Hannon Denies Allegations He Lied About Churches' Endorsements

Although area churches recently welcomed into their sanctuaries, one pastor said this week the gesture was not a show of support for his campaign.

Hannon said he thought two Matteson churches — Victory Apostolic Church and New Faith Baptist Church — were standing behind him in the race for the 19th District nomination.

Hannon's website listed both pastors as supporters on Wednesday. As of Friday morning, only New Faith Baptist Church pastor Trunell Felder was included. Felder did not return a voice mail message Thursday.

Andrew Singleton, pastor of Victory Apostolic Church, told Patch he neither endorses nor supports Hannon. He said that if it really came down to it, he'd favor Hannon's foe, Michael Hastings.

"Here's the thing. … Our church is right off (Interstate) 57. It's a large church so we attract a lot of politicians. Over the last month and a half, I've probably had 20-plus (politicians) visit us. (Hannon) may have come. I may have had him stand up and I may have recognized him," Singleton said. "But that's not support."

 alleged in a news release Wednesday that Hannon falsified endorsements from the two churches.

Hastings called the reported act "a shame" and noted that, "We expect elected officials to act above reproach when dealing with matters as delicate as the church," according to his news release.

But Hannon insisted he never listed the two organizations as endorsers.

"We've visited nine or 10 churches," he said. "These particular churches, we were invited to go to. Both pastors allowed us in, escorted us to the front row and let us pass out campaign literature. We never considered the churches as endorsements but we considered it support."

Hannon called the accusation a "non-issue" Thursday and was careful to specify that he used the word "support" in his campaign literature and not the word "endorse."

His website states, “Greg is endorsed or supported by numerous government officials, a significant portion of labor unions on the South Side, multiple clergymen, media and other leaders across Illinois."

"This was based on the way we were welcomed into these churches and the greetings we received," he said. "We used the terms "endorsements (or) support when we listed them. We never considered the churches as formal endorsements."

Singleton said he doesn't appreciate any political candidates assuming he's supporting them by doing what he does for all—opening the doors to his place of worship.

"He passed out literature. That's not support," he said. "If his opponent were to come, I'd let him in too. This is a church, not a political organization. Of course I welcome candidates."

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