Bryant Goes on Attack
Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) has launched an ad attacking her Republican challenger’s father, who was convicted of a sex crime.
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Senate Republicans are ramping up attacks in their effort to protect Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) from a primary challenge.
Bryant is being challenged by Wesley Kash, a former local Assistant State’s Attorney and farmer, who took $300,000 in loans from his father and grandmother.
The ad, which we’re told is running on southern Illinois cable and streaming services, claims Kash voted in the 2014 Democratic primary. An on-screen graphic insinuates Kash voted for former House Speaker Michael Madigan in the primary, though Madigan’s former House district is some 285 miles from Kash’s home in Franklin County.
(Senate Republicans later clarified the spot refers to Lisa Madigan, who sought re-election as Attorney
General in 2014. Sure.)
The ad continues to say Kash took over $100,000 from a donor with “serious problems.” Considering his campaign has only reported two donors, Senate Republicans are referring to a 1995 criminal conviction of Wesley Kash’s father, Mark Kash, in Marion County in southern Illinois.
Records show Mark Kash, who also serves as Treasurer of Wesley Kash’s campaign, was charged in 1995 with felony Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child that was “unable to give knowing consent.”
The charges were later to reduced to Criminal Sexual Abuse of a child between the ages of 9 and 16. Court records show Mark Kash pled guilty and was sentenced to one year of probation. He does not appear to be on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry.
Senate Republicans have not responded to multiple inquiries about the advertising. Wesley Kash did not respond to a message from The Illinoize Tuesday.
Here is the ad: