What's Next in the #MeToo Michael Madigan Case?
Alaina Hampton, a political consultant who sued her own party for sexual harassment, is ready to settle.
She originally sued for $350,000 and attorney's fees, but her attorney says they are discussing settlement. That may include attorneys for Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, the Democratic party chief in the state.
It just so happens there's an opening in the organization, and Hampton wants it. Suddenly, #MeToo has a new meaning in the Land of Lincoln.
"Dream Job"
Hampton said the executive director position would be her "dream job." It opened up last week when Tim Maples resigned amidst separate accusations of harassment and bullying.
Coincidentally, Hampton was in court on her own sexual harassment case this week. She alleges that Kevin Quinn, a Madigan campaign worker, chased her for months.
When she rebuffed him, she said, the party stopped giving her work. The party moved to dismiss because she was not an employee, but a judge denied the motion.
"There is a lot at stake here," said Hampton's lawyer Shelly Kulwin. "There is perhaps a lot more at stake than meets the eye in normal litigation."
"A Courageous Woman"
In the meantime, Madigan announced that a committee is searching for a new executive director for the party. Hampton wants the job, but the last time she talked to the speaker on the record was when she complained about Quinn.
Madigan fired Quinn and called Hampton "a courageous woman," but hasn't said she's being considered for the job. The cards apparently are on the table, however.
"The goal here is not to go on a crusade for the next two years in litigation," Kulwin said. "The goal here is to get her specific injury addressed and re-dressed."
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