SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Latest on an Illinois lawmaker’s claim of retaliation by House Speaker Michael Madigan (all times local):
6:25 p.m.
An Illinois lawmaker who believes House Speaker Michael Madigan retaliated against her for speaking out on sexual harassment is pleased that Madigan has asked for an independent investigation.
But Chicago Democratic Rep. Kelly Cassidy said Tuesday she doesn’t trust the process that exists for reviewing complaints involving legislators.
Cassidy says she was forced to resign from her part-time job as a program manager for Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart after Madigan allies made an issue over her opposition to legislation Dart proposed. Madigan denied he had any involvement but asked the Legislative Inspector General on Tuesday to investigate the claim.
Cassidy noted that the inspector general answers to an ethics commission of lawmakers who must approve her requests to investigate complaints.
___
3:35 p.m.
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has asked for an outside review of whether he or his staff retaliated against a lawmaker for speaking out on sexual harassment.
The Chicago Democrat released a letter Tuesday to Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter. It seeks a probe into claims by Chicago Democratic Rep. Kelly Cassidy that the interference of Madigan allies forced her resignation from a part-time job with the Cook County Sheriff’s Department.
WMAQ-TV reported Monday that Cassidy contends she’s a target because she called for an independent investigation in February of allegations that staff members in Madigan’s political operation had not been properly disciplined for sexual harassment.
The Senate Women’s Caucus issued a statement Tuesday backing Cassidy and demanding an outside investigation. So did Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.