Ives demands Raoul apology over ‘sexist’ Harold comments

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) slammed Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) for dismissing Republican attorney general candidate Erika Harold as “Miss America” and suggesting that she was never a threat to Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who recently decided not to seek re-election.

“Erika Harold is a Harvard Law graduate and practicing attorney,” Ives said in a statement. “She has considerable campaign experience. And, most importantly, she is well-qualified for the position she seeks. This makes her a threat to the senator’s political aspirations. So, his response to her candidacy was blatant and belittling sexism.”

Ives noted that she has faced dismissive and condescending remarks, both during her political career and as a cadet at West Point. Raoul’s remarks refer to Harold’s 2003 Miss America title, which allowed her to attend Harvard Law School, according to her website. Harold is currently an attorney in one of Champaign County’s largest law firms.

“I am calling on Senator Raoul to apologize for his diminishing, anti-woman remarks,” Ives said in her statement. “All Illinois Democrats should demand the same. To do otherwise confirms their hypocrisy, perpetrates the acceptability of sexism in politics, and sets an even lower standard for public officials in Illinois.”