Pressure grows for Illinois lawmaker Harry Benton to resign after ethics investigation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Pressure is mounting on Democratic State Rep. Harry Benton to resign following an ethics investigation that found conduct described as unbecoming of an elected official, prompting calls from Illinois' governor and legislative leaders for him to step down.

Benton, now in his second term representing Plainfield and other parts of the southwest suburbs in the 97th District, has faced scrutiny since late February, when Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch said victims had come forward with complaints. Welch removed Benton from the House Democratic Caucus and stripped him of all committee assignments. The Legislative Inspector General began investigating ethical complaints against Benton during the first week of March.

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Gov. JB Pritzker said the process has taken too long but emphasized the seriousness of the findings. "Let me begin by saying that in Illinois, we demand a very high standard for people who serve in public office. I think the public demands that," he said.

Welch, who filed the complaint, received a confidential summary of the investigation Wednesday. In a statement, he said, "The Legislative Inspector General's findings reveal clear patterns of conduct by Representative Benton that are outrageous, unethical, and unbecoming of a member of the Illinois House of Representatives."

Pritzker said the report justifies calls for Benton's resignation or possible expulsion. "I think we should all take that very seriously, and certainly Representative Benton ought to take that very seriously. I do," he said.

House Republicans criticized Welch for keeping details confidential for months. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie said the situation reflects "the hypocrisy of this, the lack of accountability, the lack of transparency," adding, "Release the report, let the public know, especially his own constituents know what this outrageous behavior is."

Under state law, only the Legislative Ethics Commission can release the report, and that may not occur until midAugust due to legal timelines. Benton has not responded to requests for comment. His Republican opponent in the November election, Gabby Shanahan, said voters deserve better. "It's very disturbing that you have a sitting representative that has claims against him that he has unethical and unbecoming behavior, and that's quite frankly why I'm running, is to bring integrity and accountability back on the Springfield," she said.

Pritzker said he hopes the matter is resolved appropriately. "I would hope that justice would be done here and I have to say the Speaker doesn't call for people's resignation very often, and when he does and has the details in front of him, I trust that he is doing the right thing," he said.

If Benton does not resign, Welch would need to call a special session to remove him. Democrats would have until August 21 to place a replacement candidate on the ballot.