Ex-Bianchi assistant defends actions

The former assistant McHenry County state's attorney whose complaint prompted an Illinois Attorney General inquiry into her ex-boss' spending said Saturday she stands by her allegations, despite state authorities saying Friday there is no basis for a criminal investigation.

Kristen Foley, now a lawyer for the city of Naperville, said in a written statement she believes the attorney general decision does not mean State's Attorney Louis Bianchi should be in the clear over claims he spent county money for political purposes.

"Simply because one law enforcement agency chooses not to investigate a crime does not mean that a violation of the law did not occur," Foley wrote.

Foley, who resigned from the office in 2005, sent a complaint to the state in October asking it to investigate whether Bianchi violated the law by using county funds to pay for parade candy, tickets to fundraising events, meals and other expenses she believed were inappropriate.

Bianchi, who has said he feels vindicated by the attorney general's decision, on Saturday called Foley's actions part of a smear campaign by supporters of Dan Regna, his opponent in next month's Republican primary.

"I think people are getting tired of it," he said. "Apparently they have nothing positive to run on."

Regna confirmed that Foley is supporting his election bid, but said she was not a campaign official. However, sources said Saturday Foley circulated nominating petitions on Regna's behalf in the fall to get him a spot on the Feb. 5 primary ballot.

Foley declined further comment Saturday.