Susan Garrett Defends Sexist

Illustrating that feminism is usually trumped by their allegiance to the Democrat party, state Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) defended her colleague, state Sen. Rickey Hendon after he made sexist remarks publicly to a freshman legislator, state Sen. Cheryl Axley (R-Mt. Prospect). Tribune:

SPRINGFIELD -- A Democratic senator from Chicago who was participating in ritual hazing of a freshman senator during Senate debate Monday suggested that he and the rookie lawmaker meet for a drive down a township road after the session that evening.

The remark by Sen. Rickey Hendon prompted uncomfortable laughter from colleagues in the chamber, followed by comments of outrage from some as word of the comment traveled through political circles later.

Hendon asked freshman Sen. Cheryl Axley (R-Mt. Prospect) if she was "a true blonde" during the debate over her bill, which dealt with township roads. Then he asked if she would "mind going on a township road with me later on tonight."

When the presiding lawmaker told him his question was out of line, Hendon jokingly responded by saying, "Madame President, don't deny me my opportunity here. I mean, she looks like she's only 16 or 17. I might be able to trick her or something."

Some senators--including the 46-year-old Axley--laughed off Hendon's comments, but others said his remarks were inappropriate.

"This is the very kind of thing we try to teach our daughters not to put up with," said Sen. Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), a candidate for state treasurer. "We had several young people visiting because it's spring break. ... Even though it was said in jest, I don't know that they understood that. I thought it was a horrible example."

Supposedly this is a tradition to razz new legislators when introducing their first bill, but apparently the state senator is referred to as "Hollywood Hendon" to his colleagues for good reason. Defending him was state Senator Susan Garrett:

Several colleagues defended Hendon, one of the most liberal members of the Senate and a supporter of many progressive causes for women.

"Comments on the first bill are never meant to be taken literally," said Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest), who was off the floor when Hendon spoke. "Now, should there be a line drawn about how far you can go? Probably you should use your best judgment. Maybe Sen. Hendon could have used different phrases to get that point across. But anybody who knows Rickey Hendon knows he's very colorful in his choice of words."

Democrats, always making excuses for themselves, standards of behavior don't apply to them. A poor choice of words all around.