This weekend it was reported that Representative Pat Meehan used thousands of taxpayer dollars to settle a sexual harassment claim made by a former aide. Despite claiming that they have a “zero-tolerance policy” for sexual misconduct, Paul Mango, Scott Wagner, Mike Turzai, and Laura Ellsworth all refused to call on Representative Meehan to resign.
Governor Wolf, on the other hand, has been unwavering in calling for the resignations of both Republican and Democratic elected officials who have been accused of sexual misconduct.
“Paul Mango, Scott Wagner, Mike Turzai, and Laura Ellsworth are absolute hypocrites who refuse to stand up for victims who have suffered sexual misconduct or assault at the hands of Republicans,” said Beth Melena, communications director for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. “Being a leader means standing up for what is right even when it is hard and it is clear that the Republican candidates for governor do not have what it takes to be real leaders.”
BACKGROUND:
“Although U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan finds himself immersed in a scandal over using money from his office budget to settle a sexual harassment claim by a former aide, none of the four Republican candidates running for governor this year are calling on him to resign.” [PennLive, 1/25/18]
Paul Mango Op-Ed: “Those who engage in sexual harassment should no longer occupy positions of leadership, regardless of their occupation….As governor, I would adopt a zero-tolerance policy for this type of behavior in state government. Elected leaders are supposed to be role models. Anyone engaging in sexual harassment or assault forfeits their ability to lead effectively, and loses any moral stature. This is not a partisan issue; it is an issue of basic human decency.” [Paul Mango Op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer, 12/26/17]
“Scott Wagner views sexual assault in the workplace as unacceptable….” [Scott Wagner for Governor, 1/22/18]
“Turzai said he has never received any reports of sexual harassment against Republican members of the House during his seven years in leadership. ‘There’s absolutely no room for that type of behavior. None,’ he said. ‘They are serious issues and they should be taken seriously.’” [LancasterOnline, 12/8/17]