(Bismarck, ND) -- In a 69-25 vote, the North Dakota House of Representatives chose to expel Representative Luke Simons of Dickinson following roughly three hours of debate. Legislators voted to remove Simons following a number of accusations of sexual harassment made against the Western ND Republican. It marks the first time a lawmaker has been removed from the state legislature since North Dakota became a state. Simons has denied any wrongdoing on his part. He earlier declined requests from other Republican leaders to resign. House Majority Leader Chet Pollert and Minority Leader Josh Boschee worked together on the resolution to remove Simons. Earlier, two North Dakota representatives spoke out about their experiences with Representative Simons. Representative Emily O'Brien said in a statement Saturday that she moved desks to avoid Simons' "harassing behavior." Representative Brandy Pyle reported inappropriate comments Simons allegedly made about an intern.
