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* From a Huffington Post story entitled “Congresswoman Says At Least 2 Members Of Congress Are Sexual Harassers”…
Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) said he was worried that an unfortunate consequence of the increased awareness around sexual harassment is that offices would avoid hiring female staffers so as not to get caught up in any scandals.
“I have a female-led staff, and I asked them their opinion,” he said during the hearing. “They were concerned … that an unintended consequence may be some offices just take a shortcut and not hire women as a way to avoid these issues. Obviously that’s not the right approach.”
We talked about this yesterday. The reporter initially tweeted: “Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) says he’s worried congressional offices will hire fewer women to avoid issue of sexual harassment,” and that caused a general freakout on Twitter.
* Tom Kacich…
Davis’ chief of staff is Jennifer Daulby. His district director also is a woman, Helen Albert. And his spokesperson is also female.
But Emily’s List, which has endorsed Betsy Londrigan of Springfield in the March 2018 Democratic primary, cited Terkel’s original tweet and issued a statement that incorrectly called Davis’ statement a “suggestion.”
It said, “In response to Congressman Rodney Davis’ suggestion that congressional offices hire fewer women in order to avoid sexual harassment, Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List, released the following statement: ‘Or we can elect more women to replace backwards, out-of-touch Republican lawmakers like Congressman Rodney Davis, and hire more women in senior positions.’”
* EMILY’s List went beyond that statement. From the group’s president…
Seriously?! Excluding women from Congress is NOT how we should address sexual harassment. Let's get this buffoon out and elect @BetsyforIL instead. https://t.co/MiDAqLVuix
— Stephanie Schriock (@Schriock1) November 14, 2017
* And one of Davis’ would-be Democratic opponents prematurely piled on…
Really? Are you kidding me? Offensive and illegal btw. One more reason he has to go. #Flipthe13th #IL13iswatching #IL13DeservesBetter https://t.co/27H57crGN2
— Betsy D Londrigan (@BetsyforIL) November 14, 2017
* Londrigan also retweeted some harsh stuff…
Watching @BetsyforIL and @KellyMazeski on Twitter taking @PeterRoskam and @RodneyDavis to task is just plain fun. These ladies are going to play a pivotal role in turning the house from red to blue. #FlipTheHouse https://t.co/zUqAruWKkX
— Alyx Pattison (@AlyxPattison) November 14, 2017
@RodneyDavis says women don’t belong in #Congress. Shoutout to @BetsyforIL to prove him wrong #VoteGOPout #DemForce @AllWomenUnited #TheResistance https://t.co/CxmJrgZWaP
— Ana Leao (@AnaAnathelion) November 14, 2017
* Longridgan even paid for a Facebook ad…
* From Davis’ Communications Director Ashley Phelps…
“As someone who has a female-led office that provides female staffers with the same opportunities as male staffers, Congressman Davis is working to ensure the same applies in other congressional offices, which the Office of House Employment confirmed is not always the case,” Phelps said. “I would hope that everyone who has chosen to politicize this, would instead join Congressman Davis in wanting Congress to be a workplace grounded in respect and a place of opportunity for female professionals.
“As Congressman Davis said during the hearing, he asked his female staffers for our opinion and we all shared instances where either ourselves or another female we knew was not hired, promoted, or allowed to do the same job as a male simply because the office wanted to avoid any appearance of impropriety,” Phelps continued. “This is wrong. This is just one of the reasons we have chosen to work for Congressman Davis – we are not treated differently than our male counterparts and have plenty of opportunities for promotions and grow within our jobs.”
* The Question: Should Betsy Londrigan and EMILY’s List publicly apologize to Davis? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:39 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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If they’re being honest about discussing the issue, yes. But they clearly just want to use it to twist statements into dishonest sound bites, hoping they can score political points without being caught. Disgusting.
Comment by Donnie Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:44 pm
“A Lie Can Travel Halfway Around the World While the Truth Is Putting On Its Shoes.”
Twain would have loved Twitter.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:44 pm
Voted yes. It’s absurd that it has gotten to this point and that no one had bothered to read Terkel’s later tweets defending Davis. This is how misinformation spreads.
Comment by People Over Parties Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:46 pm
They should. But I doubt they will. And if they do it will be of the half baked variety.
They have however provided him enough proof and reference to call them liars. That’s probably worth more than a hollow apology.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:49 pm
Heck yes. But I’d be mildly surprised if it happens.
Comment by Former Hillrod Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:50 pm
No question, they should apologize.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:51 pm
I voted yes. The president of Emily’s list is not or shouldn’t be a neophyte in the political world. They did not do their homework and shot from the hip. They have egg on their face and would be wise to wipe it off with a mea culpa.
