Lawmakers To Convene For First Time Since Harassment Allegations

Posted: Jan. 8, 2018

Lawmakers convene in Denver this week for the the first time since a wave of sexual assault allegations rocked the statehouse.

According to Colorado Public Radio, 11 women now accuse Thornton Democratic state Rep. Steve Lebsock of sexual harassment. The allegations, first reported by KUNC, include claims he unbuttoned a blouse and asked a lobbyist for sex. Gov. John Hickenlooper and House Speaker Crisanta Duran, both Democrats, have called for his resignation.

Three other lawmakers also have come under under scrutiny. Formal complaints were filed against two Republican state senators. 

The Employer’s Council, a private legal firm, is leading the statehouse inquiry, CPR reports. House Majority Leader K.C. Becker is the firm’s contact within the legislature. Since the investigation is independent and confidential, she told CPR that she can’t say exactly when it will end. She hopes for an conclusion within two weeks. 

The Colorado Lobbyists Association, which formed in the fourth quarter of 2017, is creating a task force to consider the harassment situation. Members, click here to apply to serve on that task force or another CLA committee or task force. (You must be signed in.)