Berrios Fights Ethics Rules Restricting Cash From Tax Lawyers

CHICAGO — Lawyers for Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios asked a judge Wednesday to invalidate ethics rules that restrict campaign contributions to elected officials and candidates. Berrios wants to keep collecting cash from property tax appeals lawyers who have business with his office. Such attorneys have provided the assessor, who is also the head of the Cook County Democratic Party, with more than $276,000 since October, the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois reported.

The county's ethics board decided last month to fine Berrios $41,000 for failing to give back contributions of property tax lawyers who gave him more than the legal limit. His lawyers argue election rules can only be set by the state legislature. Berrios is competing in the March 20 primary for a shot at his third term as assessor.

» Read more from the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois

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