Tom Cullerton Calls on Opponent to Sever Ties with IPA-Denounced Fake Newspaper

VILLA PARK, IL - Today Senator Tom Cullerton called on his opponent to sever any ties with the DuPage Policy Journal, a political mailing and website disguised as a fake newspaper. The DuPage Policy Journal is part of a new network of Illinois publications that are funded by Dan Proft's Liberty Principles PAC and associated with multiple ethics complaints.

"In order to run a transparent and legally-compliant campaign, I ask my opponent to sever any and all communications with the DuPage Policy Journal," said Cullerton. "This fake newspaper is a Super PAC's underhanded and possibly illegal attempt to mislead DuPage County residents in order to push its political agenda."

The Illinois Press Association (IPA), which represents over 450 Illinois newspapers, recently spoke out against the network of fake papers, noting "Technology has significantly lowered the barrier for entry into publishing […] making it extremely difficult to distinguish between legitimate news and political propaganda." Proft responded by saying traditional newspapers were the "actual ministers of (big government) propaganda."

The network of fake papers were also found this spring by the Illinois State Board of Elections to be in violation of the Campaign Disclosure Act for not including "paid for" attributions and in violation of Illinois law that prohibits Independent Expenditure PACs from colluding with candidates for the newspapers' interviews with candidates. Despite the Board's rulings, the fake papers continue to conduct interviews with candidates and multiple print editions of the papers, including DuPage Policy Journal, fail to list a "paid for."

"It's disrespectful to Illinois voters if Liberty Principles PAC is continuing to break the law after being admonished by the Illinois Board of Elections," said Cullerton. "These laws exist for the critical purpose of ensuring some amount of transparency in our elections. I'm particularly concerned that the DuPage Policy Journal has published seven articles with my opponent since the Board's original ruling."

Tom Cullerton is running for state senate in the 23rd Legislative District. A U.S. Army veteran, father, and public servant, Tom is a strong advocate for middle-class families and responsible government. He has spearheaded and passed bipartisan legislation to increase fiscal responsibility, make college more affordable, invest in small businesses, and protect veterans.