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Michigan lawmaker loses chairmanship after sexual harrasment allegations deemed credible

Jimmy Emerson, DVM|https://flic.kr/p/7Tyb3B
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Flickr

A Michigan lawmaker has been stripped of a committee chairmanship after the state Senate concluded allegations of sexual harassment lodged against him by several women were credible.

Republican Senator Peter Lucido lost his position leading the Senate Advice and Consent Committee on Thursday. 

“I’m sure it will be perceived as a punishment by many." said Amber McCann, a spokeswoman for state Senate majority leader Mike Shirkey.  " I would characterize it as an appropriate response given the findings, the majority leader felt this would be the best course of action moving forward.”

The Senate opened an investigation in January after a reporter said Lucido made a sexist comment to her in front of a group of high school boys.

A female senator then accused him of sexually harassing her. A woman who works for a trade group made similar allegations.