Governor Supports Removing Assembly Majority Leader After Harassment Allegations

Gov. Scott Walker says he supports plans by Assembly Republicans to strip state Rep. Bill Kramer, R-Waukesha, of his leadership post following allegations that Kramer sexually harassed two women.

Walker told reporters in Green Bay that from what he knew about the allegations against Kramer, he should no longer be the Assembly’s majority leader.

“I definitely think the Assembly is right in asking him to step down from his position as a part of the leadership team. It’s something where I don’t have the details other than what I’ve read or heard about in the media. So, beyond that, I’d have to wait a day or two to see it,” Walker said.

“But if it’s true,” he continued, “I don’t think there’s any place for someone in the position of public trust to be in office if they’ve done those things.”

Kramer checked himself into a treatment clinic shortly after news surfaced of the allegations, and on Monday, his fellow Republicans said they had yet to hear from him.

Rep. Joan Ballweg, who’s the caucus chair for Assembly Republicans, said she’d heard enough to recommend Kramer’s removal from leadership.

“Personally, of course, I feel that it is wholly inappropriate in having unwanted touching, which has been part of the allegations,” she said.

Ballweg said she hadn’t done her own investigation, but she said it would appear the allegations against Kramer are substantiated.

Republicans are scheduled to meet later Tuesday morning to discuss the allegations before they take a vote on ousting Kramer. Ballweg said they hadn’t decided whether to replace him with another majority leader this legislative session.