Kane County Reporter

It is not enough for Gov. J.B. Pritzker to call for the resignation of State Senators Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) and Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) who are facing public accusations of wrongdoing, said State Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Lake Barrington).

"Calls for resignations are not nearly enough to end the culture of corruption that has plagued Illinois for decades," McLaughlin said 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."

Jones is facing federal bribery charges over allegedly lying to the FBI about protecting red-light camera company SafeSpeed LLC, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Jones has served in the Legislature since 2009. His father, Emil Jones Jr., was formerly the Illinois Senate President.

Jones Jr. said of Jones III, “Everyone knows he is an honest, hardworking legislator. I intend to fight with him and stand alongside him throughout this process.” Jones III has been asked to resign from his leadership roles in the Legislature by Senate President Don Harmon, who said, “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," the Sun Times reported.

Hastings is facing allegations of domestic abuse from his estranged wife, as well as accusations of harassment from his former chief of staff, WIFR reported.  Hastings stepped down from his position as Senate Democratic Majority Whip in mid-August. Jones III has stepped down from his role as Deputy Majority Leader.

"Integrity is essential to public service, and corruption for personal gain and abuse in private or public is unacceptable," Prtitker said in a statement. " 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."