Nick Hyde (center)
Nick Hyde (center)
The Illinois Republican Party accused Democratic House candidate Nick Hyde’s campaign of violating a state law that prohibits the use of taxpayer-funded resources for political purposes.
The GOP issued a press release claiming public documents show Mary Beth Hyde, the Galena city clerk, used a municipal fax machine to send political messages on behalf of Hyde’s campaign. Mary is Hyde’s mother and campaign treasurer.
Travis Sterling, executive director for the Illinois GOP, condemned the ethical lapse.
Andrew Chesney
“For the Nick Hyde campaign to be so blatant in their disregard for State Ethics Law is truly shocking,” Sterling said in the press release. “Taxpayers and voters shouldn’t tolerate it.”
Republican officials obtained the records from the State Board of Elections website via a Freedom of Information Act request. Galena City Ordinance 36.70 (A) of the Illinois State Official and Employees Ethics Act, bans the use of city-owned fax machines on behalf of candidates, Sterling said.
“It’s no wonder Republicans have felt outgunned in this state when Democrat campaigns are being run out of government offices,” he said.
Hyde is running against Republican candidate Andrew Chesney in the 89th District, which includes Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties.
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