After a senior citizen’s letter to the editor questioning the qualifications of Democrat candidate Jim Harrison in the McHenry County state's attorney's race was printed in the Crystal Lake-based Northwest Herald on May 13, Harrison filed suit attacking her right to free speech.
Sandi Tenglin of Marengo questioned Harrison’s credentials, challenging his ability to serve as state’s attorney with a lack of criminal prosecution experience.
“I believe Mr. Harrison ran for sheriff two years ago and lost and now works for himself doing labor law,” Tenglin wrote. “How does that qualify him for the job of prosecuting criminals? Has Mr. Harrison ever prosecuted a single criminal case?”
In response to Harrison’s litigation, McHenry County Republican Chairman Sandra Salgado spoke out against his actions.
“Free speech is one of the cornerstones of the United States and is a vital part of the campaign and election process,” Salgado said. “Certainly, if Mr. Harrison does not agree with a citizen’s opinion about his qualifications or ethics he is within his rights to respond publicly, but his use of a lawsuit to silence dissent is downright frightening. I am calling upon the leadership in the Democrat Party in McHenry County to immediately rebuke Mr. Harrison for his reprehensible actions.”
Harrison, who previously lost a sheriff’s election running as an Independent, was covertly appointed as a candidate by Democratic leadership, leading to controversy.
“After this action it should be clear to voters that (Republican) Patrick Kenneally is the only candidate … qualified to be the new state’s attorney in McHenry County,” Salgado stated.
Kenneally himself called on Harrison to drop the lawsuit, calling it meritless and an act of retaliation and harassment.
“Democrat Harrison using the litigation in what appears to be an attempt to settle political scores is very troublesome,” Kenneally said.
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