Under fire for alleged ethical violations, Republican House Minority Leader Joe Stengel announced today that he is stepping down from his leadership post.
Republican Assistant Minority Leader Mike May said an ethics investigation will be launched into Stengel’s conduct.
Earlier this week, Stengel admitted to bad judgment and returned $891 after it was reported that he accepted off-session pay while vacationing in Hawaii and taking the bar exam. Stengel has said he conducted legislative business on those days.
“Questions that have arisen regarding the leadership per diem I claimed in 2005 have become a major distraction not only for me but for my colleagues as well,” Stengel said in a statement. “Stepping down will also allow me to concentrate on defending myself against the complaint that has been brought against me.”
Legislative leaders can file for $99 per diem when they do public work after the 120-day legislative session ends. Stengel has come under fire for collecting pay for every day but the major holidays in the off-session.
Republicans will meet Friday to discuss Stengel’s successor, said Republican Rep. Bill Cadman, the caucus chair. An election will be held next Thursday, he said.
Meanwhile in the Senate, an ethics committee convened for the first time today to organize an investigation into a letter sent by Democratic Sen. Deanna Hanna. Last summer, Hanna sent a letter requesting a $1,400 campaign contribution as a “reparations request” from a group that backed her election opponent.
