Two more Democrats are being drawn into the recent avalanche of tawdry scandals: Rep. Al Green (D-Tex.) and Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.)
Grijalva reportedly approved a disgruntled senior staffer’s $48,395 “severance package” after she accused the Arizona Democrat of frequently showing up to work drunk and creating a hostile work environment.
The accuser has not been named but worked for Grijalva for just three months before getting the hefty payout, which is being described by the media as “hush money” to get her to drop her embarrassing complaint. Hardworking taxpayers like you and I made this settlement possible.
In a statement, Grijalva admitted to the payoff but categorically denied that any sexual harassment occurred. He did not comment on whether or not he arrived at the office drunk.
Green, meanwhile, has been accused of sexual misconduct by a former staffer, Lucinda Daniels, nearly ten years ago. According to The Hill, Daniels accused Green of sexual assault back in 2008 but later withdrew her complaint after the indignant congressman sued her.
Green admitted that he and Daniels had an affair in 2007, but insisted that there was no criminal activity. Both Daniels and Green released an unprompted joint statement, saying they “regret [their] former claims” and have since “maintained [a] respectful relationship” as “friends.”
Green also added that, unlike in Grijalva’s case, no money changed hands.
The spotlight has been on members of Congress to defend their behavior in recent weeks. Both Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) are facing accusations of sexual harassment by multiple women.
Speaking specifically about Conyers, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) refused to say whether or not she believed his accusers and claimed Conyers “has done a great deal to protect women” over his congressional career.
But as criticism has mounted, Pelosi seems to have rethought her answers.
AAN Staff
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