Wilhour Lawsuit Against House Speaker Transferred to Sangamon County

The lawsuit filed in Bond County by State Representative Blaine Wilhour against Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch has been transferred to Sangamon County Circuit Court in Springfield.

The lawsuit is the result of a decision by Welch last week to ban Wilhour and eight other Republican legislators from the House floor after they refused to mask up. 

At a hearing this morning in Greenville, Welch's counsel Joshua Ratz asked for the case to be moved to Cook County, but presiding judge Ronald Foster declined and instead sent the matter to Sangamon County. 

(THOMAS DEVORE)

Wilhour's counsel, Thomas DeVore, said by phone this morning that he thought the matter could've been heard in Bond County, but the judge disagreed. DeVore lives in Bond County. As to the decision to move the case to Sangamon County, DeVore said, "I'm fine with that."

DeVore has filed a request for a Temporary Restraining Order in the matter. He said it's his contention that the Illinois House leadership can create rules of decorum, but can't cloak a health rule under rules of decorum. He said that's what led to the removal of the House members last week.

As to when the matter will be heard in Sangamon County, DeVore said it's his goal to have it scheduled this week. The case will have to be assigned to a Sangamon County judge before things can proceed.