West Cook News

The Chicago Tribune reported a divorce case between Sen. Michael Hastings and his ex-wife, Kathleen, claiming the senator abused Ms. Hastings.

“Hastings needs to resign,” Sean Morrison, a Republican, said. 

Hastings has repeatedly argued the claim is false, and is facing allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-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.

Hastings has said he will not resign and called the accusations "baseless and without merit," WTTW reported.

“Prior to our divorce, during an argument in late April 2018, Eric knocked me down and confiscated my cell phone, wallet and keys so that I was unable to call for help or extricate myself and our children from our home,” Ms. Greitens wrote in the filing, AP reported. “I became afraid for my safety and that of our children at our home,” later adding that his “behavior included physical violence toward our children, such as cuffing our then-3-year-old son across the face at the dinner table in front of me and yanking him around by his hair.” 

Recently released divorce papers have revealed more details about Hastings' alleged abuse of his ex-wife, including him elbowing her in the face, slamming her into a door repeatedly, choking her, and sending her threatening text messages, the Chicago-Sun Times reported. The documents were released in spite of objections from Hastings' lawyers.

The Chicago Tribune reported Illinois Senate Republican leader Dan McConchie joined Morrison in seeking Hastings’ removal.

"Integrity is essential to public service, and corruption for personal gain and abuse in private or public is unacceptable. Illinoisans deserve to have elected leaders who are focused on representing them - not on holding office when facing serious and credible charges," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement. "Jones is accused of accepting bribes. And 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."

The Chicago Tribune reported Illinois Senate President Don Harmon said any accusations of domestic violence “are taken seriously.”

Hastings is seeking reelection and will face Republican Patrick Sheehan in the upcoming election, according to Ballotpedia.