His protégé Tammy Duckworth will soon become the latest member of his administration to have her very own trial.
In a breaking development reported by the Associated Press, an Illinois judge set an August trial date for "Defendant Duckworth’s" whistleblower retaliation lawsuit during this morning’s case hearing.
As a public service, we would like to make sure that Duckworth heard the news that will haunt her political aspirations; NBC Chicago reported earlier this week that she decided to skip her case hearing in order to host a campaign fundraiser with special guest Harry Reid:
"There is no indication that Duckworth will attend Thursday’s hearing. She will instead be in Washington, D.C. that day to attend a fundraiser hosted by Nevada Sen. Harry Reid."
Tammy Duckworth might want to go ahead and cancel her summer vacation plans.
If it’s any consolation, we do hear that the Union County Courthouse is beautiful in August.
Read more from the Associated Press:
Judge Allows Workplace Case Against Duckworth to Go to Trial
Associated Press
By Alan Scher Zagier
May 12, 2016
An Illinois judge on Thursday tentatively set a trial date well before the November general election in a 7-year-old workplace retaliation lawsuit accusing Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Duckworth of ethics violations while she led the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
Union County Judge David Boie rejected an effort by government lawyers to dismiss the lawsuit, allowing the case to go to trial in August and remain a campaign issue for Duckworth.
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The state’s motion it to be dismissed again argued that Duckworth’s efforts to fire 22-year state employee Christine Butler from her administrative job was based solely on "insubordination." Duckworth reversed that decision after being told that she first had to follow written disciplinary procedures and instead issued a reprimand with a paid suspension against Butler.
Human resources secretary Denise Goins alleges that her complaints about her boss were ignored and led to an unfavorable performance review that prevented her from receiving a raise. Goins says Duckworth urged her to "do your job and keep your mouth shut."
Goins and Butler, who both continue to work at the veterans home, also say they were punished for speaking out after Patricia Simms, the acting administrator, allowed unauthorized people to care for a resident. The two state workers are seeking compensation of at least $50,000, as well as other financial penalties.
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