* 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;-)
- 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.