State Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, a career attorney and certified administrative hearing officer, will lead the Qualifications Challenge Committee tasked with evaluating complaints against the appointment process of state Rep. Eva Dina Delgado. Welch released the following statement Tuesday:

“As a practicing attorney for more than 20 years and a certified administrative hearing officer trained to serve in a quasi-judicial role, I’ve dedicated my career to the pursuit of justice – and that same pursuit will guide the work of this committee. Just as in a court of law, our committee will pursue a fair process that reviews the complaints about the appointment process free of politics and outside influence.

“This process and these proceedings will be driven by the House rules, state statutes, the Illinois Constitution, the U.S. Constitution, and precedent – not by partisan politics.”

“It’s no secret that in recent months, bad actors in government have publicly marred the efforts of all legislators who serve with integrity. Restoring trust and confidence in our General Assembly demands we recommit ourselves to our fundamental belief in fairness and justice for all, free of bias or partisan influence.

“The committee will meet on Tuesday, February 25, at which time we will establish the rules and process for moving forward. Reviewing precedent and the House Rules, we know that this must be an expeditious process but also an equitable process that logically evaluates the complaints in the context of the existing rules and laws. All sides involved, as well as the people of our state, can know this committee will be fair, impartial and committed to a just and proper outcome.”

Since they’re not meeting until next week for an organizational meeting, they’ll have just nine calendar days to get this to the floor before the House adjourns for the spring primary. It could happen, but I’m not sure I’ll hold my breath.

…Adding… Rep. Welch tells me the other Democrats on the committee are Reps. Kelly Burke, John Connor, Fred Crespo and LaToya Greenwood.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…

Below is the statement of Nidia Carranza, Democratic candidate for Illinois’ 3rd District, on today’s announcement of a Qualifications Challenge Committee to investigate the appointment of corporate lobbyist Eva-Dina Delgado to the seat formerly held by indicted State Rep. Luis Arroyo.

“I applaud today’s creation of a committee to investigate the appointment of corporate lobbyist Eva-Dina Delgado to the seat formerly held by indicted State Rep. Luis Arroyo.

“From the outset, I denounced the appointment process as rigged and corrupt–exactly the opposite of what the working people of the 3rd District deserve. The appointment allowed the allies of Luis Arroyo, who has been charged with bribery in federal court, to hand-pick his successor.

“My opponent was not only silent about the obvious ethical concerns surrounding this process, but put her own ambitions ahead of the good of the 3rd District to accept the position. Enough is enough. We don’t need another lobbyist engaging in pay-to-play politics in Springfield. Fortunately, the voters will have their say on March 17.”

*** UPDATE 2 *** House GOP…

The following members will serve on the Qualifications Challenge Committee:

Patrick Windhorst
Avery Bourne
John Cabello
Blaine Wilhour