Illinois Rep faces investigation over sexual harassment

(The Center Square) – A state representative embattled with allegations of sexual harassment returned to Springfield this week after being stripped of all committee assignments and ousted from the Democratic caucus.

After a long week of legislative session, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Westchester, held a press conference to discuss the ‘megaprojects’ bill thaty passed Wednesday.

Reporters quickly shifted to a subject the speaker has avoided recently: Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, who voted in favor of the bill.

Benton was, for all intents and purposes, shunned by his party over allegations of sexual harassment in late February.

Confronted for specifics about Benton’s status in the legislature late Wednesday, Welch said he still didn’t want to discuss the matter.

“W...