Current:Home > StocksOhio state lawmaker’s hostile behavior justified legislative punishments, report concludes-LoTradeCoin
Ohio state lawmaker’s hostile behavior justified legislative punishments, report concludes
View Date:2024-12-23 19:59:50
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An independent state-ordered investigation has concluded that Ohio legislative leaders were justified in disciplining a state lawmaker who was removed by House Democratic leadership from committees and banned from contacting staff following an alleged pattern of “erratic and abusive behavior.”
The investigation found numerous witnesses corroborated accusations of Cleveland-area Democratic Rep. Elliot Forhan’s behavior during the past year, including confrontations with other lawmakers, constituents, and lobbyists. The probe, requested by the leaders, was conducted by a Columbus law firm appointed by Republican Attorney General Dave Yost.
In response to the allegations, Forhan lost all of his committee assignments last November and was barred by House Minority Leader C. Allison Russo from contacting interns, pages and Democratic legislative aides. He also was required to have a House sergeant-at-arms accompany him while he was at the Statehouse.
The report states Forhan has repeatedly failed to comply with the latter provision, showed up at the Statehouse and a nearby legislative office building unannounced, and yelled at the sergeant-at-arms or one of his assistants at least twice.
Forhan’s behavior, if left unaddressed, would have posed “a significant threat to the institutional integrity of the Ohio House and its reputation, and posed a credible risk of escalating to violence or violent conduct,” the report concluded. However, it also stated that Forhan’s actions to date “do not warrant his removal from office,”
Forhan told Cleveland.com that the investigation was a “sham” that does not show his actions rose to “violence or violent conduct,” but just states that there could be at some future time, a contention he also disagreed with.
Forhan was elected to his first term in 2022 but was defeated in the Democratic primary last month, finishing third overall. His term will expire at year’s end.
veryGood! (5317)
Related
- Martha Stewart playfully pushes Drew Barrymore away in touchy interview
- Who could replace Joe Biden as the 2024 Democratic nominee?
- Hunter Biden drops lawsuit against Fox News over explicit images featured in streaming series
- JD Vance makes solo debut as GOP vice presidential candidate with Monday rallies in Virginia, Ohio
- Atlanta man dies in shootout after police chase that also kills police dog
- Powerball winning numbers for July 20 drawing: Jackpot now worth $102 million
- Legal fight continues with appeals over proposed immigration initiative for Arizona Nov. 5 ballot
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, The End of Time
- The state that cleared the way for sports gambling now may ban ‘prop’ bets on college athletes
- Biden’s withdrawal injects uncertainty into wars, trade disputes and other foreign policy challenges
Ranking
- Diamond Sports Group can emerge out of bankruptcy after having reorganization plan approved
- How well does the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser cruise on pavement?
- On a summer Sunday, Biden withdrew with a text statement. News outlets struggled for visuals
- Biden’s withdrawal injects uncertainty into wars, trade disputes and other foreign policy challenges
- Francesca Farago Details Health Complications That Led to Emergency C-Section of Twins
- Biden’s decision to drop out leaves Democrats across the country relieved and looking toward future
- Guns n' Roses' Slash Shares His 25-Year-Old Stepdaughter Has Died
- What to know about Kamala Harris, leading contender to be Democratic presidential nominee
Recommendation
-
Younghoo Koo takes blame for Falcons loss to Saints: 'This game is fully on me'
-
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by many factors. These are the most common ones.
-
At least 11 dead, dozens missing after a highway bridge in China collapses after heavy storms
-
Pilot living her dream killed in crash after skydivers jump from plane near Niagara Falls
-
MLS playoff teams set: Road to MLS Cup continues with conference semifinals
-
Fossil Fuel Development and Invasive Trees Drive Pronghorn Population Decline in Wyoming
-
Charmed's Holly Marie Combs Reveals Shannen Doherty Promised to Haunt Her After Death
-
'A brave act': Americans react to President Biden's historic decision