The Arizona House of Representatives approved a resolution to expel a Republican committee chairman facing multiple allegations of sexual harassment.
On Thursday, Arizona House Speaker J.D. Mesnard announced his decision to push for the expulsion of Cong. Don Shooter. The Speaker’s decision comes after Shooter’s “continuation and escalation of his improper misconduct.” Shooter is the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
Shooter violated Arizona House’s policy against sexual harassment
Last year, Mesnard launched investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against Shooter and suspended him as committee chairman. The Arizona House hired outside investigators to investigate the matter.
On Wednesday, the Speaker released the results of the investigation. The investigators found credible evidence that Shooter violated the House’s policy against sexual harassment and hostile work environment.
In their report, the investigators said Shooter “engaged in a pattern or unwelcomed and hostile conduct toward other members of the Legislature and those who have business at the Capitol.”
Shooter’s letter a “clear act of retaliation and intimidation”
Following the release of the investigative report, Shooter wrote a letter challenging certain part of the investigation. He stated that the investigation ignored a young woman’s sexual harassment accusation against another lawmaker.
