* Click here for some background if you need it. Rep. Kelly Cassidy…
“I have spent the week since the initial Tribune reporting was published listening, asking questions, and reading to make sure I have a full understanding of the complex issues at play. As a member of the Legislative Ethics Commission, I also reserved public comment on some of these matters out of respect for the integrity of the process. We have now voted, and we know that the Legislative Inspector General report is to be released in the coming days. Out of deference to that process, I am waiting for that public release before speaking further to both the cultural and policy problems surfaced by this situation. For the moment, I will just say that the allegations against Speaker Welch are deeply concerning, and to this point, have not been adequately explained. I plan to speak fully to the conduct of Speaker Welch, Rep. Benton, and our broken system, and I won’t stop until Springfield is a safe place for every one of us.”
- Dotnonymous x - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 2:50 pm:
When something is broken beyond repair…what then?
- Billy the Kid - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 2:59 pm:
Thank you, Rep. Cassidy, for speaking up forcefully and respectfully on this delicate and important issue. All women, regardless of legislative rank, must be respected.
This issue is not about race as the BC may want to view it. This is not about socioeconomic status or gender either.
I recall you voting present, due to your concerns, when voting for Mr. Welch as speaker. My grandma would say you can hide your traits or flaws temporarily, but sooner or later they will come out in the open — and just did.
Mr. Welch has a well-documented involvement with law enforcement and a previous record, which is alarming. And should no longer serve in the speakership role.
- Candy Dogood - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 3:00 pm:
Thank you for speaking out, Representative Cassidy. Looking forward to your full remarks and glad you decided to release them at a better time in the news cycle.
- SAP - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 3:07 pm:
Appreciate the deference to the LEC process. Look forward to hearing your comments once you can speak freely.
- SpiDem - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 3:07 pm:
I’m still waiting for a statement from Fred Crespo;-)
- 4 percent - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 3:20 pm:
The women’s caucus and Democrats in general outside of a very small handful have been hiding. They would be outraged if it happened to the other side of the aisle (same as GOP attacking Dems now). Both sided try and weaponize instead of addressing the real issues.
- Tammy - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 3:39 pm:
Always found it surprising that so many members of the women’s caucus went from “zero tolerance” and #believewomen to quickly dismissing accusations against Welch and voting for him for speaker in ‘21. Cassidy was the one hold out. She has a lot of credibility on this.
- Bagger Vance - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 4:05 pm:
I look forward to the request for the list of Welch’s meetings at Gibson’s.
According to the State Board of Elections, prior to 2023, Welch’s campaign committee only picked up the tab for two meetings at Gibsons, and those were with “candidates.”
Since then, he’s dined there four times on the campaign’s dime, but those were reported as “meals.”
So many questions.
- FIREDup! - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 4:06 pm:
Thank you, Rep. Cassidy. Always willing to stick your neck. Much respect.
- Just a guy - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 4:08 pm:
I applaud Rep. Cassidy. As others have said, she had concerns when Welch was voted in, and unfortunately, it seems that those concerns have been validated. At some point, I hope those elected to serve the people of Illinois will also realize some of those people are the ones they work with in our government. And the laws and rules that apply to us in the private sector also apply to them.
- Sue - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 4:13 pm:
From my vantage point everything the Governor has been doing for months is focused on his belief he has a shot at 2028 so he has no choice other then to throw Welch to the wolves- having someone this close to JB being questioned about overlooking sexual harassment is not going to play well in debates- Welch is going to have to have a better explanation or he is going to lose JB’s support- politics as they say ain’t beanbag
- Just Another Anon - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 4:29 pm:
@ 4 percent
I think Jim Durkin’s quick and through condemnation and demand that Long and Sauer resign back in 2018/19 would indicate that one side of the aisle did the right thing even when it cost them a competitive seat. Welch had that same opportunity but chose politics over doing the right thing.
That said Sue has the right idea, but I think this is also a tactic to lever Welch out of the speaker spot and put someone in who is more capable. These last sessions have shown that the House is a mess and Welch can’t get a caucus in line even if (or unless) his life depended on it. I firmly believe the House could mess up a one car funeral at this point. It may be time to bring in someone who can get the ducks lined up and make the trains (and session) run on time.
- Lord of the Fries - Friday, Jul 24, 26 @ 4:30 pm:
Good for her. Things are tepid now, but I believe that is because Welch controls the purse strings.
Which is fine I wouldn’t expect them to throw him under the bus now.. I expect things will heat up for Welch after the election and someone steps forward to challenge him for the speakership.