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* Background is here if you need it. Sen. Michael Hastings’ former spouse is named Kate. As I told subscribers, this campaign letter from “Kate Hastings” was sent to voters a few days ago…
Sen. Hastings claims he has a sister named Kate, but that relationship is not at all spelled out in the letter and the former Mrs. Kate Hastings wanted to make darned sure people don’t get confused. From her Facebook page…
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
I have stayed extremely quiet the last two years. Those closest to me know I value my privacy. With that being said, you can imagine how difficult these past two years have been on not only me, but my children, my family and my closest friends.
I know it’s election season. I have seen the mailers, the horrific text messages, the social media posts and have read all of the dozen of articles written.
THIS IS NOT OK.
This IS NOT ME. I did NOT write this letter. I had NO knowledge of this letter being written. This is NOT my signature. I have NEVER lived at the address that is posted as the return of address. I would also never use such terrible stationary.
What this is, is a slap across the face to any victim of domestic violence.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for every single call, text message and email with words of comfort and support. They mean more to me then you know.
* Senate President Harmon’s statement…
We have not been involved in any way, shape or form with the Hastings’ campaign. No campaign run or supported by the Senate Democrats would do something so boneheaded, so beneath accepted campaign tactics. The election is a week away and voters have an important decision to make.
* Sen. Hastings’ full statement…
I have been in bi-weekly, if not weekly, communications with the Senate Chief of Staff, members of our Senate Leadership team, and other members of the Senate since the inception of my campaign.
They have all offered me great comfort during a difficult time for my family and support throughout my campaign.
More specifically, the Chief of Staff has been fully briefed on all aspects of my campaign to include this support letter from my sister, associated text messages and social media posting.
Up until today, it has always been acceptable practice for a member of a family to support another running for office. Throughout the past 15 years, my family has been more than supportive of my campaigns.
My sister, Kate Hastings, has been one my biggest champions and overly supportive throughout this difficult time for our family. She believes in worker’s rights, a women’s right to choose, among many other issues that matter most to the neighbors in our community. Her letter of support means the world to me.
This attempt to discredit of my sister’s letter is the antithesis of standing up for a woman’s voice. And I will not stand for that.
As you are aware, multiple news sources have sued to intervene in my settled divorce from my estranged ex-wife. Sadly, your republishing of the one-sided reporting does not tell the whole story.
I also hope during the course of your due diligence you may have noticed that my estranged ex-wife has changed her name back to her maiden name.
* From Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie…
This is not a question of politics, it’s a question of human decency. Both Governor Pritzker and I have called for Senator Hastings to resign due to his disturbing past record of violence and abuse of women. This latest, twisted, last-ditch effort to save his campaign is reprehensible, and his continued presence in the Senate should not be tolerated by anyone in the General Assembly.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:10 pm
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Shame on you, Senator Hastings. You are shameless and beyond redemption. No wonder you hired Ray Hanania - probably only guy who would work for you. Time for you to go.
Comment by New Day Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:14 pm
“I would also never use such terrible stationary.”
Great line.
Comment by Anon E Moose Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:16 pm
Hard to see a path through this. He may win re-election, but I don’t think he’ll be in the Senate for much longer. This is a terminal political illness for Hastings. And self-inflicted.
And that stationary is awful.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:17 pm
That letter seems to specifically encourage people to think that is Kate, his ex-wife, speaking and not his sister. It does nothing to correct this. To me, that is not only disgusting, it is disqualifying. Absolutely horrible.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:17 pm
Wow
Comment by fs Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:17 pm
I’m noting that Sen. McConchie went after Hastings and didn’t use this as an opportunity to go after Senate Dems or Pritzker. That’s a clear sign that this goes beyond politics…Hastings needs to go.
Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:19 pm
Horrendous, and it’s pitiful too.
In “before times” Hastings never woulda made it this far, or any measurable “far”, he’d be done.
I dunno how this turns out well by any measure including an election win, which seems completely trivial at this point.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:21 pm
Harmon’s statements have been so lame for a reason. There’s more here than meets the eye. Hastings is still part of the boys club.
