NDGOP Follows Dem-NPL Lead in Calling for Rep. Simons’ Resignation

BISMARCK, ND — As details continue to emerge following the release of shocking sexual harassment claims against Rep. Luke Simons (R-Dickinson), NDGOP leaders are scrambling today to cut ties with the embattled second-term Republican legislator.

House Majority Leader Chet Pollert (R-Carrington), and Assistant House Majority Leader Scott Louser (R-Minot) each called for Rep. Simons to resign this morning in a statement to the Bismarck Tribune, one day after Democratic-NPL leaders pressed for his removal.

Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman, Kylie Oversen, said:

“While I am pleased to see Rep. Pollert and Rep. Louser join the Dem-NPL in calling for the immediate resignation of Rep. Simons, their words ring hollow in light of their direct knowledge of these incidents for nearly four years now. Each time they were informed of Rep. Simon’s exceedingly inappropriate actions, Rep. Pollert and Rep. Louser downplayed the severity, brushed off the behavior, and gave Luke Simons free reign to exercise his deviant harassment.”

Oversen continued:

“Had they stood up and taken decisive action earlier, we would be applauding their leadership. However, because they failed continually in their duty to hold Rep. Simons accountable, we are left to wonder how many people would have been spared this unconscionable pattern of exploitation and mistreatment, or perhaps how many more would have been at-risk had the public been left unaware.”

 

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