Kay to Hoffman: Cut Ties With Lakin Law Firm

State Representative Candidate Dwight Kay is calling on his opponent to cut ties to the Lakin Law Firm, several days after the namesake of the firm pled guilty in federal court.  Tom Lakin’s guilty plea Wednesday in Judge Gilbert’s courtroom is nearly one year after another former Lakin principal, Gary Peel, was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years.

“It’s more than just the fact that Tom Lakin and Gary Peel now have the word ‘guilty’ permanently attached to their legacies, but the fact that Mr. Hoffman continues a financial relationship with a special interest firm - a personal injury and class action law firm - while serving on the House Judiciary Committee is an unconscionable conflict of interest,” said Kay.  “Especially after last week’s recent guilty plea, now is the time for State Representative Jay Hoffman to sever ties with the firm and choose his constituents over his paycheck.”

Hoffman, who is only a part-time legislator, has never disclosed his salary or duties with the Lakin Law Firm, the firm he had joined by 2003, despite calls to do so in 2006.  Meanwhile, Hoffman continually makes votes as a member of the House Judiciary Committee on issues effecting the outcome of litigation for the clients of the Lakin firm and the citizens and businesses they sue.”

“Mr. Hoffman continues to represent the Lakin Law Firm and Governor Blagojevich, when his full-time job SHOULD be representing the constituents of the 112^th District,” said Kay.  “Even worse, lawsuits, investigations and convictions seem to follow many of Mr. Hoffman’s political allies.”

Kay said Hoffman showed again this week why he is incapable of continuing to represent his constituents in Springfield, voting against a veto override of the bipartisan comprehensive ethics reform bill.  Hoffman was one of only three “no” votes, compared to 110 “yes” votes.

“Voters should fire Mr. Hoffman for his refusal to support this ethics legislation,” Kay said.

Kay said the Lakin Law Firm has been the leader of a very special interest niche of law, fueled and funded by fees from class action lawsuits, that has brought disgrace to our region and court system.  Kay says it’s insulting to his constituents that Mr. Hoffman continues to take money from the Lakin Law Firm while serving as State Representative.

“Ethics are a real problem for Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Blagojevich,” said Kay.  “They take votes and make decisions based on their personal paychecks and campaign account balances, rather than their constituents’ views.  Worse, they’ve become obstructionists for finding a new way in Springfield.”