By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – A House Republican is in hot water for alleged misuse of campaign funds, and a Central Illinois lawmaker wants to remove him from office.

Embattled Republican George Santos not only faces scrutiny from colleagues, but he also faces almost a dozen federal charges regarding misuse of campaign funds.

House Republicans could vote to expel Representative Santos Friday in what would be Congress’ third attempt.

On the second vote, Central Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood voted against expelling him due to a lack of evidence.

Now, Congressman LaHood, a former prosecutor, wants to change his mind.

“What I said at the time when I voted not to expel him (Rep. Santos), was he (should) be entitled to due process, we have the presumption you’re innocent until proven guilty,” Congressman LaHood told WJBC’s Scott Miller. “Since then, the ethics committee has come back with a conclusion to their full investigation, and they believe, unanimously, in a bipartisan way that he should be expelled from Congress.

Despite the outcry from Democrats across the aisle, Representative Santos remains defiant in defending his position.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].