State Rep Candidate Jailed on Domestic Charge Speaks Out
In a statement released Thursday, Democratic candidate Natalie Manley spoke of her love for the daughter she was charged with battering.
The democratic candidate jailed two weeks ago for allegedly battering her 21-year-old daughter spoke of her love for the young woman in a statement released Thursday evening.
"I love my daughter and that will never change," candidate Natalie Manley said in the press release. "I look forward to the time when I can speak freely about the issues I am facing and appreciate the outpouring of support from so many people."
Manley, 50, a Joliet accountant and candidate in the 98th District race, was arrested at her Ingalls Avenue home and taken to the Will County jail after she allegedly battered her daughter.
Police said Manley “punched" her daughter, and also "kicked, knocked her to the ground, struck her in the face (and) hit her with a set of keys.”
Manley's camp issued a statement after the incident that said the arrest was sparked by a dispute between Manley and her daughter, who arrived to the apartment "after curfew and intoxicated." The statement went on to say an argument over the 21-year-old's behavior ensued.
The adult daughter lived with Manley at the time of the incident.
A special prosecutor has been assigned to Manley's case. She is scheduled to return to court June 4.
“As a single-parent I can tell you it has not always been easy but every family has its share of struggles," Manley said in the statement. "Family issues do not alter or change the bonds between parent and child."
Manley, who ran uncontested in the March 20 primary, is set to face Republican challenger Bob Kalnicky in the November election. Under new legislative maps approved last year, the 98th House District includes portions of Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield and Crest Hill.
The Thursday evening press release also "announced the launch of her new campaign website, NatalieManley98.com, which will go live" Friday morning.
"The launch of the new site will contain future event information, pictures and comments from previous events, information on how to support Natalie, and all social media links," the release said.
Jeff Gregory
7:33 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Natalie -- you are an amazing person...and I wish you the best of luck in your campaign.
Flora Dora
7:38 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
I wonder what the mother has to put up with.... Young adult children can push you to the edge.
Christopher Michael
7:41 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
We all face our daily challenges. How we handle those situations is what separates us. Domestic violence as well as any type of violence, is never the right solution.
Bonnie Ciolkosz-Gray
9:16 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
domestic violance is never the answer but these kids think they can do what they want. Be strong you only wanted her to follow the rules and be respectful. hopefully she wakes up and grows up.
Lisa S.
9:52 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
At 21 years old...her daughter is not a kid.
Mike Keniley
10:41 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
One thing we all need to remember: elections are a moment in time...FAMILIES and all the issues surrounding the relationships are FOREVER! This will pass. I wish Natalie the best of luck as she moves forward with her life and as the best candidate to represent the 98th District!
Jeffrey Boetto
7:31 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Natalie is a hard working woman, who would do her best to represent the 98th House District. For those who have struggled with children or step-children who have made bad choices, I understand her frustration. When a loving parent is desperate to help steer their children in the right direction, no matter their age, this is a deeply frustrating and personal matter for them. Before you judge someone in the court of public opinion before walking in their shoes, you should speak with families that have struggled with these situations. I am not condoning violence, and I think that anyone who has been involved in a situation at 2am with alcohol or drugs knows that situations can escalate rather quickly and heated unfortunately. Our children are always our children, no matter their age. That respect needs to be there on both sides. I believe when this situation is legally allowed, a different light may be shown on the matter, just as I’m sure at 10 am the next morning it was as well.
Mike Keniley
10:13 am on Sunday, May 27, 2012
Well said Jeff!