* Click here for some background. House Speaker Chris Welch…

“Our office received reports concerning the conduct of a member of the Illinois House. Upon receiving those reports, I immediately notified the House Chief Ethics Officer. Allegations of misconduct are taken with the utmost seriousness, and I am grateful to those who came forward and trusted our office to listen, support them, and ensure their concerns were handled appropriately.

Consistent with best practices and at my request, the Chief Ethics Officer referred the matter to the Legislative Inspector General to conduct a thorough, fair, and independent investigation.

That investigation is now complete. Throughout this process, my office intentionally refrained from commenting publicly to protect the privacy of those who came forward, preserve the integrity of the investigation, respect due process, and comply with the guidance and legal requirements established in our ethics procedures.

The Legislative Inspector General’s findings reveal clear patterns of conduct by Representative Benton that are outrageous, unethical, and unbecoming of a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. At my direction, Representative Benton had already been removed from the House Democratic Caucus and stripped of all support from the Speaker’s Office. Effective immediately, and at the recommendation of the Inspector General, those actions will remain in place permanently.

Today, I spoke directly with Representative Benton and called for his immediate resignation from the Illinois House of Representatives. If he does not resign, we will initiate the process of expelling him from the House.”

…Adding… Rep. Benton’s Republican opponent Gabby Shanahan…

At a time when our families need fresh leadership, I’m running to bring honesty and integrity back our district.

For too long, families have watched prices rise, taxes increase, and their faith in government erode because of dishonest politicians and dishonest politics.

This November, voters have a better choice: more of the same, or a new generation of leadership built on integrity, accountability, and service. I’ll always be honest. I’ll always put the people of this district first. And I’ll show up every single day to work for lower taxes, safer communities, and a government worthy of your trust.

Notice she didn’t call for Benton to resign or drop out of the race.

…Adding… The House Republican Organization…

“Harry Benton is a disgrace. One way or another, he won’t be a state representative come January. He can leave through the front door, or the voters can throw him out in November.”