Colorado Senate Democrats want in on Capitol harassment decisions

Democrats in the state Senate are pushing to be included in any disciplinary decision against state Sen. Randy Baumgardner over a sexual harassment complaint filed against the Republican from Hot Sulphur Springs.

Pueblo Sen. Leroy Garcia joined with other Democrats in signing a letter this week to Senate President Kevin Grantham, R-Fremont County, insisting that Senate Democratic leader, Lucia Guzman, be included when Grantham and other Senate leaders make any decision about Baumgardner's conduct.

Grantham told reporters this week he couldn't make any guarantees because lawmakers haven't decided how to settle harassment complaints and take action. Lawmakers could expel a fellow member if they so choose.

"There are no set rules on how we proceed," Grantham told reporters at his weekly briefting, except that he wanted to protect the "integrity, fairness and confidentiality" of the complaint and investigation process.

Read more: https://www.chieftain.com/news/pueblo/colorado-senate-dems-want-in-on-capitol-harassment-decisions/article_508c602d-9bc9-539f-8bad-080a8031b4a6.html