Insiders say harassment has long been rampant
Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Dustin Gardiner/Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK
Accusations of sexual harassment, misconduct and inappropriate behavior have rocked the Arizona Legislature since November, when seven women publicly accused Rep. Don Shooter of inappropriate behavior and crass comments.
It’s not just a Shooter issue.
The accusations against him are emblematic of a deeper cultural problem at the Capitol, according to dozens of women and men who work in the corridors of the state House and Senate.
Lobbyists promote bills and high-stakes budget issues for their clients. They say they often are beholden to whims of elected officials and have endured lewd remarks and sexual advances. Elected officials say they, too, have faced harassment or sexist treatment.
