An American politician and Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives, Don Shooter is the latest political leader to lose his seat to the #Me Too movement after the House voted him out on Thursday.
Rep. Don Shooter is characterized as a party animal known for booze and clownish behavior. The last seven years of his career depicts him as a hard to miss character. He wielded considerable authority at the Arizona State Capitol. He also terms himself uncorrupt and that he executes his duties expediently.
Sexual Harassment Allegations
Rep Don Shooter was booted from the Arizona House of Representatives for accusations of a prolonged pattern of sexual misconduct. The allegations were dismissed before as actions of a jokester. Despite the allegations being brushed off, he could not escape the #Me Too movement which evolved in October 2017. The movement prompted millions of women to come forward and share their sexual harassment experiences on different social media platforms. It was spurred after movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was exposed by the New York Times for sexual harassment.
A fellow Representative, Michelle Ugenti-Rita took the opportunity to come forward and accuse Shooter of propositioning her for six years ago. She also said that Shooter repeatedly commented on her breasts. More women came forward to lay allegations against Shooter. They include a newspaper publisher, a lobbyist, and other female lawmakers.
On the contrary, other Legislative leaders all over the nation accused of sexual harassment reacted by resigning, declaring they will not seek another term or were outrightly stripped of their positions. The case was different for Shooter till Thursday. He denied and did not concede to any compromises his colleagues made.
The Vote
D. Mesnard, the Republican House Speaker, reiterated that Shooter’s questionable behavior began a long time ago and is what has led to the day (referring to Thursday’s vote). The shooter is known for making inappropriate gestures and comments. Mesnard added that the #Me Too movement and greater national awareness on issues of sexual harassment brought them to the decision of kicking out Shooter. He was booted out on a 56-3 vote.
When the House began the momentous vote to eject a sitting lawmaker, Ugenti-Rita, other Republican and Democrat women gathered in a circle to hold hands. The vote to eject an Arizona’s Legislative leader was a first in three decades. The shooter was the first to vote against the measure to kick him out. He agreed to have said and done stupid things but argued that besides taking the ridicule like a man, he apologized.
