UPDATED 11:46 a.m.
CHICAGO, Ill. — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is calling for the resignation of two Democratic state legislators in response to misconduct allegations against them.
Pritzker’s full statement:
“Integrity is essential to public service, and corruption for personal gain and abuse in private or public is unacceptable. Illinoisans deserve to have elected leaders who are focused on representing them – not on holding office when facing serious and credible charges.
Sen Jones is accused of accepting bribes. And Senator Hastings is accused of abusing women. They should answer the charges and have their day in court. But in the best interests of their constituents, these men must resign from their offices. Resigning only their leadership roles falls short of what the public should expect. I want to send a clear message to the people of Illinois: corruption and abuse have no place here.”
Sen. Emil Jones III, son of longtime former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., stands accused of taking bribes from a red light camera company relating to proposed state legislation.
Hastings, published reports indicate, recently settled a lawsuit accusing him of racial and gender discrimination. He’s also accused in a domestic violence case involving his estranged wife.
