Chicago City Wire

Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) received a campaign boost to the tune of $55,000 from the State Democratic Victory Fund.

That's leading some to question why the Democratic Party would throw money behind an individual who's been accused of sexual harassment and has had ethics complaints filed against him in Springfield.

In an atmosphere of vigilance around misogyny and sexual harassment nationally, Silverstein's case is receiving a fair amount of attention. Some have been asking why the legislator has not resigned or expressing disgust that the party should continue to back his candidacy.

“I think it's sad and disgusting that the Democratic Party keeps supporting Ira Silverstein,” Amanda Biela, who is running unopposed in the Republican primary in the 15th House District, which is part of Silverstein's 8th Senate District, told Chicago City Wire on March 1. “I've said it before and I'll say it again, we need to call out those who partake in sleazy, creepy and inappropriate actions – no matter their position, no matter their party. I'm not going to defend Republicans that are involved in similar sordid circumstances. Democrats shouldn't either. If you really want to change the culture of Springfield, people need to stop protecting their own.”

Biela also spoke about how her opponent in the November election factors into the equation.

“Silverstein is protected because he is part of the (House Speaker Mike) Madigan Machine,” Biela said. “Just like my opponent, (Rep.) John D'Amico (D-Chicago), whose House district overlaps Silverstein's, they are both entrenched machine politicians who receive Madigan backing and are expected to be good soldiers for the machine and vote the way Madigan wants them too. It should also be noted that my opponent, D'Amico, who is a close ally to Silverstein, has stayed completely silent about Silverstein's conduct. His silence is complicity. The constituents of the 15th District deserve someone that will stand up to the inappropriate behavior of an elected official.”

Biela suggested this kind of action breeds distrust among voters.

“The message sent to voters is that party loyalty is more important that offering honest and honorable folks up for election,” Biela said. “Madigan and his party could have put pressure on Silverstein to either resign, or not run for re-election, and provided a respectable candidate. But Madigan cares more about maintaining his machine than quality representation for the citizenry.”