Many state lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct run again

BY CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY

28 mins ago

ATLANTA (AP) — Allegations of sexual misconduct against Kentucky lawmakers have become so common that the statehouse has seemed more like a frat house: Seven have faced accusations, including four who settled secretly with a female legislative aide.

Voters' response? Mostly, keep them in office.

Of the five lawmakers up for re-election this year, three easily made it through their party primaries and will be favored to retain their seats in November. The other two chose not to run.

It's not just Kentucky. An Associated Press review finds that 25 state lawmakers who have been accused of sexual misconduct are running for re-election or another office this year. Of those, 15 have already advanced to the Nov. 6 general election. Seven did not even face a challenger in their primary.

Cassaundra Cooper, who filed a sexual harassment claim against a former Kentucky lawmaker in 2013, wonders why voters would re-elect public officials accused of sexual misconduct, or simply choose to ignore the allegations.

"That shocks me," she said. "Where is the empathy?"……..

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://apnews.com/6294ca7b26094af8a16ad43c9e37fcfe