Dem leaders want transparency, unsure if ethics report will be released

(The Center Square) – After state Rep. Harry Benton stepped down from his seat after findings in an ethics investigation, top Illinois Democrats said they want public transparency, while noting they are unsure if the investigation report can be made public.

Last week, Democrat leaders called on Benton, D-Plainfield, to step down from his seat after the ethics investigation started in February was completed.

The two-term lawmaker with a union background as an ironworker resigned Friday and said he’ll suspend his reelection campaign, pulling his name from the November ballot.

Benton said the investigation, which reportedly stemmed from sexual harassment complaints, has “placed tremendous strain on [the lawmaker’s] family,” before he asked for their privacy to be respected.

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