Independent state-mandated investigation finds Ohio legislative leaders discipline state lawmaker who was removed from committees and barred from contact with staff by House Democratic leadership for alleged “erratic and abusive behavior” I concluded that what I did was justified.
The investigation turned up numerous witnesses corroborating accusations of Cleveland-area Democratic Rep. Elliott Forhan’s actions over the past year, including conflicts with other members, constituents and lobbyists. The investigation was conducted at the request of the leaders by the Columbus Law Firm, appointed by Republican Attorney General Dave Yost.
Ohio Democratic Party under investigation for alleged ‘erratic and abusive’ behavior
Following the allegations, Forhan lost all committee assignments last November and was ordered by House Minority Leader C. Alison Russo to contact interns, members of Congress and Democratic legislative aides. Forbidden. He was also asked to be accompanied by the House Sergeant-at-Arms during his visit to the Capitol.
The Ohio State Capitol in Columbus, Ohio. (Joe Soum/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Forhan repeatedly failed to comply with the latter provision, showing up unannounced at the state Capitol and nearby legislative buildings and yelling at the sergeant or one of his aides at least twice, according to the report.
The report concluded that Mr. Forhan’s actions, if left unchecked, “posed a serious threat to the institutional integrity of the Ohio House of Representatives and its reputation, and posed a credible risk of escalation to violence or acts of violence.” . However, he also said that Forhan’s past actions “do not justify his dismissal.”
Forhan told Cleveland.com that the investigation was a “sham” and did not indicate that his actions amounted to “violence or acts of violence,” but that such claims could be made in the future. He simply said that there was, and that he did not agree with this assertion.
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Forhan was elected to a first term in 2022, but lost in the Democratic primary last month and finished third overall. His term of office expires at the end of the year.
