The federal subpoena issued to Illinois Senate Democrats investigating potential campaign abuse is not a "witch-hunt" to snare Senate President Emil Jones Jr., Sen. Donne Trotter (D-17th) said Wednesday.
Cindy Davidsmeyer, a spokesperson for Jones said: "There is a subpoena that we are complying with fully, and the Senate President is confident that his staff has done nothing wrong."
In an interview with the Chicago Defender, Trotter confirmed Jones has been subpoenaed by the U.S. attorney's office. However, he made it clear that the Senate Democrats are under investigation.
"It's an ongoing investigation that started in the House," explained Trotter.
Referring to House Speaker Mike Madigan, Trotter said earlier it was the Speaker who was questioned about using staff for campaign purposes. "That is why Lee Daniels had to step down, because he was using his staff as workers for candidates running for office," said Trotter.
"You aren't supposed to be political or use tax dollars when you run for office. That is why we have campaign fund-raisers to pay for workers. But you don't have workers paid for by state dollars," said Trotter.
"The president (Jones) is confident that he will pass scrutiny with them. It's not routine, but, it's an ongoing investigation," Trotter stated.
However, Trotter made it clear that the investigation "is not aimed at Senate President Jones.
"Mike Madigan had to go through it after it was alleged he had rented an office with state dollars and had volunteers for various office headquarters in a state-paid office.
"There has to be a separation between your legislative and campaign offices. Under Lee Daniels, there wasn't that separation....
"I think the Senate Republicans will be next..., but, this is not a witch-hunt.... It is their job to investigate.... It's not just an investigation that's out to get Emil Jones or Mike Madigan."
Photograph (Emil Jones)
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