Seals & Dem Corruption

Dan Seals' gaffe-prone campaign takes another hit. Another Seals' backer has slipped up, making this kind of abuse seem routine. Tribune:

But when Duckworth drove up to the event for Democrat Dan Seals in a state-owned white Dodge van, she violated another law banning the use of state property or resources for political purposes. By the time the event was over, the van had been moved out of sight of the Wheeling AMVETS Post 66 building, where reporters gathered to hear her endorse Seals.

Later Wednesday, Duckworth acknowledged her misuse of the van.

"She will reimburse the state for the use of the state vehicle, and will not make this mistake again," said Jessica Woodward, a Veterans Affairs spokeswoman.

That "mistake" allowed U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park)—whom Seals hopes to defeat Nov. 4—to take a dig at Duckworth, one of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's highest-profile appointees.

"It is worrying to see a Blagojevich staffer showing up in a state of Illinois car, when it appears to be a direct violation of the law," said Kirk, a four-term incumbent who represents the North Shore's 10th District.

As the Tribune notes, it is rare for a state official to campaign so blatantly:

But as soon as she finished her speech, she was asked whether her appearance at a campaign event conflicted with her role as a state official—such out-front involvement in campaigns is rare for state agency directors.

And top Seals' backer Democrat Rep. Charlie Rangel, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, has been involved in financial shenanigans, prompting an investigation by the House Ethics Committee:

Rangel acknowledged last week that he failed to disclose and pay taxes on at least $75,000 in rental income from a villa in the Dominican Republic that he has owned for 20 years -- a house financed, in part, with a no-interest loan. He has said he would amend his returns and pay back taxes of more than $10,000.

The ethics panel is investigating the villa deal, as well as Rangel's rental of several New York apartments at below-market rates and his fundraising entreaties on congressional stationery on behalf of the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at the City College of New York.

Public servants, Dem machine-style. Out for themselves on your dime.

P.S. How come the Wilmette Life doesn't mention this, hmm?

UPDATE: Channel 5 news. HT Illinois Review: