* Background is here if you need it. House Speaker Chris Welch…
“The allegations in this indictment are extremely serious. Every person under our system of justice is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process. The U.S. Attorney will lay out evidence in court, where Representative Ammons will have the chance to defend herself against the allegations.
“In the interest of upholding the integrity of the House and ensuring we can continue our important work without distraction, I am taking the following actions immediately while this case is pending: I am temporarily removing Representative Ammons from any and all House Democratic Caucus meetings, from all House committees, and from accessing Speaker’s Office staff and resources. Additionally, I directed my staff to review the budget to determine whether any funds need to be paused or reconsidered.”
…Adding… Gov. JB Pritzker’s office…
“Governor Pritzker believes all elected officials need to be held to the highest standards of integrity and ethics. While everyone is entitled to due process in a court of law, the information outlined in the indictment is extremely concerning and needs to be taken very seriously to ensure elected officials are accountable to the people they represent. As the indictment notes, the State of Illinois had identified and took steps to stop an impermissible conflict of interest with a state grant. The Governor’s Office will review all the other grants listed in the indictment to ensure we are taking all steps possible to protect taxpayer dollars.”
- SpiDem - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 1:12 pm:
Apparently, calls for resignation and threats of expulsion only apply if the Speaker is in receipt of secret information
- Backseat driving - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 1:28 pm:
How many members have been kicked out of the House Democratic caucus or House Republican caucus over the past few cycles? It’s almost comical how many people the leaders have expelled from their ranks.
- short stuff are beans tall stuff is corn - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 1:38 pm:
- Sofunny - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 1:32 pm:
I mean she stole a purse from goodwill. Everyone saw this coming
Carle Hospital Thrift store. Not Goodwill
- About Time - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 2:10 pm:
The responsible choice for Rep. Ammons and Clerk Ammons now is to step aside so they can focus on the charges. One would hope they would want their constituencies to move into the upcoming election with leadership that isn’t mired in controversy.
- Jibba - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 2:16 pm:
They should resign but I have no expectation that is coming.
- It's always Sunny in Illinois - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 2:25 pm:
Recent quote from our Governor
“Let me begin by saying that in Illinois, we demand a very high standard for people who serve in public
- Leap Day William - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 2:31 pm:
== The responsible choice for Rep. Ammons and Clerk Ammons now is to step aside so they can focus on the charges. One would hope they would want their constituencies to move into the upcoming election with leadership that isn’t mired in controversy. ==
Neither will do that, even though they should.
Aaron is up for election this time around against Alan Anderson, they guy that unsuccessfully ran in 2024 for auditor against George Danos (who was also plagued with scandal, albeit not one with an actual indictment). I’m going to guess that Aaron thinks he can survive this is George was able to win election for an office that was also being considered for elimination on the same ballot. Carol doesn’t have a competitor and has spent a lot of capital scaring off any internal challenger.
They’re both a drag on the CCDems at this point. If the party wasn’t engaged very public internal bickering like children, partially thanks to Chair Ingram’s interest in being a minor internet celebrity instead of leading the party, they could actually do something here instead of just assuming the county will continue to vote for whatever candidates they put up. Banking on the anti-Trump wave to carry these two candidates to victory will only last so long.
- Annon'in - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 3:13 pm:
Gotta love the GOPies calling for people to resign when their leader TACO has been found guilty of multiple acts if illegality and continues to plow throw law like a combine set on high speed. Very funny
- About Time - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 3:22 pm:
== If the party wasn’t engaged very public internal bickering like children, partially thanks to Chair Ingram’s interest in being a minor internet celebrity instead of leading the party==
CCDems leadership changed after the primary. DeShawn Williams, the Mayor of Urbana, is now chair.
- state worker - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 3:26 pm:
It is certainly very sad to hear about this. The feds have the time, patience, and know-how to produce indictments.
I have learned to withhold judgement, or even refrain from risking an opinion, until the end of the process.
- low level - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 3:47 pm:
==Apparently, calls for resignation and threats of expulsion only apply if the Speaker is in receipt of secret information==
Burn… lol. Arent you precious?
The truth of the matter is the Speaker acted responsibly and within reason given what is known. As state worker noted above, I have learned to withhold judgement until the very end, especially with this DoJ.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Jul 8, 26 @ 8:57 pm:
yep, presumption of innocence but keep away from details. hate when my side gets a poster child the opposition can use.