State Rep. responds to recent reports involving ex-statehouse lobbyist

State Rep. responds to recent reports involving ex-statehouse lobbyist

State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview has responded to the WBEZ report which uncovered emails between a former statehouse lobbyist and high-level employees of the Quinn administration. The emails allude to a possible cover-up of rape by state employees.

“I am shocked, horrified, and disgusted to learn about emails from lobbyist Mike McClain that indicate he was aware of, or possibly complicit in, covering up a rape in Champaign, Illinois. We cannot and must not tolerate unethical and potentially criminal behavior involving those with influence in state government.

“Those in positions of public trust who have broken the law must be held accountable – this applies to everyone equally and without prejudice, no matter who they are. Our entire justice system is predicated on the idea that no one is above the law.

“As a legislator, a human rights attorney, and an advocate for victims of sexual violence, I demand that the questions of misconduct raised by these emails be investigated fully and, if found credible, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“This must end. I share in the sentiments expressed by my colleagues who have spoken out. I too am sickened by what I’ve learned. Anyone who has violated their ethical duty to serve the public in good faith should go – the sooner, the better. It’s time to end the toxic ‘old boys’ club’ culture wherein women are disposable, ethics only apply to some, and accountability for the powerful is nonexistent.  A full investigation and appropriate subsequent legal action is the only way to truly address this issue.”

Staff writer for the Chicago Morning Star

Related Posts
Zinckernagel Earns Spot in MLS Team of the Matchday
Chicago Fire FC winger Philip Zinckernagel has been named to the MLS Team of the
Critics Link 5,200 Job Losses to Chicago Wage Law
More than 5,200 jobs have been lost and over 100 restaurants have closed in Chicago
Charter Schools See Federal Funding Boost Amid Rising Enrollment
The Department of Education recently approved a $60 million increase for charter schools, raising their
Chicago Fire Clinch 3–2 Win Over Charlotte FC at Home
Chicago Fire FC edged out Charlotte FC with a 3–2 victory on Saturday at Soldier
Angel Reese Named to 2025 WNBA All-Star Game
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese heads back to the WNBA All-Star Game in 2025, securing her
Chicago Cuts Divvy Membership Costs, Expands Access
Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), and Lyft have announced a set
Chicago Shooting Leaves 4 Dead, 18 Wounded at Event
What began as a lively evening in a bustling Chicago neighborhood known for its restaurants
Chicago Sky Partners With Moonshot to Tackle Online Abuse
The Chicago Sky has entered a groundbreaking partnership with Moonshot, a company specializing in countering
Chicago Fire FC II Earns MLS NEXT Pro Honors Again
Chicago Fire FC II has been named the MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 16,
Chicago Lawn Sees $5.1M Street Reconstruction Begin
A major infrastructure improvement has begun in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood, where the Chicago Department
Zinckernagel Earns Spot in MLS Team of the Matchday
Chicago Fire FC winger Philip Zinckernagel has been named to the MLS Team of the
Critics Link 5,200 Job Losses to Chicago Wage Law
More than 5,200 jobs have been lost and over 100 restaurants have closed in Chicago
Charter Schools See Federal Funding Boost Amid Rising Enrollment
The Department of Education recently approved a $60 million increase for charter schools, raising their
Chicago Fire Clinch 3–2 Win Over Charlotte FC at Home
Chicago Fire FC edged out Charlotte FC with a 3–2 victory on Saturday at Soldier
Angel Reese Named to 2025 WNBA All-Star Game
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese heads back to the WNBA All-Star Game in 2025, securing her
Chicago Cuts Divvy Membership Costs, Expands Access
Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), and Lyft have announced a set
Chicago Shooting Leaves 4 Dead, 18 Wounded at Event
What began as a lively evening in a bustling Chicago neighborhood known for its restaurants
Chicago Sky Partners With Moonshot to Tackle Online Abuse
The Chicago Sky has entered a groundbreaking partnership with Moonshot, a company specializing in countering