State Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) faced another setback this election cycle with recent news that he lacks enough signatures on nominating petitions to be placed to be on the March primary ballot.
According to a Dec. 29 report by Chicago’s NBC affiliate, Silverstein learned he will need an additional 45 signatures to clear the 1,000-signature hurdle election officials require all candidates to meet to be on the ballot.
The news comes just two months after Silverstein, in office since 1999, was accused of sexual harassment by Denise Rotheimer. Mother Jones reported that Rotheimer said Silverstein “made inappropriate comments about how she looked and had barraged her with Facebook messages and calls” during their work together.
State Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago)
Afterward, Mother Jones reported Silverstein stepped down as leader of the Senate's majority caucus.
Capitol Fax reported Silverstein claimed 1,999 signatures, but once his petitions were challenged, that figure dropped to 955.
“One way to remain on the ballot is Silverstein would need to verify 45 signatures, by reaching back to those who signed his petitions, getting affidavits from them stating they did in fact sign his petition and have them notarized,” Capitol Fax said in its report.
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