A Republican candidate for the Illinois House has dropped out of the race following accusations that he was “grooming” a juvenile.
Police in the village of Channahon began investigating after the youth’s parents discovered a bottle of vodka, which the juvenile said had been a gift from House candidate Tom McCullagh. McCullagh had met the youth at a festival last summer and had spent considerable time with them on a golf cart at that festival. No charges were filed because the juvenile’s family declined to prosecute.
An attorney for McCullagh says the charges are coming to light now as part of a “smear campaign,” but McCullagh has nonetheless asked to have his name taken off the 97th House District primary ballot.
