Republican women call for lawmaker to step down after domestic violence allegations
Pressure for Assemblyman Roger Hernández to step down amid allegations of domestic violence increased on Thursday as three prominent Republican women joined the small, yet growing, bipartisan group of voices demanding action.
Hernández, a West Covina Democrat, is currently under a temporary restraining order from his wife, with whom he is getting divorced.
At divorce proceedings on Wednesday, Susan Rubio, a Baldwin Park City Councilwoman, alleged that Hernández assaulted her more than 20 times during a three year period, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“Given the serious and growing list of accusations, Assemblyman Hernández’s continued presence in the state Assembly brings dishonor to the entire California state Legislature,” Sen. Patricia Bates of Laguna Niguel said in a joint statement with Rep. Mimi Walters of Irvine and Harmeet K. Dhillon, the vice chair of the California Republican Party.
Other calls for action
Last month, the top Democrats in the Legislative Women’s Caucus, Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson of Santa Barbara and Asm. Cristina Garcia of Bell Gardens, called on Hernández to step down from his committee responsibilities, including his leadership post atop the Labor and Employment Committee, and to take a leave of absence until the legal matter with his wife is worked out.
Hernández has not been charged with a crime and he previously denied the allegations to media outlets and in court filings. His office did not respond to requests for comment.
This might hurt his run for Congress
According to the Times, Hernández’s attorney said in court that Rubio came forward with the allegations to hurt his political career. Hernández is termed-out of the Assembly and is running for Congress against incumbent Grace Napolitano, D-Norwalk.
“As a member of the California Congressional delegation, I urge Assemblyman Hernández to step down from his position and withdraw his name as a candidate for California’s 32nd Congressional District in light of the current accusations of serial abuse,” Walters said in the statement.
Newest allegations
In court, Rubio gave detailed accounts of eight alleged incidents: One was of Hernández choking her with a belt, another was of Hernández dropping her to the ground and beating her with a broom and another was of Hernández threatening her with a knife after accusing her of having an affair, according to the Times.
“Domestic violence is a very serious issue in our society, not a ‘private matter’ to be brushed under the rug by a man holding public office,” Dhillon said.
Tepid response
The three women’s statement called on Democrats to “echo the demand” that Hernández step down.
Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Paramount, previously told CalWatchdog that he would take further action against Hernández “if the allegations are more fully validated.” And on Thursday, a spokesman said there was no update.
History
It’s not the first time Hernández has been accused of wrongdoing. In 2012, an ex-girlfriend accused him of domestic violence, although charges were never filed due to insufficient evidence.
That same year, Hernández was arrested for drunk driving in a state vehicle, but was acquitted by a jury on one charge, while the jury was hung on another.
In 2015, allegations of political money laundering against Hernández were dropped by the Fair Political Practices Commission after two key witnesses were unable to testify — one had serious medical issues while the other had passed away.
3 comments
Write a commentWrite a Comment
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Related Articles
Protesters calling for more affordable state interrupt Senate
It was not business as usual in the state Capitol Monday, as protesters calling for anti-poverty measures and a more
Incentives eyed to spur job growth
Feb. 18, 2010 By KATY GRIMES In spite of the federal stimulus money invested in California, unemployment is still in
Sen. Feinstein moves toward compromise on drought legislation
Crises commonly produce compromise. That seems to be happening in the U.S. Congress with solutions to California’s drought. In
Hernandez….a typical Dim.
Dont ever expect any big headlines about his misdeeds like with most other demacrats who get protection from the liberal journalists
Comrades
What’s a few tiny beatings a fuss for? There ‘s no Women’s Lives Matter goon group to bash some primevil heads!
Geesh…..get a grip!