By Katherine Murphy
SPRINGFIELD– A belligerent and allegedly drunk aide to U.S. Rep Rodney Davis found himself in jail Thursday morning and out of a job by Thursday afternoon.
Levi Lovell, field director for Davis , was caught by an onlookers phone as he harasses Davis’s Democratic opponent, Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, and her husband at a campaign fundraiser.
The former aide was eventually asked to leave and then staff forcibly removed him the establishment
Davis’ office issued a statement this afternoon saying as soon as the congressman was made aware of the incident, Lovell’s employment was immediately terminated.
We reached out to Londrigan’s office and received the following responses:
Betsy Dirksen Londrigan:
“I’m relieved that my family, staff, and supporters are all ok and that this incident didn’t escalate even further. I am disturbed that someone would show up to an event and try to harass and intimidate me and my family, but he is sorely mistaken if he thinks that it is going to slow me down one bit. Nasty, divisive politics do nothing for our community. I will continue to hold public town halls, campaign with civility, and show this office and voters the respect they deserve.”
Emma Brown, campaign manager:
“It’s clear that Rodney Davis is worried about his re-election, but that is no excuse for his staff’s actions. Rodney needs to answer very clearly whether he or his campaign were aware of what this young man planned to do or even directed him to attend the event and try to intimidate Betsy, her family, and her supporters.”
Katherine can be reached at [email protected]