Comment by there's more Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:24 pm
Hasting’s statement completely misses the point. Nowhere in that letter does it encourage the idea that it was his sister, whom doesn’t have the same name, does not even live at the return address on the mailer. His campaign knew what that letter insinuates.
Comment by Peanut Gallery Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:25 pm
In Harmon-Speak this is pretty aggressive. “We have not been involved in any way, shape or form with the Hastings’ campaign. No campaign run or supported by the Senate Democrats would do something so boneheaded, so beneath accepted campaign tactics. The election is a week away and voters have an important decision to make.”
Comment by New Day Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:28 pm
“I would also never use such terrible stationary”
Have to agree, that stationery is awful.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:31 pm
ok, it’s stationery, and terrible? jeez. don’t be petty and dilute the point that this letter is such a violation.horrible terrible violation.honestly it feels like a trash movie at this point.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:32 pm
How the mighty have fallen.
Comment by suburban operative Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:32 pm
sorry, anon re stationery was me.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:32 pm
What a dumb move. He’s really succeeded in bringing a ton more attention to his alleged misdeeds.
Comment by So_Ill Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:32 pm
Refuse to seat him if he does win
Comment by Ok Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:35 pm
This is just vile.
“our family”
“extraordinary father and husband”
There is no question, from the wording of the letter, that the intent was to make people think it was written by his former wife.
Comment by JoanP Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:40 pm
The word that comes to mind is “shameless.” That Hastings would purposely try and make it look like his estranged wife was supporting him. And then piling on by saying anyone taking issue with the letter is “is the antithesis of standing up for a woman’s voice.” These are the actions of someone who will do anything to get his way, and that is downright scary.
Comment by Anonymous 103 Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:46 pm
a true testament to our political system.
Comment by Blue Dog Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:48 pm
How does he even show his face anywhere. The whole thing is bad, the latest chapter, faking a letter from your ex wife whose accused you of domestic violence, is beyond pathetic.
If he has the audacity to show up at veto session he should be shunned.
Comment by wndycty Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:48 pm
===Great line===
Concur.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:49 pm
===“I would also never use such terrible stationary.”
Great line.===
Served so cold too, trivializing the stagecraft.
Brilliant.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:52 pm
Hastings complains about “this difficult time for his family, but has no regrets for the insensitive public commentary about his wife. What a (banned word).
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:52 pm
Glad to see the union bug on the stationery (lower right) - no need to get anyone upset at this point in the election.
Comment by We’ll See Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:55 pm
Yet, the Democratic Committeemen that represent his district continue to wholeheartedly support his candidacy and organized labor continues to write checks. Hastings will, in all likelihood, win his election and nothing will change.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 2:56 pm
“Hastings needs to go”
His behavior/troubles have opened the door for his GOP opponent Patrick Sheehan. The Senate Republican Victory Fund just dropped $39,513 on his committee on 10/28/22.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 3:07 pm
New Day - Agree completely with the first part of your comment- and others finding this totally reprehensible- but the second part about Hanania? If there was enough money to grift on I’m sure Proft would be involved, regardless of party.
Comment by West Side the Best Side Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 3:18 pm
A letter written by and designed by men.
Comment by Snakie from Schaumburg Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 3:21 pm
This is an example of the primary reason I don’t vote early. To me, this …. effort … (can’t think of a word to describe this letter that isn’t banned) would cause me to vote for the opponent. Just wow.
Comment by Vote Quimby Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 3:31 pm
Not that we were not there already, but at this point, I think if he gets elected, everyone in Springfield should act like he is invisible.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 3:38 pm
Times up for Hastings.
Comment by Shytown Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 3:43 pm
Is there no limit to how low Hastings will go? Does he not have a single advisor smart enough to tell him to stop? Pres Harmon, is this really the best you can do?
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 3:43 pm
-I think if he gets elected, everyone in Springfield should act like he is invisible.-
And if he doesn’t, maybe the powers that be will learn a lesson to not be so spineless next time while they give up the seat for a term and maybe more.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 3:47 pm
It’s hard to find an appropriate time to use the term “slime ball” but I think it fits here very well….
