Lebsock Expelled From Colorado House Following Marathon Harassment Debate
At the end of a dramatic day full of tears, personal revelations even some political maneuvering, Colorado legislators voted to oust one of their own over multiple allegations of sexual harassment.
House members voted 52 to 9 to expel Rep. Steve Lebsock. The vote required two-thirds of all the House to say “aye” — or 44 of the 65 members. At the start of the day, that outcome was not guaranteed. Eight Republicans were needed to join Democrats, sans Lebsock, to move ahead with expulsion. In the end, as the debate turned against Lebsock, the margin was much wider.
“I am just so happy that this chamber took action,” said Rep. Faith Winter, one of Lebsock’s accusers. “Today’s vote was a courageous vote.”
Lebsock becomes the first Colorado House member expelled since 1915, when Rep. William Howlett was ejected after he perjured himself in a bribery investigation.
