Sen. Michael Hastings (R-Frankfort) | Photo Courtesy of Michael Hastings Facebook
Sen. Michael Hastings (R-Frankfort) | Photo Courtesy of Michael Hastings Facebook
State Rep. Tim Ozinga, R-Mokena, said documents that were recently released against Sen. Michael Hastings' wishes show even more evidence that he is unfit to be a public servant.
Hastings, a Democrat from Tinley Park, faces allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-wife on top of allegations of harassment form a former chief of staff, according to a WIFR TV report, which noted the legislator resigned his post in August as Senate Democratic Majority Whip. Hastings is seeking another term in the Senate in next week’s election, and will face Republican Patrick Sheehan, according to Ballotpedia
"These unsealed court documents, which Sen. Hastings fought to keep sealed, provide every reason why Patrick Sheehan is the clear choice for the 19th Senate District. Senator Hastings has failed our district,” Ozinga said in a Facebook post.
According to a WTTW report, Hastings has said he won’t step down from his seat in the state senate and said the allegations are “baseless without merit.”
At the heart of the developing issue are recently released divorce papers that offer more details about the allegations of abuse brought against Hastings by his ex-wife, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, which also noted that the documents were released over objections from Hastings’ legal representatives.
In late September, Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a statement on response to the allegations against Hastings and State Sen. Emil Jones II, D-Chicago, who is charged with bribery, according to ABC7.
"Integrity is essential to public service, and corruption for personal gain and abuse in private or public is unacceptable,” Pritzker 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 Sen. 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."
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