The House is also expected to take up an effort to oust Republican Rep. Jeremy Durham following an attorney general’s report that detailed allegations of improper sexual contact with at least 22 women over the course of his four years in office.
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Several Democrats questioned the process for expelling Durham, with leaders implying that Republican House Speaker Beth Harwell of Nashville was trying to avoid criticism of her own handling of sexual harassment allegations.
House lawmakers are expected vote on Tuesday to expel Representative Jeremy Durham from office, likely ending what has been a almost year long fall from grace surrounding scathing allegations of sexual harassment at the the state Capitol.
Womick’s first complaint alleges Harwell began an investigation into Durham based exclusively on media reports, in the absence of a formal complaint from anyone.
The Tennessee House has voted to expel Republican state Rep. Jeremy Durham following allegations of widespread sexual harassment. They were given another chance to address the issue when Republican Gov. Bill Haslam hastily called an unrelated special session to repeal an underage drunken driving law that threatens to cost the state $60 million in federal road money.
Lynn brought up the resolution for expulsion in light of the findings in an Attorney General’s report.
Durham attended the special legislative session.
Womick, who has accused Harwell of undermining conservative lawmakers, argued “we’re a banana Republic” if the House moves forward with Durham’s banishment.
State Rep. Susan Lynn announced the plan Tuesday to seek the expulsion of fellow Republican Rep. Sixty-six votes are required to oust a member, he said, noting the House has precedent for expelling members. Lynch said following the end of Monday’s floor session.
Democratic Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis questioned whether Durham would receive proper due process during the House session, while Stewart of Nashville raised the specter that some Republicans should not be allowed to vote on his ouster because they were interviewed in the investigation and could have a “pecuniary” interest in the matter. Unlike yesterday, Durham appeared in the legislature.
When asked what possible penalties Harwell could incur if she is found to be in violation of the rules in one or more of these instances, McDaniel said he didn’t know.
“Republicans have dragged their feet in every way, and they’ve finally been forced by political pressure to expel him”, he said.
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Stewart added if Durham were to testify it wouldn’t be necessary to identify the women involved in the investigation.
