Will County Gazette

Will County Board Member Stephen Balich said Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) should be held to a higher standard.

Responding to the Chicago City Wire report titled “Silverstein re-election bid gets $55,400 boost from State Democratic Victory Fund,” Balich, who is seeking re-election to the Will County Board's 7th District seat, told the Will County Gazette that public servants have an added responsibility when they choose to serve.

“The Democrats must see Silverstein as a strong candidate, so they break with the political correctness that they invented in an effort to keep the seat,” Balich said. “If a Republican does anything slightly wrong, the wrath of the media comes down like a hammer. There is a double standard, and that's wrong.”

Balich, who represents a district that includes Homer Glen, Lockport, unincorporated Homer Township and New Lenox north of Interstate 80, said it seems Democrats can get away with things because the media is really an important arm of the Democratic Party.

According to the Chicago City Wire, “a member of the Chicago Tribune editorial board recently sent out a message from her personal Twitter account questioning the donation from the State Democratic Victory Fund to Silverstein.”

“Voters who find out about Silverstein will most likely not vote for him, but most won't find out because the media (TV) won't play it over and over like with Roy Moore,” Balich said. “When voters see negative campaign pieces from the opponent, they don't necessarily believe what is said understanding those are designed to make the opponent look bad.”

Looking bad is not what Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter did in her review of harassment allegations involving Silverstein, according to Balich, who said Porter’s finding of unethical conduct rather than sexual harassment was bogus.

“The Democrats are the inventor of political correct ... they tried to smear President Donald Trump for things he said before becoming president,” Balich said. “Yes, you are innocent until proven guilty, but in this politically correct world being accused is all the damage a politician needs to lose an election.”

Balich said the bottom-line is Silverstein should step down, “not because he was accused but because he is guilty.”

“The Democrats should be ashamed for doing the opposite of what they say,” Balich said. “When we die, we need to answer for all our decisions, and decisions of public servants, clergy, teachers, and other leaders effect the lives of numerous people.”