From a Pollak for Congress press release:
Niles, IL—October 19, 2010: In a speech last night at the Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park, incumbent Jan Schakowsky urged fellow Democrats to intimidate voters into supporting her and other candidates:Intimidation might be the only tool the Democrats have left. As you will see in the related post, they couldn't even get 30 people to attend a "Get out the Vote" rally in Skokie yesterday afternoon.
"All around the country, people are trying to replicate what we do in Chicago. They--we have a tradition of knockin' on doors, of pulling people out--you know, people, they talk about 'message' and 'persuasion.' Here's our message: 'I don't get off your doorstep until you get out to the polls and vote.' That's our message! That's our message!"
(Audio available here.)
Schakowsky is explicitly encouraging Democrats to commit the crime of intimidation.
Under Illinois law, intimidation is defined to include acts performed with the intent to cause another person to perform an act (e.g. voting) under threat of inflicting physical harm on the person threatened or on property, or to subject the person threatened to physical confinement or restraint. That is the intended effect of a Schakowsky representative refusing to leave the doorstep until a resident has been "pulled out" to go to the polls and vote.
(See: Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 720, Act 5, Title III, Part B, Article 12, § 6 - available at: http://www.womenslaw.org/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=6235#statute-top)
Furthermore, intimidation is a class 3 felony in Illinois, carrying a sentence of 2-10 years. It is a very serious crime and must not be taken lightly.
"Jan Schakowsky may believe that voter intimidation is a 'tradition' in Chicago, but it is illegal in Illinois, and ought to be rejected by all decent people," said Joel Pollak, Republican challenger in the 9th district.
Schakowsky's remarks were delivered publicly, in the presence of Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois Treasurer (and Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate) Alexi Giannoulias, and numerous other Democratic officials. The event was open to the public and advertised as such by the Heartland Cafe.
In addition, given Schakowsky's reference to similar plans "all around the country," the Pollak for Congress campaign is urging authorities in other states to be aware of attempts by Democrats to intimidate voters.
The Pollak campaign notes that Schakowsky's husband, prominent Democratic strategist, Washington insider, and convicted felon Robert Creamer, made a similar appeal in a recent column (Sep. 28, 2010) in the Huffington Post, urging Democrats to use "the old-fashioned message: 'I won't get off your porch until you vote.'"
Such tactics will not be tolerated in the 9th district, according to the Pollak campaign.
"The Pollak for Congress campaign intends to press charges against anyone who intimidates voters in our district, or attempts to do so," said Ashley Kain, campaign manager. "I strongly suggest that the Schakowsky campaign not test our resolve to enforce the law."
Joel Pollak urged voters not to be afraid, and to stand up for their rights.
"Jan Schakowsky is clearly desperate to stay in Washington. She's never faced a real contest before, and this is her response," he said. "Anyone who faces intimidation by the Schakowsky campaign should call the police, or contact our office at (224) 217-9669."
"It's time for us to stand up to Schakowsky and the 'Chicago Way'," he added. "Together, we will do it, and bring a fresh start to the 9th district!"
Heartland Cafe is owned by Michael James and Katy Hogan, former members of the radical Students for a Democratic Society organization.
Related posts:
Video: Schakowsky refuses to answer questions about Soros, constitutionality of ObamaCare
Chicago restaurant owned by former SDS members closed by health department
SDS' 1968 Tragical History Tour
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