Jul. 10, 2018
HARRISBURG – Following a request made on May 17 regarding two embattled Democratic legislators who are still running for their House seats, House Republican leaders issued the following statement today:
“Monday, Aug. 13, is the deadline for a candidate to withdraw from the ballot for the Nov. 6 General Election. We are still waiting to hear if the House Democratic leader is going to request the incumbent from the 190th District, who is currently under indictment, or the incumbent from the 127th District, who settled a sexual harassment claim with taxpayer dollars, to take their names off the ballot.
“Further, we have yet to hear whether he will seek removal of these members from their respective legislative committees.”
Republican leaders requested the removal of Rep. Nick Miccarelli (R-Delaware) back in May from all standing committees due to a breach of House Republican Caucus policy. Miccarelli is not seeking re-election.
Following is the May 17, 2018, memo to all House members.
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: All House Members
FROM: House Republican Leadership
DATE: May 17, 2018
SUBJECT: Rep. Miccarelli
The House Republican Leadership team will be asking the Committee on Committees to remove Representative Nick Miccarelli from all standing committees due to a continuing breach of House Republican Caucus policy. Separately, we are also moving his seat on the House Floor.
During the initial investigation of allegations made against Representative Miccarelli, conducted through the long-standing House Republican Caucus harassment policy, it was found that the allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse were credible. Information gathered was turned over to the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office for its review and possible action. During that initial investigation, and several times afterwards, Representative Miccarelli was specifically informed of the terms of the caucus policy, which includes a prohibition against retaliation. He subsequently was found to have violated that policy on more than one occasion.
Based on the results of the investigation – including the investigation into retaliation – Republican Leadership called for his resignation. Since that time, Representative Miccarelli’s privately paid spokesman has continuously mischaracterized our position.
After receiving a supplemental complaint, a follow-up investigation ensued and was completed today. The result of the follow-up investigation found Representative Miccarelli again violated the policy. He has continued to maintain for months a statement on Facebook that was specifically identified by the House as a retaliation. Furthermore, he retaliated through the dissemination of sexually explicit emails and images without a valid purpose.
The House Committee on Committees is scheduled to issue a report next week to take action consistent with the General Operating Rules of the House of Representatives. Per House Rule 43, it is the committee’s responsibility “to recommend to the House the names of members who are to serve on the standing committees of the House.”
The Republican Caucus of the House of Representatives does not tolerate retaliation against any individual who reports or makes a complaint about harassment or improper conduct, or who assists in an investigation of harassment.
While we have taken a strong but measured approach to enforce our own Caucus policies, we have also reached out to Democratic Leader Dermody to learn if he would like to propose similar action for members of his caucus who have been charged with criminal activity or who have been accused of sexual harassment for which there was a taxpayer-funded settlement.
House Republican Leaders
Pennsylvania House of Representatives