Republican state Rep. Rob Brooks has resigned his position as assistant majority leader in the Wisconsin Assembly amid a call from Gov. Scott Walker that he resign from office.
GOP assembly leaders issued a statement, saying Brooks decided to leave his leadership position and it will remain vacant until after the November election. No word on whether he will resign his seat in the assembly, as Walker has requested. Brooks is running for reelection in November.
Brooks, of Saukville, made racial and sexual remarks to three female legislators following a GOP caucus this summer. Walker tweeted the call on Wednesday, for Brooks, to step down.
Representative Brooks' comments are offensive and disrespectful. They have no place in our society and are inconsistent with the high standards that must be held by those in public office. He should resign from office, period.
— Governor Walker (@GovWalker) September 26, 2018
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, citing soures it did not name, says Brooks told Rep. Jessie Rodriguez that he was buying drinks for everyone except her because she's Hispanic. The Journal Sentinel says Brooks also made sexual comments to Reps. Cindi Duchow and Amy Loudenbeck.
Brooks said in a statement Wednesday that he made "stupid comments while under the influence of alcohol" and has apologized for his actions.
Reps. Rodriguez, Loudenbeck and Duchow released a statement Wednesday, saying they fully accept Brooks' apology and his resignation from his position goes beyond what they expected or wanted.
Representative Rob Brooks' comments are offensive and disrespectful. They have no place in our society and are inconsistent with the high standards that must be held by those in public office.
— Governor Walker (@GovWalker) September 26, 2018
