Illinois: state house candidate withdraws because of Hatch Act
The Quincy Herald-Whig reports: Kelly Street said he is stunned by a ruling that has forced him to withdraw from the 93rd District race for the Illinois House.
His departure leaves Rep. Jil Tracy, R-Mount Sterling, unopposed in her campaign for the Legislature.
Street, a Democrat from Bluffs, got notice Tuesday afternoon that he might be in violation of the Hatch Act, which prevents some workers receiving federal funds from running for political office.
Street is a stationary engineer at McFarland Mental Health Facility in Springfield, earning about $72,000 a year to do repairs and keep boilers and air handlers operating. The facility receives federal funds that help pay salaries.
On Wednesday Street sought confirmation from a special counsel in charge of Hatch Act compliance in Washington, D.C. Hours later he was told he would either have to quit his state job or withdraw from the campaign for the Illinois General Assembly. -- Quincy Herald Whig