Illinois House speaker staying mum on Plainfield lawmaker ousted from Democratic caucus

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.”

See the full story at chicago.suntimes.com.