General Politics Chicago at its best

HonestChieffan · 11-28-2012, 05:12 PM

Disgraced former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds said he will ask voters to focus on his congressional experience rather than his state and federal criminal record as he announced his bid today for the seat held by Jesse Jackson Jr., who has resigned.

At a downtown hotel news conference, Reynolds acknowledged having made “mistakes” in the past. For his campaign, he will try to assume the mantle of an incumbent while also seeking redemption from voters. Red and white campaign signs urged voters to “re-elect” Reynolds “so he can finish the work” while another stark red sign with white letters said simply: “Redemption.”

Reynolds held the 2nd Congressional District seat from 1993 until October 1995, when a Cook County jury convicted him of several sex-related charges, including having sex with an underage volunteer campaign worker. While serving time in state prison, Reynolds also was convicted on federal financial and campaign fraud charges. President Bill Clinton commuted Reynolds’ sentence to time served in 2001.

Under law, Reynolds, formerly a South Side resident who is now renting in Dolton, no longer has to register as a sex offender.

Reynolds sought to downplay his previous convictions, contending “it was almost 18, 20 years ago” and that his past crimes “shouldn’t be a life sentence.”

“The fact of the matter is, nobody’s perfect,” Reynolds said, adding that voters should “look at the entire history of me,” including what people do “after they make mistakes.” Reynolds, however, stopped short of acknowledging guilt for any of his crimes.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/p...,4033691.story

blaise · 11-28-2012, 06:31 PM

Well, he's smart. Chicago voters obviously don't care anything about the person's character, so why not?

mnchiefsguy · 11-28-2012, 06:39 PM

I am sure Mr. Reynolds is endorsed by Direckshun, since he has a D next to his name, so he has that going for him at least.

alpha_omega · 11-29-2012, 10:24 AM

Perfect.

gblowfish · 11-29-2012, 03:24 PM

Chicago has wild coyotes outside Wrigley Field!
http://news.yahoo.com/wild-coyotes-k...225114635.html

11-28-2012, 05:12 PM
HonestChieffan Hoffa called me an SOB Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the Country in MO Casino cash: $1220224	Chicago at its best Disgraced former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds said he will ask voters to focus on his congressional experience rather than his state and federal criminal record as he announced his bid today for the seat held by Jesse Jackson Jr., who has resigned. At a downtown hotel news conference, Reynolds acknowledged having made “mistakes” in the past. For his campaign, he will try to assume the mantle of an incumbent while also seeking redemption from voters. Red and white campaign signs urged voters to “re-elect” Reynolds “so he can finish the work” while another stark red sign with white letters said simply: “Redemption.” Reynolds held the 2nd Congressional District seat from 1993 until October 1995, when a Cook County jury convicted him of several sex-related charges, including having sex with an underage volunteer campaign worker. While serving time in state prison, Reynolds also was convicted on federal financial and campaign fraud charges. President Bill Clinton commuted Reynolds’ sentence to time served in 2001. Under law, Reynolds, formerly a South Side resident who is now renting in Dolton, no longer has to register as a sex offender. Reynolds sought to downplay his previous convictions, contending “it was almost 18, 20 years ago” and that his past crimes “shouldn’t be a life sentence.” “The fact of the matter is, nobody’s perfect,” Reynolds said, adding that voters should “look at the entire history of me,” including what people do “after they make mistakes.” Reynolds, however, stopped short of acknowledging guilt for any of his crimes. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/p...,4033691.story
Posts: 21,872

11-28-2012, 06:31 PM	#2
blaise MVP Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Plano, TX Casino cash: $477	Well, he's smart. Chicago voters obviously don't care anything about the person's character, so why not?
Posts: 16,658

11-28-2012, 06:39 PM	#3
mnchiefsguy MVP Join Date: Dec 2003 Casino cash: $11113162	I am sure Mr. Reynolds is endorsed by Direckshun, since he has a D next to his name, so he has that going for him at least. __________________
Posts: 5,736

11-29-2012, 10:24 AM	#4
alpha_omega MVP Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Liberty Casino cash: $141632	Perfect.
Posts: 5,368

11-29-2012, 03:24 PM	#5
gblowfish Be Kind To Your Pets Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Glorious Independence, MO Casino cash: $3132358	Chicago has wild coyotes outside Wrigley Field! http://news.yahoo.com/wild-coyotes-k...225114635.html
Posts: 20,576

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