Cullinan Properties developed an East Peoria TIF site and its chairman donated to Sen. LaHood
PEORIA - Although early voting has already commenced in the 18th CD's special election GOP primary to replace resigned Congressman Aaron Schock, the campaign isn't over. Michael Flynn launched a new attack of "crony capitalism" on State Senator Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) this week.
Flynn's campaign points to a vote LaHood made in the Illinois Senate on May 30, 2012, that established in East Peoria a new “Tax Increment District III." The law required the city hire to lawyers who would confirm each year that the city was in full compliance. This was the third such zone established by the city. LaHood is an associate of the law firm East Peoria employs - Miller, Hall, & Triggs.
"Republican state senator Darin LaHood helped to perpetuate a cycle of crony capitalism and donor back-scratching by voting for a bill that benefited both his law firm and campaign donors at taxpayers’ expense, according to a study of his votes, law firm payments, and campaign contributions," Flynn spokesperson Liz Mair wrote in a statement Monday.
In response, Senator LaHood said he's proud of his efforts over the years to bring jobs to the 18th CD, something his accuser - "a Washington insider" - has never done.
"I'm proud to have supported legislation that has helped the communities I represent to create jobs and strengthen the local economy. At this point in the campaign, I am not surprised that a Washington insider is making political hay out of quality legislation that has benefited the people of Central Illinois," LaHood told Illinois Review Tuesday.
Still, Flynn's campaign says, there's no question Senator LaHood is financially benefiting from campaign donors that are also involved in developing the East Peoria TIF district. They report that the chairman of Cullinan Properties Diane Cullinan Oberhelman (and wife of Caterpillar CEO Douglas R. Oberhelman) who earned $1,759,302 from TIF zones since 2010. Cullinan also donated $15,000 to LaHood’s state senate campaign PAC, and $10,800 to his congressional PAC. In total, she donated $25,800. The Otto Baum company, which received $4,073,797 to develop the new TIF zone since 2012, donated $5,000 to LaHood’s state senate PAC.
Flynn, who has worked as a journalist for Breitbart and founded the Big Government website has support among the Quincy Tea Party and online political blogger Quincy Pundit while LaHood has the support of the Republican Party, including Governor Rauner and district party leaders.
But Flynn's campaign says LaHood hasn’t experienced a real vetting process — he was appointed to his seat in Illinois’ 37th district after another state senator retired in 2011, and then ran unopposed to serve a full term in 2012. They also link LaHood to his father, former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and his distant cousin Dayne LaHood, who was Schock’s district chief of staff.
The GOP's primary for this special election will by July 7th.
