Ducey supports inquiry of sex harassment claims against legislator
Nov 15, 2017, 4:03 PM | Updated: Nov 16, 2017, 1:11 pm
(Screenshot)
(Screenshot)
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said he fully backed the investigation of sexual harassment allegations against state lawmaker Don Shooter and that a stronger system to report misconduct needed to be discussed.
“I’m supportive of (House Speaker J.D. Mesnard and Senate President Steve Yarbrough) and the full investigation they want to conduct on this matter,” Ducey said Wednesday on KTAR 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News.
” … as well as I think there may be a need for an enhanced process for reporting sexual harassment.”
Shooter (R-Yuma) was suspended from his leadership role in the House last week after he was accused of sexually harassing several women over the years.
“As public officials, we have a duty: we should remain above reproach,” Ducey said there was tolerance for sexual misconduct in the business world, either.
Ducey, who worked in the private sector before entering politics as state treasurer in 2011, said, “I’ve also led private enterprises and I had the same posture there – this type of behavior is unacceptable.”
Mesnard announced Wednesday that the House hired Craig Morgan of the law firm Sherman & Howard to handle the inquiry.
“I agree with the decision of the House’s sexual harassment investigative team to retain Craig Morgan to conduct the investigation into allegations of sexual harassment at the Legislature,” said Mesnard. “I have confidence that Mr. Morgan will fairly and thoroughly investigate this matter in a timely manner.”
Ducey said Shooter was entitled to a fair investigation but that “an investigation is warranted here.”
