Dan Caulkins finds the failure of Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), who is running for attorney general, to properly fill out a statement of economic interest (SEI) form inexcusable.
“It's very strange that a longtime member of the political class would make such an error,” Caulkins told the Chambana Sun. “I know the form is sent in a timely manner, so he can't blame the obvious oversight on being rushed. In fact, I doubt he personally filled it out.”
In the end, Caulkins, a Decatur Republican running against Democrat Jennifer McMillin for the seat being vacated by Rep. Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth) in the 101st District, said Raoul’s negligence amounts to perjury as outlined in the instructions, and, given the fact he is the candidate and a licensed attorney, only he can be held responsible for the error.
Illinois State Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago)
The law stipulates that any “candidates running for any elected office are required to fill out a SEI, with their election filings such as petitions and statement of candidacy.”
Edgar County Watchdogs reported Raoul left his Senate filing on the question blank, though during his 2017 run for senator he had no problem properly answering all questions.
The form also requires any 2018 candidate to “list the name of any unit of government that employed the person making the statement during the preceding calendar year other than the unit or units of government in relation to which the person is required to file.”
“The question now is, what is the remedy,” Caulkins said. “I doubt he will recuse himself. And I'm certain the State Board of Elections will have to sort it out. I presume there must be a precedent. More importantly, Mr. Raoul is running to be the attorney general of Illinois, and allowing such an egregious error to occur doesn't reflect well on his competency.”
A verified SEI is one that is signed under the penalty of perjury.
Caulkins defeated Randy Keith and Todd Henricks in the Republican primary, garnering nearly 44 percent of the vote. He later told the Chambana Sun he viewed his victory as a “validation of our efforts and message” and planned to continue delivering his message of fiscal responsibility and economic reform.
Caulkins has also likened himself as “an agent of change” while insisting that Springfield is in desperate need of massive reforms.
The 101st House District includes parts of Champaign, McLean, Dewitt, Macon and Piatt counties.
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