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* Press release…
Today, in a letter to the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, Michael J. Madigan, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos formally withdrew from the effort to form the Anti-Harassment, Equality and Access Panel before it becomes a legal entity.
While Congresswoman Bustos passionately agrees with the mission of the Panel to advance women’s leadership in the Democratic Party and address sexual harassment in the workplace, she agreed with the other two co-panelists, Comptroller Susana Mendoza and State Rep. Carol Ammons, that this work can only be effective if it’s done independently of the Democratic Party of Illinois. During the past two months, the three panelists worked to identify a funding mechanism that complied with both State and Federal election law and ethics rules.
After thoroughly examining all legal options, it was determined that in order for the panel to form as an independent legal entity — entirely outside of the Democratic Party of Illinois — Congresswoman Bustos, as a federal officeholder, would have to withdraw and allow this to become a strictly state level effort.
“I am disappointed that I cannot help lead this important effort to eliminate sexual harassment and advance women in the Democratic Party of Illinois,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “While I wish I didn’t have to step away before taking this panel to the next level, this decision will allow Comptroller Mendoza and State Rep. Ammons to establish an independent, legal entity that can do the work that needs to be done. It is going to take all of us doing our part to stamp out sexual harassment, not just in political campaigns, but in all workplaces - and I’m proud to continue my efforts in Congress.
“I have total confidence that Comptroller Mendoza and State Rep. Ammons will do a thorough and complete job, and I wish them luck in this effort.”
The letter to Madigan is here. She claims she consulted with the US House’s Ethics Committee before making her decision.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 3:37 pm
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I get that they Bustos withdrew so the panel can get funding and can be “independent” (just from the article, I know nothing about finance laws), not because of a conflict of interest or anything, but aren’t Mendoza and Ammons part of the party? They might not hold a position in the party (I assume) but as Democrats wouldn’t they get campaign funding from the party? I don’t know that I have a problem with that, but claiming to be independent seems to stretch credulity a little.
Comment by Perrid Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 4:04 pm
The federal campaign finance laws probably are more strict than the state ones. While it’s fair to be a bit skeptical of just about anything in the political arena, Rep. Bustos’ statement seems plausible to me.
Comment by cover Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 5:07 pm
Great excuse to get out from under this Hindenburg. Bustos doesn’t benefit from anything good that could come out of this, has a sharp “legal” reason to get out, and avoids any disasters that could easily occur.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 8:09 pm
It will come out with policy that will only be made public after Madigan gives his blessing. More Dog and Pony Show from Madigan. He built and designed the Illinois Democratic Party in the image he wanted and that is the ole boys club of controlling the State.
Comment by Stand Tall Thursday, Apr 19, 18 @ 9:15 am