Conservatives lawmakers are rallying behind Rep. Jim Jordan amid allegations that the Republican turned a blind eye to sexual abuse by a team doctor when he was a coach for the Ohio State wrestling team.
Mr. Jordan has vehemently denied the charge he was aware that team doctor Richard H. Strauss had fondled former wrestlers.
Members of the House Freedom Caucus said Tuesday they are “100 percent” behind the sixth-term congressman.
“I have always known Jim Jordan to be a man of the utmost character, honor, and integrity,” said North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows, chairman of the Freedom Caucus. “As the independent investigation is concluded, I’m confident people will learn the truth, and it will confirm all he has said about the situation. I’m proud to stand by Jim Jordan and support him 100 percent.”
Late last week, Mr. Jordan pushed back against the allegations and said the former wrestlers know the truth.
“I never saw, never heard of, never was told about any kind of abuse,” Mr. Jordan said. “If I did, I would have dealt with it. A good coach puts the interests of his student-athletes first.”
The charges leveled by former wrestlers against Mr. Jordan bubbled up as the House GOP prepares for House Speaker Paul D. Ryan’s pending departure from Congress.
Mr. Jordan told reporters Tuesday night that he has not ruled out running amid the ongoing controversy.
“If and when there’s a speaker’s race, I plan on being a part of the discussion,” Mr. Jordan said, according to The Hill.
Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona said Mr. Jordan is a “man of integrity” and should be “presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
“I am confident that when all facts are revealed, Congressman Jordan will be vindicated,” Mr. Biggs said.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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