Pritzker Avoids Welch Controversy But Calls for Ethics Reform
Governor JB Pritzker addressed the Legislative Inspector General report into former Rep. Harry Benton Tuesday. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
Speaking for the first time since the Legislative Inspector General report revealed a third victim of sexual harassment by former Rep. Harry Benton and ensnared House Speaker Chris Welch, Governor JB Pritzker largely avoided the issue.
At an unrelated news conference Tuesday, Pritzker responded to Friday’s report, calling for changes to how sexual harassment allegations in the General Assembly are handled.
“What the report reveals to me is the holes in the system, that it didn’t operate the way that I think was intended originally, and that it needs fixing,” Pritzker said. “I look forward to House members putting forward fixes and making sure that that is addressed. I’m sure that the Speaker will be engaged in that process. I assume he will.”
Welch has been attempting to reassure frustrated members of his caucus in recent weeks as he’s received criticism for his handling of a 2023 allegation of harassment by Benton, why he continued to support Benton financially in elections, and for waiting two weeks to file a complaint with the LIG after he received reports that Benton harassed a lobbyist at a bar in February.
Pritzker largely avoided questions about the Speaker’s standing.
“You know, I have not spoken with the Speaker. I know that [the] report was not a reflection of, as I understand, answers to questions [about him]. I know there have been various caucus meetings with members of the House, I’m unaware exactly what questions or answers were given,” Pritzker said. “I do think that all of that should be transparent to people, whatever those answers are. But, right now, I think he’s going through a process of discussing with members what happened. And I would like to see and know more.”
Pritzker did not call on Welch to resign, instead saying “there’s more to learn.”
When asked what kind of ethics changes he wanted the House to make, Pritzker did not respond to the handling of sexual harassment claims, instead offering his support for a plan to reform the “revolving door” provision in state law that requires a wait time for legislators to become lobbyists and has been criticized for having too many loopholes.
