South Cook News

To show solidarity with the national #TimesUp movement, Democratic candidate Mary Carvlin is calling on state Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island) to step aside in the upcoming Democratic primary in the 28th House District. 

“#TimesUp for state Rep. Bob Rita. #TimesUp for any elected official who thinks it's politics as usual. It's time to roll up our sleeves and get some work done,” Carvlin tweeted.

The tweet featured a press release from Carvlin citing that Rita needs to step down due to his reportedly barbarous past. 

Rep. Bob Rita

“State Rep. Bob Rita has not been held accountable in the way that he should have been initially when he was charged with criminal trespass and domestic battery,” Carvlin told South Cook News. 

Rita, an ally of House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) in the Legislature, had faced charges of hitting an ex-girlfriend named Elizabeth Miller. A jury acquitted Rita; however, the judge ordered a two-year-long protection order against him. 

“Anecdotally, people have reached out to me with other stories of his intimidation tactics, and he bullies people politically,” Carvlin said. “The question is how has he remained in office for 16 years. He has been largely unopposed his entire tenure, he has complete backing of Madigan, he doesn’t have to work, he is a lieutenant for Madigan – brings in the votes, and he collects big union donations through promises of building casinos.”

Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass mentioned that Rita is more of a problem than an asset for Madigan’s political machine in light of the accusations. 

In response, Carvlin has taken issue with Rita’s problematic past. 

“Bob Rita was accused of misdemeanor criminal trespass and domestic battery," she said. "Additionally, he was charged with bribery and had a felony DUI, which was ‘expunged.’” 

Carvlin also indicated that Rita has served as a political enforcer – a ‘bodyguard’ in her words – for former Cook County Sheriff Michael Sheahan.