A recent trend has shown U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth’s and Joe Sestak’s lack of ethics while seeking a seat in the 2016 Senate.
Specifically, in Illinois, Democratic Senate candidate Tammy Duckworth’s lack of ethics is being revealed in a lawsuit that has caught the attention of many Illinoisans. Reportedly, Duckworth had wrongly fired an employee who raised concerns with Veterans’ Affairs, and later, Duckworth admitted that she, as head of the VA, “screwed up” in firing the employee. This will serve as a devastating blow as she attempts to run against Democratic primary opponent Andrea Zopp and Republican Senator Mark Kirk.
The Daily Herald reported on the lawsuit:
The lawsuit stems from a 2009 complaint filed against Duckworth by two employees at the downstate Anna Veterans Home. They say Duckworth harassed them and caused them "emotional distress" after they reported ethics complaints against their boss.
Capitol Fax added that not only did Duckworth fire the whistleblower, but she then admitted to her mistake:
"Rep. Duckworth fired a whistleblower and then admitted her wrongdoing to her co-workers. Instead of correcting her mistake, Duckworth doubled down on her poor decision and asked her subordinates to justify her misconduct,” said Nick Klitzing, Executive Director of the Illinois Republican Party. “Illinois needs leaders who stand accountable for their actions and who right wrongs, not compound them.”
The NRSC released a web video today highlighting the many ways Tammy Duckworth is just another corrupt Chicago politician.
[youtube url = "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nnu2U20gno&authuser=0"]
In Pennsylvania, Joe Sestak is facing violations of a military ethics directive, continuing to use the title "Admiral," even though it infringes proper conduct.
Off-Road Politics explains:
Months after being called out for violating Department of Defense ethics guidelines dictating military retirees not on active duty must clearly indicate their retired or reserve status when running for office, Sestak’s campaign continues to use the rubric “Admiral Sestak” – without indicating his retirement – on press releases and campaign event promotions.
As Sestak parades around Pennsylvania, he is lying to voters and breaking the rules in place by our Department of Defense. Despite the calls for change, Sestak’s campaign continues to use the wrong title to promote their campaign events.
Looks like the DSCC’s recruiting class of 2016 needs to work on their ethics issues before ramping up their campaigns.