After a second woman has accused Justin Fairfax of sexual assault (rape) five Democrat Congressional reps from Virginia, Don Beyer, Abigail Spanberger, Elaine Luria, Jennifer Wexton, and Gerry Connolly are calling for the resignation of Lt Governor Justin Fairfax and Governor Ralph Northam. Their statement from the patch.com:
“We believe Dr. Vanessa Tyson. We found her account compelling and highly credible. The central issue at the heart of her account is consent, and there can be no better authority to decide whether it was given than Dr. Tyson herself. Meredith Watson’s statement describes another extremely disturbing incident, which lends further credence to Dr. Tyson’s story,” the members of Congress said. “The Lieutenant Governor of Virginia presides over the Virginia Senate and must be prepared to fill the role of Governor. It is unacceptable that either of these weighty responsibilities be entrusted to someone who has engaged in the behavior described by Dr. Tyson and Meredith Watson.
…”Lt. Governor Fairfax has also shown exceptionally poor judgment in his handling of these allegations. He repeatedly attacked his accuser, he reportedly used vile and degrading language to describe her, he mischaracterized an investigation into the encounter, and he sought to blame others for events in his own past,” the Democrats said. “For these reasons we believe that Justin Fairfax cannot continue to serve at Lt. Governor Of Virginia, and should step aside.”
A sixth Virginia Congressman, Donald McEachin (D-4th district), released his own statement calling the resignation of Fairfax:
I believe that it is best for the Commonwealth of Virginia if Justin Fairfax dealt with these accusations as a private citizen. He can no longer serve us as the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.”
Former Governor Terry McAuliffe has called for Fairfax’s resignation,
“The allegations against Justin Fairfax are serious and credible,” former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe (D) said Friday in a statement. “It is clear to me that he can no longer effectively serve the people of Virginia as Lieutenant Governor. I call for his immediate resignation.”
Phyllis Randall (D) Chairman of the Loudoun Board of Supervisors and longtime supporter of Justin Fairfax has called for him to step down, from the Loudountimes.com
“It’s with deep regret and sadness that I have to call for the resignation of Justin Fairfax,” Randall said. “ … I can no longer stand with the Lt. Governor. I’m heartbroken to have to make this decision but I know in my heart it’s correct.”
The Virginia Democratic party has also called on Fairfax to resign as Lt. Governor. From thehill.com:
“Due to the serious nature of these allegations, we believe Lieutenant Governor Fairfax can no longer fulfill his duties to the Commonwealth,” state Democrats wrote in a statement late Friday.
“He needs to address this as a private citizen. The time has come for him to step down,”.
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus has called for Fairfax to resign. From wsls.com
“In light of the most recent sexual assault allegations against Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus believe it is best for Lt. Governor Fairfax to step down from his position. We remain steadfast in our conviction that every allegation of sexual assault or misconduct be treated with the utmost seriousness.
While we believe that anyone accused of such grievous and harmful act must receive the due process prescribed by the Constitution, we can’t see it in the best interest of the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Lieutenant Governor to remain in his role.”
Meanwhile, the Lt Governor is adamant in his refusal to step down, from wtkr.com
I deny this latest unsubstantiated allegation. It is demonstrably false. I have never forced myself on anyone ever.
I demand a full investigation into these unsubstantiated and false allegations. Such an investigation will confirm my account because I am telling the truth.
I will clear my good name and I have nothing to hide. I have passed two full field background checks by the FBI and run for office in two highly-contested elections with nothing like this being raised before.
It is obvious that a vicious and coordinated smear campaign is being orchestrated against me.
I will not resign.
He may not have a choice, Virginia Delegate Patrick Hope (D-47th) will introduce Articles of Impeachment against Fairfax in the House of Delegates on Monday if Fairfax has not resigned by then. That story here.