Following accusations of inappropriate sexual conduct, the Assembly Republican leadership asked that Rep. Bill Kramer, R-Waukesha, be removed as majority leader in a statement Saturday.
Kramer’s office announced in a release Saturday he had checked himself into a treatment facility but made no further comment.
Unnamed Republicans told the Associated Press Kramer allegedly groped one woman Wednesday night in a bar and spoke inappropriately to another woman on the flight back from a state GOP fundraiser in Washington, D.C., according to a Wisconsin State Journal article.
The assembly members wished to remain anonymous because they were not authorized by attorneys to comment publicly. They also said Kramer was asked to consider resigning his seat in the Legislature.
“The allegations made against Rep. Kramer are very serious and we are glad he recognizes the need to seek treatment,” the group said. “We hope in doing so, he will come to terms with his problems so that no woman will ever again be subject to this alleged inappropriate behavior.”
The leadership asked the Republican caucus to remove Kramer from his leadership post but did not address his position as a representative.
“It is clear he has lost our trust and confidence,” the group said.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Burlington, said his second-in-command’s alleged behavior is “reprehensible” and “won’t be tolerated” in a statement Friday.
“I expect that members of the Wisconsin State Legislature should always hold themselves to the highest standards and that’s why this matter will be dealt with swiftly,” Vos said.
State Rep. Sandy Pasch, D-Shorewood, said the allegations are “yet another reprehensible example of Wisconsin Republicans’ callous treatment of women in our state” in a statement Saturday.
“Equally shocking is that this abhorrent and possible criminal behavior is being spun by Republican pundits as a ‘teachable moment’ and has ‘an element of tragedy’ for Republican politicians,” Pasch said.
She added the real tragedy is “that this disgraceful behavior has been a part of Wisconsin Republicans’ culture and actions for far too long.
“Wisconsin must do better for women,” Pasch said.
Assembly Republicans will vote Tuesday to remove Kramer and then determine how best to fill his post.
