WASHINGTON _ Responding to allegations that Nevada Rep. Ruben Kihuen sexually harassed his finance director on the campaign trail last year, the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is calling on the freshman Democrat to resign.
"Members and candidates must be held to the highest standard. If anyone is guilty of sexual harassment or sexual assault, they should not hold elected office. Congressman Kihuen should resign," New Mexico Rep. Ben Ray Lujan told BuzzFeed Friday.
BuzzFeed reported Friday evening that the former Kihuen staffer, known only as Samantha to protect her identity, quit her job during the 2016 campaign because Kihuen _ then still vying for the Democratic nomination in the 4th District _ propositioned her for dates and sex. She declined. She was 25 at the time, and Kihuen was 35. Samantha also alleges Kihuen repeatedly touched her thigh.
Kihuen responded in a statement his office provided to BuzzFeed.
"The staff member in question was a valued member of my team. I sincerely apologize for anything that I may have said or done that made her feel uncomfortable. I take this matter seriously as it is not indicative of who I am. I was raised in a strong family that taught me to treat women with the utmost dignity and respect. I have spent my fifteen years in public service fighting for women's equality, and I will continue to do so," Kihuen said.
