There are more sexual harassment allegations at the state capitol, this time from former interns say two Republican state senators acted inappropriately toward them.
KUNC reports that Megan Creeden says she may file a formal complaint against Republican Sen. Randy Baumgardner for repeatedly pressuring her to drink alone with him...an allegation he denies.
Six other female lobbyists and staffers also claim Baumgardner engaged in inapprpriate behavoir. And an unidentified former intern claims Sen. Jack Tate nudged her and commented on her appearance multiple times.
Tate said in a statement that he's not aware of having made anyone feel uncomfortable.
On Wednesday, Democratic Rep. Paul Rosenthal of Denver denied claims of improper touching by Thomas Cavaness, a 29-year-old organizer for U.S. Rep. Jared Polis' 2018 gubernatorial campaign.
Cavaness, who claims Rosenthal touched his backside and tried to kiss him, said he was inspired to come forward by the "#metoo" social media movement in which victims worldwide have told their stories of sexual harassment and abuse.
State party leaders say they are taking a closer look at their workplace harassment policies.
In separate statements Monday, Democratic Speaker of the House Crisanta Duran and Republican Senate President Kevin Grantham detailed steps each of their parties would take to improve current sexual harassment policies.
Last week nine legislators, lobbyists and staffers accused Democratic state Rep. Steve Lebsock of sexual misconduct. Rep. Faith Winter, one of the women accusing Lebsock, told The Denver Post Monday that she intends to file a formal complaint but said the house leadership has handled her case well so far.
Currently the legislature holds a required training every two years, but Duran and Grantham said that needs to become a yearly event. Grantham also noted that the trainings should be more comprehensive.