Comment by Baggs McCoy Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:51 pm
Voted no. Terkel should be the one issuing the apology/clarification. Also, as an aside, doesn’t that facebook ad Londrigan used violate Facebook’s “Manar” rule that you can use a #sm post in your ad?
Comment by Conn Smythe Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:52 pm
I voted no. If Politician A says “Politician B doesn’t care about Jurisdiction! He voted against the Massive Subsidy to Jurisdiction Bill!”, and Politician B had actually voted for the MSJB, I also wouldn’t say A should apologize to B. It’s the electorate’s duty to inform itself; it’s A’s job to win elections. That’s true whether the statement came from Politician A, Donor A, or Random Person on Twitter A. The perk of being in a post-truth society is that there’s no need to hold anyone accountable for statements.
Comment by Chris Widger Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:55 pm
Absolutely painful to see them piling on a badly worded tweet…more of a sign of a failing campaign strategy than anything else.
Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:55 pm
When you make a very public mistake, you are obligated to make a very public apology.
voted Yes
Comment by Groundhog Day Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:56 pm
Yes, but it’s more ‘fun’ to willfully mislead in order to propel your anti-male agenda
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:56 pm
They should, but I doubt they will. I hate things like this. They knew full well that he did not mean that with his original comment. I want the House to flip as badly as the next dem. Actions like this one is not the way to do it.
Comment by Montrose Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:56 pm
They can’t even do research to make sure of facts before launching an assault? These folks would vote on issues without research? Knee jerk reactions are seldom the right course of action. Do your homework then get back to us.
Comment by Retired Educator Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:58 pm
They won’t but they should.
Comment by DuPage Bard Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 1:59 pm
I️ voted yes. The cheap gothcha sound bites here are Busch League. The record shows the Congressman clearly doesn’t condone this type of practice. For an issue that has so much gravity around it, it amazes me a supposed women’s org is so quick to politicize it.
Comment by Out East Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:01 pm
I’m nota Rodney fan but I do find him a thoughtful person. Here he said something in that vain so I’d suggest shutting up about it … or supporting it.
Comment by IMissBentohs Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:04 pm
I voted yes, and agree with Groundhog Day @1:56pm. Some of those tweets happened AFTER Cap Fax had posted the full story - and I can’t imagine that neither Emily’s List nor the Londrigan campaign read Cap Fax!
Comment by cover Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:04 pm
Davis is an empty husk of a human being and should not be in Congress, but not for this reason.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:04 pm
==Terkel should be the one issuing the apology/clarification. Also, as an aside, doesn’t that facebook ad Londrigan used violate Facebook’s “Manar” rule that you can use a #sm post in your ad?==
The reporter did clarify, and basically stood up for Rodney. Those using that original tweet and not the follow-ups are being completely and blatantly dishonest. They should either apologize or be rightfully called out for lying about this issue.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:06 pm
Voted yes. I will vote against Davis but this is one time he is right.
Comment by Bigtwich Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:08 pm
It’s folly to think that Emily’s List wouldn’t jump on any excuse to bash a Republican. It’s to bad people use soundbites instead of original source material. The electorate needs to be better informed. Does this fall under the title of fake news?
Comment by Pale Rider Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:08 pm
I voted no. Of all the negative advertising and political spin surrounding candidate statements, this ranks pretty low on my scale of outrage and inaccuracy. Seth McMillan says 5 things a day more outrageous and less true than this
Comment by JohnnyPyleDriver Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:09 pm
They absolutely should apologize.
When I first read Terkel’s tweet, I did not take from it that Rep. Davis would no longer hire women in his office. I took it to mean he was worried other offices may do that.
Comment by Buford Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:09 pm
Yes - They got it wrong, and they should own it. Rodney usually gets it wrong, but not on this count.
Comment by Mr. Smith Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:10 pm
It’s not just that one tweet she should apologize for. She kept pounding the issue with retweets well after clarification had been made by the reporter. Campaigning at its worst, on many levels, and if she won’t apologize her use of this should be blasted for everyone to take note of.
Comment by Donnie Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:13 pm
Voted yes because Emily’s List completely misrepresented both what the congressman said and what the first tweet said. He never said he would not hire women, he was worried others might not and that was the wrong approach. Maybe everyone who blasted him should apologize- if only for their inability to be able to read.
Comment by West Side the Best Side Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:13 pm
Yes, they need to do a public apology and also pick up the phone and at least try to do it personally.
That sort of conduct really brings Emily’s List into disrepute. They need to own up to it.
Comment by Gooner Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:13 pm
Yes, because they got his position totally wrong based on a tweet that was grossly inaccurate.
The reporter can issue a mea culpa anytime now.
There’s a role for twitter in communications, but people including nuclear-code-holders need to recognize its obvious limitations in communicating complex thoughts. Leads to misunderstandings.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:15 pm
I still think the reporter was trolling for clickbait and that tweet was pretty irresponsible. I’d be shocked if it didn’t appear in an ad.
