McHenry Times

State Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Lake Barrington) is among Republican lawmakers who say Gov. J.B. Pritzker is being too lenient to legislators who are facing allegations of wrongdoing. 

“Calls for resignations are not nearly enough to end the culture of corruption that has plagued Illinois for decades,” McLaughlin posted on Facebook. "If Democrats were truly serious about earning the trust of Illinoisans, they would have worked with us to pass robust ethics reform years ago.” 

The posting follows bribery charges filed against Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) and accusations of abuse from the estranged wife of Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park).

Pritzker has called for their resignation from public office.

”Integrity is essential to public service, and corruption for personal gain and abuse in private or public is unacceptable,” a governor’s office release said. “Illinoisans deserve to have elected leaders who are focused on representing them - not on holding office when facing serious and credible charges.” 

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Jones III is facing federal bribery charges over allegedly lying to the FBI about protecting red-light camera company SafeSpeed LLC. 

Jones III was first elected to the statehouse in 2009, the report said. His father, Emil Jones Jr., was once the Illinois Senate President. “Everyone knows he is an honest, hardworking legislator,” Jones Jr. said of the matter. “I intend to fight with him and stand alongside him throughout this process.” 

Senate President Don Harmon has asked Jones III to resign from his leadership roles in the Legislature.

“These are grave allegations. Members of the Senate and all public officials need to hold themselves to a high ethical standard for the public to have trust and faith in our work,” Harmon told the Sun-Times.

Jones III has since stepped down as Deputy Majority Leader, WIFR reported. 

Hastings, meanwhile, is facing allegations of domestic abuse from his estranged wife. Those allegations come in addition to accusations of harassment from his former chief of staff, WIFR reported. Hastings gave up his position as Senate Democratic Majority Whip in mid-August. 

“Sen. Jones is accused of accepting bribes. And Sen. Hastings is accused of abusing women,” Pritzker said in his release. “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."