PHOENIX (AP) — The Latest on efforts to punish an Arizona lawmaker found to have engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment (all times local):
10:30 a.m.
A Republican Arizona lawmaker says a report showing he engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment toward women omits serious allegations against another House member.
Rep. Don Shooter faces a censure vote in the House Thursday and some GOP members want him expelled.
Shooter says in an interview that he deserves censure but did nothing to justify expulsion.
He sent a letter to fellow members Thursday saying a woman interviewed for the report looking into his behavior and that of Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita omitted a young woman's complaint. He says she complained another lawmaker subjected her to unwanted sexual advances.
Shooter would not say who that lawmaker was. His letter says he wants the report to include those allegations before the House acts on his possible punishment.
The report contains a section about Ugenti-Rita's boyfriend sending sexually explicit communications to a person. The investigators determined they happened but there was no credible evidence Ugenti-Rita knew or was involved in the actions.
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12:30 a.m.
A showdown is looming in the Arizona House over what penalty should be imposed on a Republican lawmaker found to have engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment toward women.
The House is set to meet late Thursday morning to consider Republican Speaker J.D. Mesnard's proposal for a formal censure of Rep. Don Shooter. A censure is the harshest penalty possible short of expulsion.
Republican Majority Whip Kelly Townsend is calling for Shooter's resignation and says she'll move for an expulsion vote if he doesn't step down. Meanwhile, some other Republicans believe Shooter deserves a lesser penalty or a chance to defend himself.
Expulsion requires support from 40 of 60 members, while a censure requires a simple majority. Republicans control 36 seats and Democrats 24.