Chicago City Wire

State Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) and Chicago Ald. Tom Tunney (R-44th) are part of a small group of Illinois politicians who have accepted campaign donations from Lincoln Towing Service, the oft-vilified company whose state license was revoked last week for repeatedly, wrongfully towing cars.

Martwick, who is running for re-election against Republican Chicago Police Officer Ammie Kessem, received $700 in campaign donations from the towing company, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Tunney, who is up for re-election next year, received $1,750 in donations from the towing company; and fellow Ald. James Cappleman (D-46th) received $500.

Also on the receiving end of Lincoln Towing’s donations were former Gov. George Ryan ($200) and state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias ($2,000)

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) revoked Lincoln Towing’s license on Sept. 12 after it found proof that the company had illegally seized more than 600 vehicles between July 2015 and March 2016. 

"Lincoln Towing Service has not conducted its business with honesty and integrity and is unworthy to hold a commercial vehicle relocators' license," ICC spokeswoman Victoria Crawford told NPR. 

The company, which has asked for a rehearing with the ICC, has asked the Cook County court to allow it to continue operating until the commission decides if it will grant the review.

RECIPIENTS OF CAMPAIGN DONATIONS FROM LINCOLN TOWING
Recipient	Party	Donation
Chicago Ald. Helen Shiller (46th)	D	$2,300
Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias	D	$2,000
Chicago Ald. Tom Tunney (44th)	D	$1,750
Chicago Ald. Gene Schulter (47th)	D	$1,550
Hispanic Democratic Organization (HDO)	D	$1,550
State Sen. James A. DeLeo	D	$1,000
47th Ward Democrats	D	$1,000
State Rep. Robert Martwick	D	$700
Chicago Ald. James Cappleman (46th)	D	$500
Chicago Ald. Bernard Hansen	D	$500
36th Ward GOP	R	$225
Illinois Governor George Ryan	R	$200
Chicago Ald. John Rice (36th)	D	$200

SOURCE: Illinois State Board of Elections