February 17, 2018

Dear Members of the Democratic State Central Committee:

I am writing to address the recent situation and call your attention to the issue of
harassment and gender equality in the workplace.

In November of 2017 I received a letter advising me that Kevin Quinn, a longtime member
of my staff, had sent inappropriate text messages to a woman assisting with several
political races. Upon receipt, I referred the letter to an attorney for my political committee
and directed her to conduct a thorough investigation. As a result of the investigation, it was
determined that Mr. Quinn’s conduct was inappropriate. He failed to exercise the
professional judgment I expect of those affiliated with my political committees. Mr. Quinn is
no longer affiliated with my political committees or the Office of the Speaker. If you have
questions about the process and procedure followed we are happy to provide you with
further information. Please contact Mike Kasper (312-704-3292) or Heather Wier Vaught
(815-762-2629).

Yesterday I sent a letter to the Democratic members of the General Assembly, persons
employed by the Office of the Speaker, and every person working on a political campaign
supported by my political committees. The letter includes the names of individuals they
can contact to report any incidents or allegations or get additional information.

§ State Staff: Justin Cox or Margaret Livingston (217-782-3392) can provide confidential
guidance or direct staff to an outside resource to address their situation. Staff may also
contact Special Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter to report any incident or
allegation.

§ Political Staff: Emily Wurth (312-578-1554), Michael Kasper (312-704-3292), or

Heather Wier Vaught (815-762-2629) can provide assistance.

We have retained an independent counsel who is available to receive and investigate

harassment allegations. Kelly Smith-Haley of Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll, LLP will provide
independent review of allegations, conduct investigations, and provide recommendations
for updating policies and procedures, including clear rules for conduct and penalties for
violations.
It is clear from the number and nature of the conversations taking place that we need to
do better when it comes to the issue of equality in the workplace, and that we must work
harder to provide a safe and constructive environment for every individual regardless of
gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. We must rethink the culture of politics if we
are to move forward as an institution and as Democrats. In order to change this culture
and ensure equality in the workplace, we must provide a positive work environment free
from any type of harassment, including sexual harassment and bullying.

We cannot tolerate harassment or abuse of any kind. Every elected official, candidate,
employee, contractor, and intern is valued and necessary for the successful election of
Democratic candidates in Illinois. No one should be made to feel otherwise. Everyone
has a right to work without fear of harassment, abuse, or retaliation.

We haven’t done enough. I take responsibility for that. I would never condone or refuse
to take any step to ensure we did not eradicate any behavior of this kind. I understand
the “knock it off” mentality is not enough, and we must, and will, do better moving
forward. I commit to do more, and I welcome any and all suggestions you may want to
bring forward. Our culture must change and I want to work together to make the
necessary changes. We must do better. We will do better.

As a first step, I have asked Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, Comptroller Suzanna

Mendoza, and State Representative Carol Ammons to take the lead on facilitating a
statewide discussion about the role of women in the Democratic Party of Illinois, both as
elected officials and campaign personnel (including contractors, employees, interns,
and volunteers), and how we can work to change the culture of politics. Their mission is
to develop a plan for elevating the status of women in the party and a strategy for
making the party and campaigns more inclusive. This requires changing the culture and
recognizing we can no longer employ the “business as usual” mentality with our
campaigns or our political offices. Persons within our party should be rewarded for their
value and contribution, regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. It’s
time to move beyond our current way of thinking. I recognize this change must start at
the top, which means it starts with me and with each of you.

I am committed to working to find ways to change the culture and move the Party
forward. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or need further information.

With kindest personal regards, I remain

Sincerely yours,

MICHAEL J. MADIGAN
Chair, Democratic Party of Illinois