Watch CBS News

Rep. Dunkin Denies Allegations His Campaign Buys Votes

(CBS) -- A longtime state lawmaker is talking – finally -- about accusations he bought votes.

But the challenger stands behind her claims.

CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports.

Three days before the primary, political newcomer Juliana Stratton and longtime incumbent Ken Dunkin of the Fifth District were making their final push before the primary.

Between the two Democratic candidates, they've spent more than $2 million getting their messages out, and fighting off attacks from each other and campaign supporters.

Dunkin is finally responding to the latest accusation from Stratton supporter Ald. Pat Dowell, who unveiled video over the weekend alleging his campaign is buying votes at $50 a head.

The incumbent insists the people in the video are just some of the more than 200 community members he's hired as campaign workers to knock on doors and pass out flyers.

"Many campaign workers don't necessarily have bank accounts. They work,  put out campaign literature and go out and campaign for us. It's a part of what it is that we do," Dunkin says.

But Stratton points to a police reports filed by district residents describing the incident as campaign bribery. She says police are now investigating.

"Residents of this district have indicated they don't trust Rep. Dunkin and quite frankly, they deserve better," she says.

Dunkin is hoping to win his 7th term. This is Stratton's first run for public office.

The 5th District runs from the Near North Side, all the way down to the South Shore.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.