Walker talks to reporters (PHOTO: Jackie Johnson)
Governor Scott Walker says, assuming sexual allegations against Representative Bill Kramer (R-Waukesha) are accurate, he should not hold a position of public trust and Kramer’s colleagues were right to take away his leadership role.
Assembly Republicans elected Pat Strachota of West Bend on Tuesday as their new majority leader to replace Kramer, amid sexual harassment allegations against him.
Kramer, who is seeking treatment for his behavior, is up for reelection November in the 97th Assembly district — unless he changes his mind. Until that time, he’ll continue to collect a taxpayer-funded salary for his job as a lawmaker. Walker says he could ask for his resignation, but acknowledges he doesn’t have the authority to force Kramer out.
AUDIO: Walker says there’s no tolerance for this type of behavior in a leadership position. :28
Regarding the atmosphere for women working at the Capitol, Walker says inappropriate behavior just won’t be tolerated.
Some female staffers had expressed concerns to Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) about their safety around Kramer. Vos doesn’t think Kramer should run for re-election this fall, although that decision is up Kramer — and his constituents will decide whether he should remain in office.
Kramer was elected majority leader last fall, after Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) resigned from the Assembly.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report.