Assembly Republican Leaders Ask Bill Kramer To Resign

Republican leaders in the state Assembly have asked embattled Rep. Bill Kramer, R-Waukesha, to resign, but they have not signaled any plans to expel him.

Kramer was charged with two felonies last week for allegedly sexually assaulting a legislative staffer in 2011.

A letter to Kramer from Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and the rest of the Republican leadership team says the recent allegations against Kramer are reprehensible, and that he should leave the Legislature out of respect to the institution, his constituents, and the state of Wisconsin.

Republicans saved stronger words for an accompanying press release, saying that Kramer’s constituents could recall him if he doesn’t resign. But Republicans made no mention of expulsion, which is a step the Legislature could take to forcibly remove Kramer. Republicans said only that they believed the criminal charges against Kramer are credible, and the criminal process should proceed without interference.

Republicans already stripped Kramer of his leadership position after it was alleged he sexually harassed two women during a fundraising trip this year. Kramer does not plan to seek reelection.