Will County state GOP candidates trade barbs on petition fraud allegation

The Republican primary for Illinois House District 97, which includes parts of Will County, already is becoming heated.

Two candidates, Tom McCullagh and Michelle Smith, filed to run in the Republican primary for the district, which includes much of Plainfield, parts of Shorewood and Joliet’s west side. Smith has served as the Plainfield Township clerk since 2019 and previously served on the Plainfield School District 202 Board. McCullagh is a small business owner in Shorewood and has run for local and state offices in past elections.

McCullagh announced this week he filed an objection to Smith’s petition packet, alleging he found evidence that signatures on her petition were “fraudulently obtained.” He also claimed that “circulators, including Smith, allegedly coached and/or allowed signers to fraudulently sign for other members of their households.”

“It’s disappointing when a candidate, regardless of political party, arrogantly degrades our Republic by submitting fraudulent signatures,” McCullagh said in a statement. “She needs to withdraw.”

State law requires a person sign their own signature on a petition. They cannot sign for someone.

Smith dismissed McCullagh’s claims as false.

“I don’t take moral cues from someone who does fundraisers with Rod Blagojevich,” Smith said in a statement. “Like many typical politicians, Mr. McCullagh believes voters aren’t smart enough to see through his lies. Unfortunately, he’s going to find out that childish political games won’t work and he has to actually earn their vote. These types of games are exactly what makes good people not run for office.”

In a Facebook post on her campaign page, Smith also claimed her campaign received calls about “the opposition campaign intimidating people at the door,” an apparent reference to McCullagh.

Objections to petition packets are a typical way to attempt to knock candidates off the ballot. Anyone can object to the petitions filed by candidates.

The State Officers Electoral Board meets Tuesday in Chicago and Springfield to hear objections to candidates seeking to appear on the ballot. Candidates or their representation may appear in person or via Zoom.

A judicial review of the objections could begin at the circuit court level, said a spokesman from the State Board of Elections.

McCullagh and Smith are running for the seat held by State Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, who decided not to seek reelection. Plainfield Village Trustee Harry Benton was the only candidate to file as a Democrat in the district race.

The Illinois primary election is scheduled for June 28.