Summary

A recent campaign mailer in support of State Sen. Michael Hastings has come under scrutiny for appearing to be written by his ex-wife, Kathleen Hastings, when it was actually penned by his sister, who also goes by the name “Kate Hastings.” While the letter praises Hastings as an “extraordinary father and husband,” it fails to clarify the writer’s relationship to the senator, which led to confusion. Kathleen Hastings has denied any involvement with the letter, and this incident has further fueled calls for Hastings to resign from his position, with both Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie criticizing the misleading campaign tactic.

Despite his efforts to separate his personal life from his political campaign, this mailer has only intensified the backlash surrounding the abuse allegations from his ex-wife, which were recently unsealed in court.

Overview

• A campaign letter in support of Sen. Michael Hastings was written by his sister, but it did not disclose the familial relationship, leading to confusion with his ex-wife.
• Kathleen Hastings, the senator’s ex-wife, denied any involvement in writing the letter and said it was not her signature.
• Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie have renewed calls for Hastings to resign due to his history of abuse allegations.
• The mailer was sent from an address associated with the Hastings family, but critics have labeled it a misleading and last-ditch effort to salvage his campaign.
• Hastings is facing increased scrutiny as his divorce files, containing allegations of physical and verbal abuse, have been unsealed.

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