They all should apologize and fix their mistake, but I won’t hold my breath.
Comment by ChrisB Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:18 pm
Voted yes. When you are wrong, you apologize. They were wrong.
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:19 pm
==The reporter can issue a mea culpa anytime now.==
She already did yesterday, in additional tweets not long after the original one.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:20 pm
Of course they should. It is the honorable thing to do. But, unfortunately, honor has pretty much been left behind among many (not all) of today’s politicians and, especially, activists who will do anything or say anything to win.
Comment by G'Kar Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:21 pm
This is quite frankly a disgusting, malicious lie. Reading the Facebook post itself should tell you that. It says he’s “worried” that congressional offices will hire fewer women, not that he thinks they should or that he plans on doing so.
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:25 pm
It goes to show what happens when political amateurs get into the ring. Carry on Rodney.
Comment by Wylie Coyote Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:32 pm
If you demanded one for the FB sponsored post by Sen Manar’s opponent, I don’t see how you can’t also demand one here.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:33 pm
Yes, especially since most of them probably really thought that’s what he said. Mistakes happen, especially when you can instantly let thousands of people know what you are thinking right now. It’s like a game of telephone, with the story getting more and more distorted. Like I said yesterday, the original tweet said he was worried about women not getting hired, so I don’t understand how the first person in the chain thought that meant he was suggesting it. They, the first one in the chain, Emily’s List in the sequence Rich has, definitely owes Davis an apology.
Comment by Perrid Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:36 pm
=I voted no. Of all the negative advertising and political spin surrounding candidate statements, this ranks pretty low on my scale of outrage and inaccuracy. Seth McMillan says 5 things a day more outrageous and less true than this=
I don’t even know where to start with this. First off, this is about as inaccurate a statement as they come, and it’s honestly worse because they’re twisting an actual statement instead of creating new words and attributing them to him. People will actually believe this garbage.
Second, are you seriously stating that because the wrong they perpetrated essentially “wasn’t that bad” in comparison to some other candidate statements, that they should just be excused? That’s like saying we shouldn’t prosecute an arsenist because his crime “wasn’t that bad” compared to the murderer sitting next to him in the jail cell.
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:36 pm
Yes - they should apologize. Cheap-shot D.C.-style politics at its worst. Come on, we deserve better.
Comment by West Wing Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:40 pm
Anon, 2:20, the reporter did not issue a mea culpa. She posted additional tweets expanding on Davis’ position.
Then she tweeted “everybody chill”. — about the controversy she irresponsibly started.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:41 pm
Voted yes, it is absurd that this is being discussed because Londrigan did not do her research before reacting. How can she even think of running for office if she can not even read an article correctly. Not holding my breath for her to do the right thing.
Comment by Notmycupoft Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:42 pm
In a perfect world they should, but this is politics so I vote No. At some point between now and next November, Davis and his conservative allies will do the exact same thing to Londrigan and half of you won’t be bothered to feign outrage about it. ILGOP does this twice a week, and the Raunerbots spend all day arguing with OW trying to defend it. Where were all of these posts on the Manar fb tweet? You come out of the woodwork when it happens to Davis though, huh? Hypocrites
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:48 pm
Voted no. The question is a waste of time because we are talking about women liberals in good standing and they simply don’t/won’t have to. If they are asked to apologize they will call that sexist and its a non-issue.
Comment by Sgt. Slaughter Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:50 pm
If the president of Emily’s list wants to continue to be viewed as a political novice (and insert all sorts of sexists other names here), then no she should not apologize.
What a joke.
Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:51 pm
No. Part of a politician’s job is word crafting. He opened himself up for such a criticism by phrasing his words in such a poor manner. He’s was asking for it.
Now, if what I just said made you feel uncomfortable because I blamed the victim and not the predator, that’s how every woman who ever faced harassment because of how they dressed, looked, or walked. My point, when we eliminate that thinking, I’ll ask for Betsy and EMILY’s list to give poor Rodney an apology.
Comment by MG85 Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:57 pm
Yes. Take this high road. It wouldn’t hurt them with their base.
Comment by Ray del Camino Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 2:59 pm
===He opened himself up for such a criticism by phrasing his words===
LOL
There were no quotes in that original tweet.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:00 pm
I have known Congressman Davis and his family for many years. He is a great husband and father, careful in his words and deeds. It would be nice if both sides of the aisle would start telling the truth in advertising and pitching their stories. No wonder the public is fed up with politicians. And, please learn how to read… See earlier story as well regarding the IL enforcement of detaining illegals. Can’t anyone tell the truth….?
Comment by Exhausted Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:00 pm
Voted Yes. From some of the tweets, it appears to be a malicious intent. So perhaps a case for slander or libel if they don’t apologize.
Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:01 pm
Yes. No question. Won’t hold my breath waiting for it.
Got a kick out out of our local drive-time radio blowhard beating the life out of this bogus tweet yesterday and everyone who called in to try and correct him “got disconnected” midcall.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:09 pm
While I’m not a Rodney Davis supporter, any fair reading of his tweets suggests an apology from Emily is in order. Here’s a guy who, I believe, retracted his endorsement of Trump after “Access Hollywood”. This episode reflects how Emily operates as an arm of the DNC, not a true advocacy group.
Comment by DarkHorse Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:17 pm
And this is how the very legitimate sexual harassment discussion can become a slippery slope that is “weaponized” for political gain.
The candidates who piled on like that owe an apology.
Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:20 pm
Without a doubt, they should apologize. Uncalled for. (I’ve lost some respect for you Betsy with this nonsense. Big disappointment). Sad.
Comment by Yiddishcowboy Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:27 pm
Voted Yes. She should apologize. It’s embarrassing to scroll through her Twitter feed and see the ill-informed and malicious tweets she was spreading about it.
Also, the Congressman’s other opponent, Erik Jones, also was spreading this #fakenews story as well. Don’t let him off the hook either.
Amateur hour for democrats in IL13.
Comment by Ignatius J. Reilly Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:34 pm
I voted for an apology. Will one be forthcoming? In my opinion, no.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:42 pm
No. Highly aggressive partisan mouthpieces and loudmouth billionaires don’t apologize. They don’t have to, for they are, shall we say, of the ‘happily circumstanced’ crowd.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:50 pm
Yes, real women can admit when they have made a mistake. Apologize and move one.
Comment by justpeachy Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:55 pm
“that caused a general freakout on Twitter”
Uhh, what doesn’t cause a general freakout on twitter?
Comment by Bruce (no not him) Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:56 pm
She must have BTIA quality comms people on her campaign to not get ahead of this with a recant/apology. Not doing so is just going to drag the issue out, with her clearly being in the wrong.
Comment by Donnie Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 3:58 pm
voted yes. Having read the comments, it says something about Davis that several did not care for him, and wouldn’t be voting for him, but thought that he was in the right in this case.
Comment by downstate commissioner Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 4:03 pm
Absolutely not, anything to win this seat and others like it.
Comment by Dr X Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 4:10 pm
Voted yes. A very silly mistake that could have been avoided. Not that I think Davis has much to worry about.
Comment by Tinker Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 4:12 pm
Can we get an anthropomorphic clock character that tells us how many days it’s been since these folks have refused to apologize?
Comment by Chris Widger Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 4:35 pm
While no fan of Davis, an apology is in order as his comments were taken completely out of context.
Comment by Lt Guv Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 4:44 pm
No apology needed. Rodney got the ball rollin’ with unique theory of handlin’ creeps — cut back on victims — what an odd duck
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 4:52 pm
I’m not a fan of Rep. Davis either. But it’s hard to stomach this kind of game playing with the truth by liberals when it is exactly what they criticize others for doing. Reducing themselves to the same kind of unfounded sniping does the liberal cause no good service. It’s also why people dislike politics and politicians. Among so many other reasons.
Comment by Southside Markie Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 5:40 pm
@Annonin 4:52: Rodney got the ball “rollin’”? Incorrect. He was concerned that less female staffers would be hired; that he didn’t want that to be the response or solution. Get real, Annonin. Don’t be part of the problem in government/politics.
Comment by Yiddishcowboy Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 7:17 pm
Londrigan should drop out. Clearly she can’t control herself and is not up for prime time. Next time try school board or city council.
Comment by Nice Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 8:44 pm
These supposed professionals must try to meet their own standards or get out of our lives for good.
Wouldn’t they demand an apology if they were victimized as they had victimized Davis? Yes they would.
Emily’s list exposed themselves as political tools for toolish Democrats.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 10:25 pm
of course they should apologize, but in this political climate truth doesn’t matter. Just make stuff up, nobody knows the difference.
Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Nov 15, 17 @ 10:28 pm
Absolutely Betsy & Emily’s List should apologize for their delibrate lies. There are so many powerful ways to go after Rodney by telling the truth. If you gotta lie about it, you’re not fit to run against him.
Comment by Honest Abe Thursday, Nov 16, 17 @ 1:34 am
Don’t know whether to apologize or not but they should do whatever they can to make this go away. Davis can definitely use this to his advantage to show how his words were intentionally misconstrued.
Comment by Platinum Goose Thursday, Nov 16, 17 @ 10:04 am
As a Davis supporter, I hope they don’t. They’ve already handed him some great campaign material in that “if you can’t trust the other candidates to not distort the facts in this situation, how can you possibly trust them on other things if they get elected?”
Comment by logic not emotion Thursday, Nov 16, 17 @ 10:48 am