Is Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson trying to bribe constituents into voting for him after he handed out a ton of money to churchgoers at New Covenant Missionary Baptist? That’s the pressing question many are asking after Wilson came under fire for giving out a couple hundred grand on Sunday.
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In his defense, Wilson said, “I think people try to make political hay out of it because they don’t got nothing else on me.”
Many are saying that Wilson is trying to buy people’s vote but Wilson, reports the Chicago Sun-Times, shot back saying “There’s no truth to that at all.”
On Facebook, Wilson promoted the event as “one of the biggest property tax relief assistance” events of the year saying it would be “giving away $300,000 to struggling homeowners.” Wilson admits he gave away more than $200,000 in checks and cash. HE said he brings cash for those who don’t have bank accounts.
It’s “a normal thing for me,” he said.
“We’ve been paying people’s property taxes for years.”
Republican state Rep. David McSweeney tweeted the question: “How can Willie Wilson, a candidate for Mayor of Chicago, literally hand out CASH at a public event? This is so wrong!”
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, office confirmed that he too was in attendance but admitted no wrongdoing by Wilson.
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“Gov. Rauner attended a Sunday service at the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church as a guest of Rev. Stephen Thurston,” Will Allison, a spokesman for Rauner’s campaign, said.
“The governor has attended Sunday services at different churches across Illinois since he first ran for office, and other elected officials and community leaders are often present.”
Even without ID, he doesn’t turn anyone away.
“I keep money on me just to give it out,” Wilson said. “We don’t turn them down. We give what we can give them.”
Just call him, Big Willy!