MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Latest on offensive comments made by Republican lawmaker (all times local):
2:40 p.m.
Republican state Rep. Rob Brooks has resigned his position as assistant majority leader in the Wisconsin Assembly amid a call from Gov. Scott Walker that he resign from office.
Republican Assembly leaders issued a joint statement saying Brooks decided to leave his leadership position and it will remain vacant until after the November election.
Brooks, of Saukville, faces bipartisan condemnation for racist and sexual remarks he made to three fellow female legislators following a GOP caucus this summer.
Brooks has apologized for the comments, which he said were made “under the influence of alcohol.”
But Walker calls them “offensive and disrespectful” and says Brooks should resign his seat. He is running for re-election in November.
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1:30 p.m.
A state representative Gov. Scott Walker is calling on to resign would remain on the ballot for re-election, even if he steps down as the governor wants.
Walker on Wednesday called for Republican state Rep. Rob Brooks to resign over racist and sexual remarks he made to three female legislators following a GOP caucus this summer.
Brooks has not responded to the governor’s request. He has apologized for his comments, saying they were made “under the influence of alcohol.”
Brooks’ district includes portions of Ozaukee and Washington counties. He faces Democrat Chris Rahlf in November.
If Brooks were to resign and then win, he could resign again and Walker would have to call a special election.
If he resigns and loses, Republicans would lose a seat in the Assembly which they currently control 64-35.
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12:20 p.m.
Gov. Scott Walker is calling for a Republican state lawmaker who made racist and sexual remarks to three female legislators following a GOP caucus this summer to resign.
Walker tweeted the call for Assistant Republican Majority Leader Rob Brooks, of Saukville, to resign on Wednesday.
Brooks did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, citing sources it did not name, said Brooks told Rep. Jessie Rodriguez he was buying drinks for everyone except her because she is Hispanic. The newspaper said Brooks made sexual comments to Reps. Cindi Duchow and Amy Loudenbeck.
Brooks apologized, saying he made “stupid comments while under the influence of alcohol.”
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11:07 a.m.
Gov. Scott Walker is condemning sexual and racial comments made by a Republican state lawmaker to three female legislators following a GOP caucus this summer.
Assistant Republican Majority Leader Rob Brooks said in a statement Wednesday that he made “some stupid comments while under the influence of alcohol” and has apologized for his actions.
Walker says Brooks’ comments are “offensive and disrespectful. They have no place in our society and are inconsistent with the high standards that must be held by those in public office.”
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, citing sources it did not name, said Brooks told Rep. Jessie Rodriguez he was buying drinks for everyone except her because she is Hispanic. The newspaper said Brooks made sexual comments to Reps. Cindi Duchow and Amy Loudenbeck.
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8:50 a.m.
A state Assembly leader has apologized for inappropriate comments to three female legislators after a Republican caucus event in Wisconsin Dells.
Assistant Republican Majority Leader Rob Brooks said in a statement that he made “some stupid comments while under the influence of alcohol” and has apologized for his actions.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel , citing sources it did not name, said Brooks told Rep. Jessie Rodriguez he was buying drinks for everyone except her because she is Hispanic. The newspaper said Brooks made sexual comments to Reps. Cindi Duchow and Amy Loudenbeck.
The women reported the remarks to the Assembly’s chief clerk and asked him to speak to Brooks. In a statement released by Speaker Robin Vos, the female lawmakers characterized the remarks as “inappropriate” and “offensive.”
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