Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) is under fire for accusations by Denise Rotheimer, a victims' rights advocate in Illinois, that he acted inappropriately toward her and made sexual advances as they were working on promoting legislation in Springfield. In the wake of a report on the case by Inspector General Julie Porter, some candidates running for office across Illinois are weighing in on the situation and how it reflects on the ethics of the established political field at the state level.
"For as much as the #metoo movement has gained momentum, when it comes to Springfield the culture is still pretty putrid," Amanda Biela, a Chicago educator running in the GOP primary in the 15th District for the seat held by Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago), told Chicago City Wire. "Silverstein's actions are at best stupid and inappropriate and at worst creepy and grounds to be removed from office. Our elected officials should be held to a higher standard. Silverstein should have know better than sending flirtatious messages ... and engaging in late night phones calls with someone who was advocating legislation."
Biela doesn't expect Silverstein to really face more profound consequences than what's already been discussed in the Capitol and suggested that politicians of both parties in the Illinois Legislature tend to protect their own.
"Sadly, many politicians in Springfield, and this goes for both parties, only care about protecting themselves and their abilities to get re-elected," Biela said. "Same goes for the political machines. So far (House Speaker Mike) Madigan's Democratic machine has yet to pull support from Silverstein. Ultimately, the seat means more than getting rid of a ethically compromised senator."
As for solutions, Biela called for transparency.
"I believe a new transparent and open environment needs to envelope Springfield," she said. "Women need to feel comfortable coming forward about any misconduct or sexual harassment at the hands of our elected officials. They need to know that they will be believed and that the perpetrators will not just get a slap on the hand like Silverstein is likely to receive. Unfortunately, Springfield and Illinois politics still have a long way to go on that front."
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