Following her calls to John Conyers to step down, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi had to repeat that same demand today amid mounting sexual harassment allegations against Ruben Kihuen (D-Nev).
Pelosi released a statement reacting to the Kihuen allegations that surfaced: “Across the nation, in every industry, brave women are coming forward to share stories of harassment that must be heard."
“In Congress, no one should face sexual harassment in order to work in an office or in a campaign. The young woman’s documented account is convincing, and I commend her for the courage it took to come forward," she continued. In light of these upsetting allegations, Congressman Kihuen should resign.”
The allegations started when a staff member who worked for Mr Kihuen on his 2016 campaign, identified as Samantha, accused him of repeatedly asking her out on dates and for sex, despite her repeatedly rejecting those advances. She also claims Mr Kihuen touched her in unwanted places.
Mr Kihuen admitted the past transgressions: "The staff member in question was a valued member of my team. I sincerely apologize for anything that I may have said or done that made her feel uncomfortable."
"I take this matter seriously as it is not indicative of who I am, but I want to make it clear that I don’t recall any of the circumstances she described. I was raised in a strong family that taught me to treat women with the utmost dignity and respect. I have spent my 15 years in public service fighting for women’s equality, and I will continue to do so."
Ms Pelosi has faced criticism for being too soft on sexual harassment allegations, which have been launched against Democrats such as Franken, Conyers and now also Kihuen in the past two weeks.
Last Sunday, Ms Pelosi tried to still state that Mr Conyers was an “icon” with a long history championing legislation “to protect women.”
But after meeting the accusers this week, the has changed her story.
An attorney for Conyers has declared he would make it clear in the coming days whether or not he would resign.
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Pelosi changed her mind, how convenient…