The following statement was released a little while ago from the Virginia House Democrats. Clearly, there are divisions with the caucus about how to proceed here, as well as a serious reluctance to take on the responsibility of investigating this and/or holding public hearings, let alone moving forward with any kind of impeachment hearings. So…this is where we’re at right now, seems like somewhat of a holding pattern unless/until the women making allegations of sexual assault press charges and/or speak with relevant District Attorneys. Oh, and with the General Assembly wrapping up business at the end of this week, that means even less pressure for them to do anything, I’d presume, as well as the Lt. Governor not having a State Senate to preside over…
Ms. Watson and Dr. Tyson are courageous in coming forward to tell their stories. We respect all survivors and believe they should be fully heard. The allegations they have made against Lt. Governor Fairfax are criminal in nature and we are treating them with the seriousness they deserve.
Given the allegations, it is appropriate that the Suffolk County District Attorney in Massachusetts has offered to investigate. We would hope any other jurisdictions involved would follow Massachusetts’ lead. We believe that the law enforcement investigation should proceed unencumbered and outside of the political arena.
As such, the House Democratic Caucus has called on Lt. Governor Fairfax to resign. We are willing to work in a bipartisan manner with members of the General Assembly on a path forward.
