(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois House Republicans are using the resignation of legislative inspector general Mike McCuskey (pictured) to call for stronger ethics – and to blame supermajority Democrats.
State Rep Travis Weaver (R-Peoria) points to the leader of the Illinois House, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside).
“I think that we need to remember that all of this sits at the feet of the speaker,” said Weaver during an online news conference Wednesday. “The LIG didn’t make the speaker spend $1.4 million to get (now former State Rep.) Harry Benton re-elected after those scandals were brought forward to the speaker. The LIG did not make the speaker continue to prop up Rep. (Amy “Murri”) Briel (D-Ottawa) despite what we’ve heard from those scandals. We need to empower the LIG to do a good job, but it’s time for change from the speaker’s office.”
Not only were there multiple complaints about Benton, but Welch gave him that campaign cash even after learning of the allegations – and reportedly concealing them – three years ago. Briel is accused of sexual harassment of at least one employee.
