OLYMPIA — Washington state Democratic House leaders are moving to suspend a state lawmaker from his legislative committee chairmanship following accusations of inappropriate behavior.
House Democratic leaders said in a news release Friday evening that an independent investigator has found evidence supporting some allegations made against Democratic Rep. David Sawyer.
The Seattle Times reports leaders didn’t give specifics about which allegations were supported but leaders said they discussed the preliminary findings and decided that the caucus needs to take initial formal action.
They are recommending a suspension of Sawyer’s chairmanship of the House Commerce and Gaming Committee.
Lawmakers will consider that recommendation May 9.
Sawyer of Parkland has denied acting inappropriately.
He wrote in a text message to the newspaper Friday that the Legislature needs to set an example and not politicize the process and let the investigator finish her job.
Phone town hall
Congressman Derek Kilmer will host a telephone town hall at 6 p.m. Monday.
To join the call, participants can send an email to kilmer.teletownhall@mail.house.gov with their name and phone number by noon PT on Monday.
Residents of the 6th Congressional District — which includes the North Olympic Peninsula — who sign up before the deadline will receive a phone call just before 6 p.m. inviting them to the town hall, which will last about one hour.
