Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch late Wednesday balked at discussing the circumstances behind the ouster of state Rep. Harry Benton from the House Democratic caucus, citing a desire to “protect victims.”
In late February, Benton, a Democrat from Plainfield, was barred from House Democratic caucus meetings and stripped of his committee assignments. Since then, Welch has remained tight-lipped on any details related to the reasons for Benton’s ouster.
After being booted from his assignments, Benton didn’t appear in Springfield for some time. He has returned in recent weeks, however, casting votes as hundreds of bills have moved through the House.
Pressed by reporters in Springfield late Wednesday to explain why he wouldn’t comment on Benton’s potential resignation, Welch said “people are entitled to due process,” and that information will come out at the “proper time.”
“There is a process in place that guarantees every one of us due process, and we’re going to allow that process to play out,” Welch said. “I think part of that is not coming out and speaking to the press.
“We also have to talk about victims and what they’re entitled to. Coming out and talking to reporters about a process that’s ongoing is not the proper thing to do — and so we’re going to respect due process, we’re going to respect victims, we’re going to respect people’s rights.”
Welch said his focus Wednesday was on a constitutional amendment intended to protect voting rights and a megaprojects bill that incentivizes entities like the Bears to stay in Illinois.
Benton, who did not respond to a request for comment Thursday, voted in favor of both of those proposals.
Benton, a two-term lawmaker, is up for re-election in the 97th District this year. He breezed through a Democratic primary unopposed and now faces Republican nominee Gabby Shanahan.
When asked to comment, Shanahan did not directly address Benton, saying only, “We deserve answers, not silence.”
“Right now, the people of our district are being let down,” Shanahan said in a written statement. “I’m offering voters a better alternative: Someone who will show up and work with integrity for them.”