Va. House Speaker urged to resign

RICHMOND, Va., June 12 (UPI) -- Virginia Democratic Lt. Gov. Timothy Kaine and Republican Attorney General Jerry Kilgore put aside their partisan differences Wednesday to urge House Speaker S. Vance Wilkins Jr. to resign because of a sexual harassment claim that was settled out of court.

Wilkins has denied any wrongdoing, but Kilgore, the highest-ranking Republican in state government, said he was concerned about "the appearance of impropriety."

At a news conference Wednesday, the attorney general said he was also disturbed about reports that the speaker was using his political power to pressure legislators into letting him keep his job.

"The confirmation by the speaker of the payment of $100,000, of the motivation behind the payment, and now the reports that he may use the power of his office to influence caucus members, has made me regretfully conclude that Speaker Wilkins cannot continue as Speaker of the House," Kilgore said.

As speaker, Wilkins makes committee appointments, controls the flow of legislation and issues parliamentary rulings in presiding over the 100-member House.

Kaine also said Wilkins should resign unless he proves the harassment claim was untrue.

Wilkins, R-Amherst, did not immediately return phone calls to his office.

"It is in the best interest of the people of Virginia for the Speaker of the House to immediately step down from his position," Kilgore said.

Wilkins, 65, acknowledged Monday night to reporters that he paid an out of court settlement late last year to a former office worker at the construction company he used to own to settle a complaint of sexual harassment. The Washington Post reported Friday that the speaker paid $100,00 to Jennifer L. Thompson, 26, who contends that Wilkins groped her and pinned her against office furniture last summer.

Another woman, Elizabeth P. Massie, came forward on Saturday with the allegation that Wilkins aggressively rubbed her leg during a Christmas party in December. Wilkins and the host of the party denied the allegations.

He said he settled the case to keep the matter quiet in an election year when all 100 House seats and the three statewide offices were at stake.

Kilgore said he believes Wilkins settled the case "to protect his position as speaker."

At his news conference, Kaine said he has talked to several female lobbyists who reported unwelcome sexual advances by other legislators.

"It's happened a lot, but with a small percentage of legislators," he said.

(Reported by Chris Sieroty in Washington)