Justin Fairfax accuser speaks out as Virginia House Democrats end calls for impeachment

[DonViejo]

Source: CBS News

BY EMILY TILLETT

UPDATED ON: FEBRUARY 20, 2019 / 7:56 AM / CBS NEWS

Virginia House Democrats are deferring to law enforcement officials to carry out their investigation into accusations that Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax sexually assaulted two women. This comes after a delegate in the Virginia legislature backed down from calls he made to impeach Fairfax.

Democrat Patrick Hope had threatened to introduce articles of impeachment against Fairfax, telling reporters that there is "no question that violent sexual assault qualifies as an impeachable high crime." Hope said that he had drafted language for his colleagues as a first step to take action against the Lt. Governor.

Link to tweet

But the Virginia House Democrats said in a statement on Tuesday that they believe the investigation into Fairfax should "proceed unencumbered and outside the political arena." They reiterated their calls for Fairfax to resign, but added "we are willing to work in a bipartisan manner with members of the General Assembly on a path forward."

Lawyers for one of Fairfax's accusers, Meredith Watson, slammed the Democrats in a statement, saying "Apparently, the Virginia House Democratic Caucus believes that courageous victims of rape need to be heard — just not by them. Ms. Watson is counting on the General Assembly to do the right thing and hold hearings now. These nonstop efforts to duck their role is pure cowardice. Sympathy is welcome, but action is needed."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/justin-fairfax-accuser-speaks-out-as-virginia-house-dems-end-calls-for-impeachment/

[Blue_Tires]

1. So what's the news about her accusation against Duke basketball?

Odd how absolutely nobody is talking about that when it's the MUCH bigger story...

[DonViejo]

2. Did you hit the link and read the full article, not just this 4 paragraph excerpt?

[Blue_Tires]

5. Yes, I read the full article

And there's *NO* fucking mention of "basketball", "Corey Maggette" or "Mike Krzyzewski"...

So my question still stands: WHAT is the status of the Duke investigation and why is nobody talking about it? The last mentions of it in the news was over a week ago. She accused one unnamed university dean of covering up her accusation to protect the program and a star player, which means the NCAA should intervene and some person or persons SHOULD be losing their job depending on what they knew, and when...

I dunno, but you'd think that an accusation big enough to tear down the premier athletics program in all of college sports would be a bit more newsworthy??

[groundloop]

3. I don't understand why her attorney would be unhappy with an investigation

To me the attorney's statement makes it sound like they want to make political theater. Personally, I think everyone should wait until after a complete investigation and if the allegations against Mr. Fairfax are found to be credible then go ahead with impeachment.

[WhiteTara]

9. Political theater is the goal.

I agree. Give the case to the FBI or VBI which ever; but he was elected and the state does have things to take care of and if he's guilty, then they can have their theater.

[lark]

4. Strange statement and one that makes me really wonder about her.

Why is she so insistent that this be investigated by the legislature and not the police? That just makes this sound like a hit job and not a complaint about an actual crime.

[Historic NY]

6. She goes from wanting to testify in court to wanting a public hearing...

I'm confused.

"I am frustrated by calls for an investigation rather than a public hearing into these matters," she said. "Such 'investigations' are secret proceedings, out of the public eye, leaving victims vulnerable to selective leaks and smears. And we all know how such investigations end: with 'inconclusive results.'"

What is her goal? His impeachment or justice. I think an open hearing would be the worse choice. There still has to be an investigation in order to substantiate charges for impeachment.

[atreides1]

7. I don't understand!

I read the story, she wants a public hearing but not an investigation, by law enforcement!

An investigation means that everyone with information will be questioned, to include those she talked to about the assaults!

When you take into consideration how sensitive this case is, this will probably be dealt with by the states attorney, and there isn't likely to be any leaks!

She wants to try Fairfax in the court of public opinion, without the burden of law enforcement being involved!

I have learned through personal experience not to take people at their word, because people will say anything, it's their actions that determine what kind of person they are!

[Power 2 the People]

8. I'm glad we as a party learned from the Franken fiasco.

Let the investigation be completed before pushing someone out. It's the only way justice will be truly served.