New questions are coming to light regarding an investigation into a former member of the Illinois General Assembly.  State Representative Harry Benton, a Democrat from Plainfield, resigned on July 3 amid bipartisan pressure to do so.  He had been accused of sexual harassment and other unethical conduct toward a female lobbyist.  Reporting last week from the Chicago Tribune indicates a staffer first raised similar concerns back in 2023. 

Dr. Kent Redfield is a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Springfield.  He says the precise reason for the investigation playing out as it did is unclear. 

Dr. Redfield adds that Republicans may look to use this case, as well as that involving State Representative Carol Ammons, in campaigning ahead of elections this November. 

More information on the Illinois General Assembly is available at www.ilga.gov.

Dr. Kent Redfield appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.