Chicanery In the 17th District: Hamilton Chang's Opponent Daniel Biss Misappropriates Image of Beth Coulson in His Campaign Literature

We haven't had as much of a chance to pay attention to the hot race over in the the 17th Legislative District, which is a little out of our usual territory, but is notable for several reasons, not the least of which is the impressive GOP nominee, Hamilton Chang, a successul financial professional whose parents immigrated from China and really did live the American Dream. He's also very tall. ;-) Read more about Hamilton here.

The 17th District is also notable because this is State Rep. Elizabeth Coulson's district. As most of us know, Beth is retiring after a long and respected career in the Illinois General Assembly, and has heartily endorsed Chang to fill her shoes in the state legislature.

Chang is running against Danel Biss, a Democrat who ran unsuccessfully against Coulson last cycle. But that has not stopped Biss from stooping to one of the lowest dirty tricks in politics, which is the unauthorized use of another politician's likeness, with the untrue implication that such politician is a supporter. Biss has sent out a mailer with Coulson's picture on it, which use was unauthorized by Coulson, and who has denouced such false and misleading tactics, and the misappropriation of her good name and reputation.

Here's the press release from the Chang campaign giving Coulson's take on the scurrilous actions of the Democrat, Daniel Biss:

COULSON ADDRESSES BISS’ MISLEADING CAMPAIGN MAIL

Glenview, IL – Well-known, highly respected State Representative Beth Coulson is retiring after 14 years of service in the Illinois Legislature. In 2008, candidate Dan Biss ran a highly negative campaign against incumbent Representative Coulson but lost the race when he was unable to overcome the tremendous support that Coulson has garnered over the years. Biss seems to have learned from his mistakes and this year, rather than attacking Coulson, he is aligning himself with her to try to get elected.

Coulson is known for her integrity and steadfast dedication to ethical legislation and politics. It is not surprising, therefore, that she is troubled by a recent piece of campaign literature sent out by the Democratic Party of Illinois on behalf of candidate Dan Biss. The mailer prominently features a photo of Representative Coulson on each side and implies that Coulson is endorsing Dan Biss.

“I am upset by the literature and would like to set the record straight,” said Representative Coulson. “I have endorsed Hamilton Chang because Chang is the best candidate in the race. Using my name and my photo to suggest that I support Biss is unacceptable. Voters in this district are conscientious, and extremely thoughtful. I endorse Chang because I am confident that he will continue the fight to eradicate wasteful government spending, promote and create Illinois jobs and careers and improve education for the children of Illinois.”

Biss’ literature comes with two weeks before Election Day in this highly watched and contested race for Coulson’s vacancy. “I was absolutely appalled by the deceitful campaign piece I received from Biss today,” stated Jane Evans, Wilmette Resident, in an email to Hamilton Chang’s campaign office. “Representative Coulson should publicly denounce the implication that she endorses Biss.”

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Here's the offending (and offensive) mailer: