Quinn Adviser Fined by Executive Ethics Commission

A senior adviser to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has been fined $500 for sending a political email from a state telephone.

The Executive Ethics Commission released a ruling on Jerry Stermer on Monday.

Stermer was the Democratic governor's chief of staff in January 2010 when he reported that he'd sent the questionable emails the previous month.

The commission determined one email from his state phone was to campaign staffers. The other two were sent from a private computer on a Sunday.

The commission noted Stermer held a high position in government and should be an example, but that he admitted and self-reported the violations.

Stermer resigned in August 2010 but was rehired in December as a senior adviser.

Quinn's office hasn't immediately responded to a request for comment.

(AP Photo/Seth Perlman)