Metro East Sun

After the launch of the #MeToo campaign in 2017, sexual harassment complaints have become more common and the act of harassment is being condemned more than ever before. 

In October, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) pushed for more awareness training for government officials in the area of sexual harassment in the hopes of discouraging such behavior, just months before state Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) was accused of behaving inappropriately with a victims' rights advocate.

Though never convicted of sexual advances, Silverstein was reprimanded for his behavior, which included late night phone calls and an alleged abundance of e-messages sent to the woman who filed the complaint.

Madison County Board Member Don Moore, running in GOP Primary for Illinois State House

While sexual offenses are never to be taken lightly, Don Moore, a Troy Republican running against Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) in the GOP primary in 108th District, takes the statement of Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter as the truth.

"Based on what I have read about the Silverstein case and what Julie Porter, the legislative inspector general of Illinois, stated, this is mostly an unprofessional exchange of communications," Moore told the Metro East Sun.

Porter determined Silverstein did not breach  any laws regarding conduct between individuals in a working relationship.

"Porter writes that Silverstein didn’t engage in sexual harassment in violation of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, which requires there to be 'unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature,'" Moore said.

As the battle against sexual misconduct continues, Moore is fighting a different kind of battle in his running for the House.

"We have serious problems in Illinois that need the attention of our legislators. Let's prod them to get to work answering what they are doing to improve the economic health of Illinois," Moore said.

The 108th House District includes parts of Clinton, Madison, St. Clair and Washington counties.