With calls for his resignation increasing, Louisiana’s secretary of state announced Tuesday that he is leaving his position as state elections chief amid allegations he sexually harassed one of his employees. Secretary of State Tom Schedler said in a letter to the governor that he will be stepping down May 8, becoming the highest-level public official in Louisiana to be felled by sexual misconduct accusations since the #MeToo movement began unseating people in positions of power in Hollywood, the media and government. “I leave office with a heavy heart knowing I have disappointed the people in my life who care for me the most,” Schedler wrote. “But I also have experienced from them the miraculous power of forgiveness and grace during the twilight of my career, and for that I am grateful.”
The Republican secretary of state had previously announced plans to stay until his term ended in January 2020, despite a pending sexual harassment lawsuit against him by an employee. But the drumbeat for Schedler’s resignation grew louder after the release of sexually themed emails Schedler had sent to the woman who sued him.
A special election will fill the remainder of Schedler’s term. Until then, Schedler’s first assistant will be in charge.
…Tuesday’s announcement was a stunning fall for Schedler, 68, a longtime elected official from the New Orleans suburb of St. Tammany Parish. Well-liked by colleagues, he was known for his bipartisan approach to the job he’s held since 2010.
Full Article: Louisiana elections chief quits amid sexual misconduct claim.