Former Madigan consultant whose allegations rocked political landscape forms #MeToo support group

A political consultant whose allegations of sexual harassment against a top aide to state House Speaker Mike Madigan put a harsh spotlight on the treatment of women in Illinois politics is launching her own support group for victims of “uncontrollable workplace situations.”

“Chicago Workplace Sexual Harassment | #MeToo Meetup is for anyone that has experienced sexual harassment, abuse, intimidation, or bullying in the workplace,” Alaina Hampton said in a statement. “The goal is to provide an empowering space for individuals that have fallen victim to uncontrollable workplace situations causing mental trauma and emotional distress.”

Hampton, a former political consultant to the powerful House speaker, came forward last February with allegations that another longtime Madigan aide, Kevin Quinn, harassed her with a stream of unwanted texts and phone calls in pursuit of a romantic and sexual relationship.

Madigan, who is also chairman of the state Democratic Party, initially hailed Hampton as “a courageous woman,” but was quickly forced to take a series of actions to address complaints about those in his own organization and beyond. He fired Quinn, the brother of top Madigan lieutenant Ald. Marty Quinn (13th), formed a task force of Democratic women to address harassment and the political culture in Illinois and vowed “to do more” to combat the problem.

The Southwest Side Democrat has also had to fight against a federal lawsuit Hampton filed against Madigan’s political committee and the state Democratic Party, both of which formerly employed Hampton.

In a news release, Hampton said she decided to form the support group after women reached out to her following an NPR story about her “experience with anxiety and lack of recovery options.”

The first meet-up will be held Dec. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Great Central Brewing Company, 221 N. Wood.

State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, an outspoken critic of Madigan’s handling of harassment allegations, is slated to attend to discuss “legislative actions taken over the past year to combat workplace sexual harassment,” according to the statement.