The role of the state’s top watchdog of the Springfield legislature, the Legislative Inspector General, will soon be vacant, according to an announcement made Tuesday.
In the announcement, it was made apparent former judge Michael McCuskey wouldn’t serve the remainder of his appointed term as inspector.
According to a press release from the Legislative Ethics Commission, a committee made up of two lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and both chambers in Springfield, they were informed Aug. 31 of an upcoming vacancy in the watchdog role, which they now seek to fill.
The duty of the LIG is to investigate complaints regarding state lawmakers and other employees in the legislative branch, specifically as it relates to ethics violations like restricted political activity, sexual harassment, and fraud.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker was asked Tuesday before the announcement if McCuskey should resign.
The 78-year-old McCuskey, who has faced backlash over his handling of multiple ethics complaints in recent weeks, voluntarily stepped down from the role, as he confirmed his resignation effective Sept. 30.
An unnamed lobbyist that accused former state Rep. Harry Benton complained in a letter to the LEC that McCuskey violated her right to anonymity during his investigation.
State Rep. Mary Beth Canty said in a post on X that McCuskey “lacks the temperament and approach” to be LIG, and she called on him to either resign or for the LEC to remove him.
Canty said in a statement Tuesday that while McCuskey’s resignation was significant, “the work is not finished” in creating a stronger system to help victims of lawmakers and impose reforms.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
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