SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The sexual harassment scandal at the Capitol has apparently claimed another casualty: Legislative Inspector General Mike McCuskey (pictured).

This follows accusations that McCuskey behaved unprofessionally and was not helpful toward women complaining of sexual harassment. The flashpoint of this has been harassment allegations against now former State Rep. Harry Benton – and that House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) sat on those allegations for three years before doing anything.

Among other things, McCuskey is accused of breaching confidentiality with complainants and inaccuracy in reporting, all while stressing that as a retired state and federal judge, nobody has questioned his integrity.

News of McCuskey’s departure – it has not come out whether he jumped or was pushed – came via an e-mail from the Legislative Ethics Commission announcing the vacancy in that position. The commission’s chairman, State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore), told Capitol City Now via text message that there will be no comment beyond the news release.

Within an hour of the commission’s announcement of the vacancy, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) issued a news release of her own:

“This is an opportunity to strengthen the office of the LIG, to fix the culture of harassment apparent within the House majority, and update Illinois’ ethics laws.

“As the internal watchdog of the legislative branch, the LIG must have the tools and authority to be effective. The legislature should move quickly to strengthen anti-corruption safeguards and increase the jurisdiction and authority of the office of the LIG. House Republicans have legislation ready that should be taken up during the veto session.

“Additionally, there must be a thorough search and transparent vetting process for the next inspector general, as outlined in state law.”