Failed Madigan Challenger Files Defamation Lawsuit
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The man who challenged Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and lost in the Democratic primary this year has filed a federal lawsuit against Madigan, accusing him of fraud and defamation.
"Madigan is not going to get away with this," Jason Gonzales said.
He got about 27 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary this past March, versus 65 percent for Madigan.
Gonzales' federal lawsuit claims Madigan led voters to believe Gonzales was a convicted felon, after former Gov. Pat Quinn pardoned him.
"I am not going to allow him to defame me in the eyes of the people of the state of Illinois, and the eyes of the people of our community. I will stand up to him, and I will continue to fight and prosecute this case," Gonzales said.
The lawsuit also alleges Madigan put up two fake candidates with "Hispanic surnames" to dilute the Latino vote.
Madigan's campaign released a statement, saying, "Jason Gonzales cannot be trusted and his lawsuit is without merit."