some of the most influential party bosses in the district are still backing Hastings with vigor.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 2:09 pm
Harmon’s response is…not great

Comment by SpiDem Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 2:44 pm
Thanks Mr Harmon for a worthless statement that says your ethics policies are flawed so you are not asking this candidate to step down. Your ethos is appalling.

Comment by Lurker Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 2:45 pm
This guy doesn’t know how to read the room and move on, which is the case with a lot of men in power who often think they can get out of any jam they find themselves in. Not anymore.

Comment by Shytown Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 3:12 pm
=== This guy doesn’t know how to read the room and move on ===

He knows… he just doesn’t care about what other people think.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 3:19 pm
==His dad was one of those party elders.==

I’ve always been somewhat incredulous at the outsized influence of the mayor of Orland Hills.

Comment by Anon324 Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 3:32 pm
==I’ve worked with senator Hastings, and I’ve always found him to be professional.==

You seem to be in the minority. A whole lot of folks have had a very different experience.

Comment by charles in charge Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 3:34 pm
Harmon seems to have made a political calculation seeking Hastings re-election, hopefully followed shortly by his resignation. That’s a weak response. Sometimes you need to take out the trash. If that means you lose the seat, so be it. You’ll win it back next time, with your integrity intact. You instead chose to sacrifice your integrity. Again…

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 4:52 pm
**I wonder if the old “smoke filled” rooms run by party elders would have weeded out these bums?**

Lou Lang. Tim Mapes. Mike Madigan. Luis Arroyo. Terry Link.

I could go on.

But there are a lot of party elders that met met in “smoke filled rooms” and sure didn’t weed themselves out.

Comment by JoeMaddon Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 5:02 pm
It appears Dem’s in both chambers won’t win the ethical, moral or criminal champion awards for this cycle.

Comment by Joe Schmoe Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 5:09 pm
=JS Mill — you are a political hack.=

Sorry you are so thin skinned. I was mistaken, the convicted child molester is a campaign volunteer. That is not defamation or libelous. That is fact.

Support them if you like, and maybe get some thicker skin.

BTW- I am not a democrat, I am a center right independent. The ilgop has provided very few options other than Dan Brady in the last 10 years.

But nice drive by.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 5:55 pm
JS Mill might not be a total hack but he is pretty cavalier with words, though. The volunteer was not a convicted child molester. He was found guilty of thoughtcrime when sweet-talked by a cop impersonating a twink.

Comment by Renoun Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 7:53 pm
=The volunteer was not a convicted child molester. He was found guilty of thoughtcrime when sweet-talked by a cop impersonating a twink.=

Ok, well you are clearly part of the miller staff or a pal or something, but definitely messed up.

For the record they guy you are defending was in fact convicted of a sex crime and required to report as a sex offender. His crime, not “thought crime”, was trying to arrange sex with an underage boy. Which he was convicted of.

So, I hope he knows you have his back.

And, cavalier does not mean what you think it does.

I have fed you.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 8:02 pm
“His crime, not “thought crime”, was trying to arrange sex with an underage boy.” Lie.
No such boy existed. You can’t seduce a hypothetical. What part of pre-crime, “Minority Report”-style entrapment don’t you get.

Anyway, you’ve got me badly wrong. Team Rodney here.

Comment by Renoun Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 8:12 pm
It’s creepy parsing words for a person who plead guilty to solicitation of a child while using the Internet.

That was the plea. That was the charge.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 8:17 pm
–for a person who plead–

“Pled” is not spelled the way you think it is.

Comment by Renoun Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 8:33 pm
===is not spelled===

Meh.

I spelled creepy right.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 8:35 pm
renoun: An *obsolete* form of renown

Anything else?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 8:44 pm
=Team Rodney here.=

More like team predator.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 9:38 pm
===Team Rodney here.=

More like team predator.===

Well said, JS

Comment by Leslie K Thursday, Oct 27, 22 @ 9:48 pm