Arizona House Votes To Expel Lawmaker Over Sexual Harassment Allegations
PHOENIX (AP) - The Arizona House has voted to expel a Republican lawmaker over sexual harassment allegations.
Rep. Don Shooter is believed to be the first state lawmaker in the U.S. to be voted out of his seat since the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct began last fall.
Thursday's vote comes after an outside investigator determined that Shooter engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment that created a hostile workplace.
Shooter says he's done nothing to justify expulsion. He made a last-ditch effort to avoid a vote by sending a letter questioning the thoroughness of the report that found evidence of pervasive misconduct.
Republican House Speaker J.D. Mesnard had sought a censure but moved to expel Shooter after receiving the letter.
He says Shooter's comments represented a clear act of retaliation and harassment worthy of expulsion.
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