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* Rep. Jerry Long (R-Streator) made a big mistake yesterday when he tried to downplay the harassment accusations against him. The House Republicans had to keep their press release vague because the alleged victim in the case wanted to remain anonymous and didn’t want any details shared, so Long deliberately took advantage of that and it apparently didn’t go over well with the victim.
From the House GOP…
Statement attributed to the complainant:
“Representative Long’s denial of his actions and behavior are troubling and disappointing.
“While there was an incident of physical harassment, the verbal abuse and abuse of power on a daily basis resulted in a hostile work environment that put anyone around him at risk.
“It is my sincere hope that Rep. Long resigns from his position and gets the help that he needs.”
*** UPDATE *** Tamara Abbey at the News-Tribune…
Long said Friday he plans to run a grassroots campaign and that his district office in Streator is still open to assist residents of his district. […]
Travis Sterling, executive director of the Illinois Republican Party, said the state organization will also pull support from Long’s campaign.
“We support their decision,” he said. “They’ve done their investigation.”
Campaign flyers and ads that were authorized prior to the results of the investigation will continue for a short while, but after that, Long will have to fund any further literature.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 9:51 am
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Does “physical harassment” mean “just” an assault, like being punched or kicked or something, or does it mean something sexual? I assume the former but I don’t know.
Comment by Perrid Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:08 am
Good for the Republicans for taking action. It’s hard for institutions of all kinds to do the right thing. What would be even better if everyone tackled the underlying culture that causes these abuses. But every journey has to start somewhere. This woman had a lot of courage to speak out.
Comment by Albany Park Patriot Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:12 am
That’s the part that you’re hung up on, 76? Nevermind that this clown Long has been harassing and assaulting staff in any manner?
HRO obviously felt it was a valid concern, or they wouldn’t be, essentially, conceding the race.
Comment by Fixer Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:13 am
A bit of advice for Mr Long. When you are in a hole, stop digging.
Comment by Ole' Nelson Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:14 am
From Long’s radio interview yesterday:
–“That you’re an abusive boss, more or less?” the host asked.
“Uh, uh, I’m a demanding boss, yes,” Long replied.–
“Abusive” and “Demanding” are not synonymous.
For crying out loud, Long wasn’t even “the boss.” HRO and the state party have been pushing him in a stroller. Check out his A1s and D2s. He’s not doing anything on his own.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:16 am
We have been deluged here in Streator with Yednock campaign materials and robocalls for the past several months. Lots of Yednock signs in town, not so many Long. Dems have been putting a LOT of money into Yednock’s campaign.
Sadly, the Ottawa/Streator Times had nothing on this yesterday and doesn’t publish on Friday (!). So we’ll have to wait until Saturday to see how they cover it.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:19 am
Durkin doesn’t suffer fools lightly.
Comment by walker Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:21 am
–Does “physical harassment” mean “just” an assault, like being punched or kicked or something, or does it mean something sexual? I assume the former but I don’t know.–
Based on the phrasing, unwanted touching is more likely.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:24 am
Boss? This guy is a mediocre truck driver who lucked out because of the Mautino scandal. The Republican leadership pounced and he was the convenient shill at hand.
Comment by wondering Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:26 am
Rep. Long should not have double, doubled down yesterday:
“While he was not dumb as an ox, he was not smarter either.”
-James Thurber, Author
Comment by Nagidam Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:38 am
Streator Curmudgeon: Have you noticed? Ottawa/Streator Times doesn’t do political coverage. Nothing on Kinzinger, Trump, Rauner, Pritzker. Rather run real estate and car adds from Crystal Lake, 2 hours North. Miserable pablum paper.
Comment by wondering Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:42 am
>Good for the Republicans for taking action. It’s hard for institutions of all kinds to do the right thing.
Strongly agree. An election is very near but they used a process, investigated, were timely and not rash, and are doing a good job of balancing openness with discretion.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:50 am
Apologies, 10:50 was me.
Comment by Earnest Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:50 am
Wondering -
I agree. Although they do run Rich’s column. Their crime coverage is suspect too. Both cities’ mayors want to create a positive image for “Starved Rock Country” tourists from Chicago, so lots of happenings never happen in the paper.
The best thing they had going for it was David Giuliani, and he moved to Kankakee when Shaw Media bought the Times.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 10:56 am
SC, DOG MY CATS, Times just posted front page article on Long minutes ago…btw, I miss David G. too.
Comment by wondering Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 11:07 am
Streator Curmudgeon–they do have coverage online:
http://www.mywebtimes.com/2018/09/13/house-gop-asks-rep-long-to-step-down-after-harassment-allegations/amihkk/
Comment by G'Kar Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 11:10 am
G’Kar, is it coincidence that SC’s comment was posted here at 10:19, mine at 10:42 and the Times posted at 11:03 on this a nonpublishing day?
Comment by wondering Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 11:17 am
Wondering, actually, the article was updated at 11:03. I read the first version of the article, which didn’t included the complainant’s comment last night.
Comment by G'Kar Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 11:39 am
must have been very very late last night. not to doubt you but i didnt see it at 730 this morning, Shaw group didnt do us any favors coming to our area. very very weak reporting. Our biggest auto dealership wont even use them. Never thought I would wish Small back. BTW, Rich and Nolan are Small holdovers.
Comment by wondering Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 11:45 am
So this is one seat Madigan will pick up. That means Durkin has to take two D seats to gain one for the GOP. Rauner predicts, “We’re going to work our tails off and pick up more seats in the House.”
Comment by anon2 Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 12:28 pm
I don’t think HRO anticipated this.
https://www.facebook.com/electjerrylong/posts/1903577319737390
Comment by Facebook creep Friday, Sep 14, 18 @ 4:05 pm