West Cook News

Jeff Leef thinks there is a simple answer to the question of why leaders of the Democratic Victory Fund would support the re-election of Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) by contributing more than $55,000 to his campaign.

“Because we live in the most politically corrupt state in the America and voters are not bold enough or care enough to vote these morally bankrupt cretins out on their abnormally low set ears,” he told the West Cook News. “Why is Silverstein still in office? Why is (House Speaker Mike) Madigan? Why is (Senate Ptesident John) Cullerton? Why is (House GOP Leader Jim) Durkin? Why are the sell-out Republicans who followed instructions and voted for the tax increase still in office?”

The organization’s decision to support Silverstein comes as he continues to be dogged by allegations of sexual harassment Lodged by longtime local activist Denise Rotheimer.

The allegations became public back in October when the legislative inspector general post in Springfield that handles such investigation was going on its third year of being vacant, during which time 27 allegations of harassment reportedly languished.

Since then, Julie Porter has been installed in the post and she recently concluded that Silverstein did not commit sexual harassment but did violate the section of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act known as the legislative code of conduct. She recommended that he receive counseling from the Senate’s ethics officer.

Some have called it a slap on the wrist that apparently was enough to put Silverstein back in the good graces of some party leaders.

“We don't hold our politicians to higher standards,” Leef, a River Forest Republican who is running in the GOP primary in the 7th Congressional District for the seat held by U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), said. “We don't even ask that they are of average intelligence. We naively ask them to be honest and do their job. They do neither.”

Leef previously told West Cook News he is convinced the key to turning around Illinois’ fortunes and slowing the steady stream of out-migration lie in ousting Madigan from power.

“The only way to get Illinois back on track is to cut off the head of the snake,” he said. “In other words, vote them all out of office. It's time for voters to demand honesty in their elected officials.”