Lake County Gazette

First-time state House candidate Ken Idstein wants to see voters do what he argues that Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) has long shown himself to be unwilling to do.

“Yesterday, we learned of another sexual harassment victim in Speaker Madigan’s office,” Idstein posted on Facebook. “Yingling refuses to hold anyone accountable, so we need to hold him accountable."

Idstein’s latest example of Yingling not being willing to stand up to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) comes courtesy of the speaker’s longtime chief of staff being the latest Madigan associate to be caught up in the ongoing sexual harassment scandal now plaguing Springfield.

Rep. Michael Madigan

Fellow Madigan staffer Sherri Garrett recently stepped forward to accuse Tim Mapes of harassment and bullying.

The allegations against Mapes come on the heels of similar claims lodged against Madigan associate Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) and senior staffer Kevin Quinn, a political operative who has been accused of sexual harassment by former Madigan campaign aide Alaina Hampton.

“My opponent still refuses to join independent-minded Democrats and me in calling for Madigan to resign,” Idstein said of Yingling, who he is set to face off against in the 62nd District in November’s general election. 

Since taking office, Idstein estimates that Yingling has received at least $1.4 million from Madigan’s organization.  

“Yingling can't stand up to the political elites because they are the only ones propping him up,” Idstein added in his post, further estimating that Yingling has also received as much as $52,500 from Lang.

“For 105 days, Yingling has refused to call on Madigan to resign despite increasing scandals,” Idstein added. “He should immediately call for Madigan to resign, pledge to return the money he received from his corrupt organization and pledge not to vote for him for leader."