Comment by Joe Schmoe Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 3:49 pm
Mr. Hastings is Exhibit A in support of the proposition that some people are never so dumb as when they think they’re being smart. He’s had his moment and it’s now time for him to slither off the stage.
Comment by Flapdoodle Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 3:53 pm
Why can’t Harmon just come out and say we don’t want this guy in our Caucus and he should resign? He wants to shame Hastings into resigning he wins and then he can replace him. Have the courage to ask for his resignation BEFORE the election!!
Comment by Just Saying Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:01 pm
Paragraph #1 Our family—whose family?
Paragraph #2 Should add Mike Hastings my brother if the writer is related.
Paragraph #3 Mikey and Mandy belong to whom.
Is Kate Hastings the letter’s author related to Mike Hastings the candidate? The content of the letter is intentionally ambiguous.
Mike Hastings, ‘ya soiled the bed. Time to change the sheets.
Comment by Rudy’s teeth Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:02 pm
== This attempt to discredit of my sister’s letter is the antithesis of standing up for a woman’s voice. And I will not stand for that. ==
This line in Hastings’ reply is almost more vile than the letter itself. He’s accused of domestic abuse and then engages in a litany of conduct meant to silence those allegations. But now he wants to feign being a champion for a woman’s voice? His audacity has me dumbstruck
Comment by The Office Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:05 pm
==His audacity has me dumbstruck==
Agree 100% with The Office. Plus… this is only the public side we are witnessing.
Comment by Vote Quimby Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:12 pm
Omg…..He wants the job that bad? Pathetic.
Comment by Ryder Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:13 pm
=== He wants to shame Hastings into resigning ===
If you haven’t figured it out by now, this guy feels no shame. You can’t shame him into resigning. If he wins, he isn’t going anywhere.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:17 pm
As someone who witnessed my father abuse my mother, a survivor of abuse myself, and someone who has spent my life working with and advocating for survivors of gender based violence, this hits a whole new low. Mike Hastings must resign. Full stop. If he doesn’t and is re-elected, I will not work with him, take meetings with him, or be anywhere alone with him. He is unfit to serve.
Comment by Kelly Cassidy Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:25 pm
Hastings is disgusting. But we’ve known that for a while now. Anyone who stands by him at this point also has a problem. I’d like to see a statement from Rich Township Committeeman Calvin Jordan and President of their organization Yumeka Brown explaining why they are still actively supporting Hastings. Without Rich Township, Hastings would have definitely lost. But alas, they are promoting him heavily. That’s not party building.
Comment by Day Late Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:28 pm
That took me a half hour to understand because I didn’t think a State Senator would be that dumb. I have no excuse for not having learned that earlier.
Props to the stationary burn.
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:30 pm
oooff
Comment by Todd Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:47 pm
I hope Hastings is sent packing after Election Day. He has no honor. This phone letter thing confirms it.
Comment by Tinman Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:52 pm
Beyond the pale. Obvious attempt to deceive. No shame.
Comment by danray Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 4:56 pm
I’d say the most offensive part is that Hastings thinks everyone else is stupid enough to buy his ham-handed techniques and defense.
How do you know the difference between a decent guy who did something dumb and an entitled liar who shouldn’t have the public trust? Al Franken stepped down. Hastings doubled down (and again. And again.) If he wins Harmon and colleagues should shut him out.
Comment by Not Your Gramma Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 5:18 pm
despicable, vile, uncaring,loathsome…..
Comment by flea Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 5:37 pm
I am dumbstruck by this dumb****
Comment by soccermom Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 5:52 pm
Pres Harmon - you need to call for him to step down. He’s proven how dangerous and irrational he can be. Do the right thing…
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 6:47 pm
Target low information voters just paying attention now
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 7:55 pm
The line about the stationery was Baton-era camp classic! I could have used in my vamp act during Halloween Scary Drag Hour!
Comment by K-T ex-Hastings Tuesday, Nov 1, 22 @ 8:57 pm