For Immediate Release

1/19/2015

Contact:
Adam Didech
Natashia Holmes Campaign
847-323-7336
adam.didech@gmail.com

Keiana Barrett campaign sends armed investigators

door-to-door to intimidate 7th ward voters
CHICAGO, IL -- In a desperate attempt to deprive voters of the opportunity to vote for
7th Ward Alderman Natashia Holmes, the former Chief of Staff to disgraced exAlderman Sandi Jackson Keiana Barrett sent investigators armed with a badge and a gun
to intimidate 7th Ward voters. This is reminiscent of the Illinois Republican Partys
strong-arm tactics during the last election when they used armed investigators to
intimidate voters into signing affidavits recanting their petition signature
(http://chicago.suntimes.com/?p=160724).
These actions trample on the rights of 7th Ward voters. No one should
have to endure visits from armed investigators at their doorstep as a
consequence for participating in the political process. Our community
has endured intimidation tactics when trying to exercise our right to
vote for far too long for this sort of tactic to be practiced by my
opponents, said Alderman of the 7th Ward Natashia Holmes.
According to the Hearing Officers Findings and Recommendation, during the
evidentiary hearing, a private investigator employed by Barretts attorney testified that
she would go to the homes of people who signed Ald. Natashia Holmes petition, show
her badge to someone who answered the door while armed with her weapon, demand to
see identification, and have them sign an affidavit recanting their petition signature.
From Chicago Board of Elections Electoral Board Case # 15-EB-ALD-110

Follow the money

The effort to remove Ald. Holmes from the ballot, despite her having submitted more
than twice the amount of required signatures, has been led by lawyer and lobbyist
Brendan Shiller representing the objectors. Shiller is best known as former 46th Ward

Alderman Helen Shillers son, and has been in the news most recently for his lobbying
activities on behalf of VIPs Gentlemans Club billed as Chicagos only full liquor and
topless bar and Custom Strains, a proposed marijuana dispensary
(http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141003/west-loop/strip-club-owner-aims-openmedical-marijuana-dispensary-west-loop).
7th Ward Alderman candidate Keiana Barrett has paid Brendan Shillers political
consulting business Shiller Blaise Political Consulting at least $5,691.15 since 8/2/2014
(http://elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/CommitteeDetail.aspx?id=25857).

Additionally, Keiana Barrett admitted in her testimony that Shiller is her election lawyer
and that she works as a political consultant for Shiller Blaise Political Consulting. Barrett
also testified extensively with respect to her method of collecting signatures, and upon
completion of her testimony, even objectors (and Keiana Barretts) attorney Brendan
Schiller conceded and said on the record that Keiana Barrett was not a credible witness.

Today were calling on Keiana Barrett to end her campaign of intimidation and political
shenanigans. We believe that the election should be decided based on who has the best
ideas for moving the 7th ward forward, not based on who has the most politically
connected lobbyists, consultants, and armed investigators.

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