A southern Illinois judge has ruled a seven-year-old workplace retaliation lawsuit against Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Duckworth will go to trial.
Union County Judge Mark Boie set a tentative trial date of August, which means the case will remain a campaign issue ahead of the November election.
Boie also rejected an effort by government lawyers to dismiss the case, which stems from Duckworth's time as head of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
The state argued that Duckworth's efforts to fire 22-year state employee Christine Butler from her administrative job at the Illinois Veteran's home in Anna were based solely on "insubordination." Duckworth reversed that decision after being told that she first had to follow written disciplinary procedures and instead issued a reprimand with a paid suspension against Butler.
Human resources secretary Denise Goins alleges that her complaints about her boss were ignored and led to an unfavorable performance review that prevented her from receiving a raise. Goins says Duckworth urged her to "do your job and keep your mouth shut."
Goins and Butler, who both continue to work at a veterans home, also say they were punished for speaking out after Patricia Simms, the acting administrator, allowed unauthorized people to care for a resident. The two state workers are seeking compensation of at least $50,000, as well as other financial penalties.
Illinois Republicans have highlighted the lawsuit, seeking to thwart Duckworth's bid against Sen. Mark Kirk, a first-term moderate in a Democratic-leaning state. Kirk is considered one of the most vulnerable Republican senators.
