Darren Bailey views the Democratic Victory Fund’s recent move to contribute over $55,000 to the re-election campaign of Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) as just another example of just how much Illinois politicians are intent on maintaining the status quo in Springfield.
“I think politics has easily become the biggest industry in the state,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “So many people involved now are just there for self-seeking reasons. They’ve entrenched themselves in telling voters whatever they need to keep things moving along.”
The organization’s decision to support Silverstein comes as he continues to be dogged by allegations of sexual harassment.
Darren Bailey
The allegations made by local activist Denise Rotheimer became public in October, at a time 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 uninvestigated.
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 that a slap on the wrist.
“I’m worried about the message this sends,” Bailey, a Xenia Republican running against Rep. Dave Reis (R-Willow Hill) in the 109th District, said. “It says to everybody that rules really don’t matter when you have power.”
Bailey said another message that concerns him is the distorted one he accuses Reis of trying to spread across the district.
“My opponent is spending a lot of money to send out these ridiculous mailings trying to attack me,” Bailey said. “I’ve been a school board member for 17 years and am a career farmer and he’s accusing me of being a career politician. People (are) tired of all the distortions and negative campaigning.”
Bailey said Reis has also spread untruths about his life a farmer, including claiming that he has taken subsidy money from the government.
“Most people down here are farmers and they are upset about the lies he’s been telling,” Bailey said. “They know I have no control over what the government decides to do as it relates to farmers.”
Bailey said his plan for Springfield is to help as many people as he can by paving the way for them to help themselves.
“I plan to donate $20,000 of my salary to community programs and I won't being accepting a pension,” he said. “Anything to help people get from under all these monstrous taxes.”
The 109th House District includes parts or all of Jasper, Effingham, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Wabash, Wayne, Edwards and White counties.
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