SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, led a bipartisan effort Thursday to name former state and federal judge Michael McCuskey the state’s next legislative inspector general.
“Illinois deserves a legislative inspector general who is well-respected, fair and honest,” West said. “It’s a role that is too important to leave vacant, and after months of impasse I am glad to see that Mr. McCuskey will have the opportunity to take over this position. He has dedicated his life to service, spending decades as a judge while earning praise from both sides of the aisle. He possesses the experience and integrity needed for this position.”
A member of the state’s legislative ethics commission, Westsuccessfully presented McCuskey’s confirmation resolution to the House on Thursday. As legislative inspector general, McCuskey will be tasked with reviewing allegations of sexual misconduct, corruption and other possible ethics violations by members of the General Assembly and relevant staffs. With the General Assembly’s confirmation Thursday, McCuskey’s appointment will run through June 30, 2023.
A former state and federal judge, McCuskey has over three decades of experience serving on the bench in central Illinois. In 1998, he was nominated by President Bill Clinton and confirmed by a Republican-controlled U.S. Senate to serve on the U.S. District Court of the Central District of Illinois. Most recently, McCuskey worked in the Peoria-based 10th Judicial District from 2014 until his retirement in 2020. He has long been engaged with judicial organizations, and previously served as chairman of Illinois State University’s board of trustees.
“I remain focused on raising the bar on ethics here in Illinois, and that starts by having an effective and fair legislative inspector general,” West said. “I have every confidence that Mr. McCuskey will fulfill his responsibilities well.”
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