Letter: 'Sickened' by Keicher mailers

To the Editor:

I was shaken upon seeing a recent attack ad that was shared on a local platform, but put out by IL Republican state Representative Jeff Keicher alleging voters should not support challenger Paul Stoddard.

The ad claimed Stoddard “refuses to call for IL House Speaker Michael Madigan’s resignation in spite of Madigan’s Lieutenants having been accused of sexual harassment,  Madigan’s political organization having been involved in a rape cover-up, and Madigan being investigated for bribery and corruption.”

As a graduate student in political science, and a graduate in journalism, I understand that attack ads are becoming en-vogue.

But, having been a Director of Communications and Prevention at Safe Passage in DeKalb County, I also know that this ad, which features a woman that appears to have been battered on her face, is nothing short of exploitative to the countless men, women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence every single day in our county.

This couldn’t be more true now, as Covid-19 has increased strife, decreased victim ability to seek services and forced victims and their abusers to spend more time together due to necessary safety measures imposed by our governor.

I was immediately sickened the Keicher campaign would exploit the real harm experienced by so many in a cheap effort to discredit Stoddard.

As of today Stoddard is a citizen just like I am. He is in no position to call for the resignation of Madigan. Further, he has already clearly said that if Madigan has committed a crime, he should resign. What else does Keicher want to hear?

If Stoddard were the state Representative, I would fully expect him to review all of the allegations against Madigan and make an informed decision as to whether or not to make a statement calling for him to resign.

Until that time, it is my opinion that it is Keicher who has just disqualified himself as a man worthy of representing men, women and children who have been affected by power-based personal violence.

Sarah Slavenas

Genoa resident living abroad