Nicolosi raps Prorok’s ad as violation of election code

5 comments January 16th, 2008

Winnebago County State’s Attorney Phil Nicolosi is crying foul over Chuck Prorok’s campaign ad. The two men face off Feb. 5 in the GOP primary.

Prorok’s ad has scenes that show him in a courtroom. Nicolosi’s campaign says that’s a violation of the state election code, which forbids public funds to be spent to advance candidates.

Prorok’s campaign said that several judges have also shot campaign commercials in courtrooms. He doesn’t seem inclined pull his ad.

I’m not clear about what public funds are used when a candidate tapes a commercial in a courtroom that is unoccupied. I’m asking the Election Board for an opinion.

Come to think of it, I’ve also seen commercials where lawyers have taped commercials in courtrooms. I don’t mind ‘em doing it, but the county ought to make money by charging them for the privilege.