State representative accused of sexual harassment could be expelled if he doesn’t quit, speaker warns

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch has finally broken his silence on the issue surrounding Rep. Harry Benton, calling for the Plainfield Democrat to resign or face expulsion. This comes after Benton was removed from the Democratic caucus and stripped of his committee assignments with no explanation several months ago. Allegations of sexual harassment were later confirmed, prompting the matter to be referred to the Legislative Inspector General’s office.

In a statement, Welch expressed outrage at the patterns of conduct revealed by the Legislative Inspector General’s findings, deeming Benton’s actions as unethical and unbecoming of a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. Despite Benton’s silence on the matter, Welch has given him 20 days to respond to the LIG’s findings in writing.

The situation surrounding Benton has been shrouded in mystery, with little information provided to his colleagues, constituents, and the public. Welch cited privacy concerns, due process, and adherence to ethics procedures as reasons for withholding details of the investigation.

If Benton chooses to resign or withdraw from the November ballot, the Democratic Party chairs in Kendall and Will counties would select a replacement. Expulsion would require a two-thirds vote of the full House, with Democrats holding a majority. The last expulsion from the House occurred in 2012, involving a bribery scandal.

Welch’s firm stance on Benton is not unprecedented, as he has previously taken action against members of his own party for misconduct. Former Rep. Mary Flowers and Rep. Fred Crespo faced consequences for their actions, highlighting Welch’s commitment to upholding ethical standards within the House.

As the House is not scheduled to reconvene until November, the fate of Rep. Harry Benton remains uncertain. Whether he chooses to resign, face expulsion, or seek reelection, the impact of these events on Illinois politics is yet to be seen. The ongoing saga serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity in public office.