After one state lawmaker resigned last week following the conclusion of an investigation into claims of sexual harassment and another was federally indicted Tuesday, Republican state lawmakers are calling for a stronger response from House leadership.
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch told members of the media he thinks the federal wire fraud and witness tampering charges brought against Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Champaign, are serious and worth further investigation by the legislature.
Welch said he takes the charges against Ammons seriously, but also believes in the representative’s right to due process, which is why he hasn’t called for her to resign.
Across the aisle, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie disagreed with Welch during a press conference Thursday.
Welch previously said that members have complained about processes moving too slowly since he became speaker. He defended himself and said the reason for slow movement is because as the leader, he seeks to follow the rules in place.
McCombie agreed when asked if an investigation should take place over the conduct of Ammons at the state level. Welch said the matter was for the attorney general’s office to decide.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
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