Chicago Alderman Bernard Stone today defended his reputation while a political underling is under investigation. This week, prosecutors charged Stone’s ward superintendent with absentee ballot fraud. The charges stem from Stone’s aldermanic re-election bid last Spring. Today, Stone said his political enemies instigated the probe.

STONE: The motivation is to…obviously caste some shadow of doubt on my reputation, and some shadow of suspicion upon my ward organization.

Alderman Stone claims a political director for Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky solicited reports of voter fraud last year. Schakowksy’s aid denies that. Right now, Alderman Stone is fighting to retain his Democratic Committeeman’s seat. Schakowsky is backing Stone’s opponent.