House lawmakers are expected vote on Tuesday to expel Representative Jeremy Durham from office, likely ending what has been a nearly year long fall from grace surrounding scathing allegations of sexual harassment at the the state Capitol.
On Monday afternoon, Representative Susan Lynn, a Republican from Mt. Juliet told the House floor that she will file a motion on Tuesday to expel Durham from his seat.
"We thought it would be good to have a woman make the motion as a nod to the victims that we understand what they've been through and we're sorry that we didn't know and do know now," Rep. Lynch said following the end of Monday's floor session.
If expelled from office, Representative Durham will no longer be eligible to receive a lifetime state pension.
Lawmakers though, sparred over legal questions surrounding the looming expulsion vote. Some questioned whether it would be unconstitutional to take a vote to expel Durham on the grounds that Governor Haslam called the special session only to address a massive flaw in a DUI law that could cost the state $60 million dollars in federal funds.
Representative Mike Stewart, the Democratic Caucus Chairman was among those voicing concerns Monday.
"They’ve been dragging their feet for months and yes given we’re hear to correct a huge mistake I am absolutely concerned we do this the right way," he said.
Speaker Beth Harwell though responded by saying, "we have followed all constitutional constraints."
late Monday afternoon Rep. Rick Womick filed an ethics complaint against Speaker Harwell, saying she abused her position and influence as Speaker to oust Durham.
Representative Durham was not present for Monday's House session, he tells NewsChannel 5 that he has not decided if he will attend Tuesday's vote.
