Illinois Dem Under Investigation for Bribing Prospective Primary Opponent

Marie Newman acknowledged in court she promised a six-figure job to 
potential political rival

The House Ethics Committee is investigating Democrat Marie Newman 
after the Illinois congresswoman admitted in court that she promised 
a six-figure job to a potential political rival.

The committee announced the investigation in a Thursday afternoon 
press release, which comes roughly six months after Newman settled a 
breach of contract lawsuit with local Palestinian activist Iymen 
Chehade. During the case, Newman's taxpayer-funded attorneys 
conceded to a federal judge that the Democrat signed an employment 
agreement that assured Chehade a top job in her office should she 
win election to Congress, legal filings show. Chehade's attorneys 
argued that Newman extended the offer as a bribe to keep the 
activist out of a 2020 primary race.

"Chehade foreseeably relied on this promise by refraining from 
running for office, and he then lost the opportunity … to serve in a 
congressional position in her office," his attorneys said. Newman's 
contract promised Chehade a senior role in the Democrat's office 
that did not require him to "maintain specific hours at the office," 
paid him a $140,000 salary, and gave him "complete discretion about 
the selection and employment termination of staff members under his 
supervision."

Newman's office acknowledged the investigation in a statement, 
noting that the committee's inquiry stems from a "dismissed 
lawsuit." But that lawsuit was dismissed "by agreement" following 
Newman's settlement with Chehade, the Democrat's office confirmed in 
July. At that time, Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust 
executive director Kendra Arnold told the Washington Free Beacon 
that congressional investigators could use facts from the civil case 
against Newman.

"Civil liability and government ethics and criminal liability are 
two completely separate things. The civil court case is between her 
and the individual," said Arnold, who in May Filed A Complaint 
against Newman with the Office of Congressional Ethics. "Whether 
they resolve their personal differences has nothing to do with the 
ethics case and her issues with the federal government. The facts in 
the civil case show the ethics concerns are significant."

Newman's office said it "is happy to help throughout" the 
investigation process.

"We look forward to resolving the matter," a spokesperson for Newman 
told CQ Roll Call.


https://freebeacon.com/democrats/illinois-dem-under-investigation-
for-bribing-prospective-primary-opponent/