Bruce denies wrongdoing after harassment complaint

DENVER - Rep. Douglas Bruce handled the latest controversy of his brief legislative career the same way he's dealt with the others - he denied doing anything wrong.

The El Paso County Republican, who's been accused of sexual harassment by a female legislative staffer, said Thursday that he doesn't know the woman who made the complaint, which he claimed is part of a continuing effort to discredit him and his conservative views.

"I don't even know who the person is," Bruce said of the Capitol worker whose complaint was delivered to him Wednesday.

"This is getting to be absurd. And it didn't happen. I'm hoping that people will see this as going over the top . . . and help them understand these accusations are political."

House Speaker Andrew Romanoff informed Bruce of the complaint, beginning a closed formal process in which Capitol leaders will investigate and determine if punishment is warranted.

Details of the accusation are sketchy, and Bruce has been told not to have contact with the woman, whose name was not released.

Asked if someone unknown to him could have taken offense at something he said or did, Bruce said: "Who knows if I said hello to her in the hallway as I passed? I don't know her. I don't know her name. "

House rules forbid Romanoff, D-Denver, or other House leaders who are involved in the investigation from commenting.

Several lawmakers said privately, however, that they had heard rumors for more than a week that an accusation of sexual harassment against Bruce was coming.

Bruce was a midterm appointee who was selected by El Paso County Republicans to serve the remainder of House District 15 Rep. Bill Cadman's term after Cadman moved to the Senate to fill a vacancy.

Bruce caused an uproar by delaying his swearing in so he'd be eligible to run for additional terms, and then kicking a newspaper photographer who was taking his picture during prayer.

The kick, which Bruce refused to apologize for, earned him the first censure in the history of the Colorado House.

A month later, GOP leadership removed him from the State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee after he refused to vote for or co-sponsor an annual resolution honoring veterans.

Last month, he caused another furor by saying during a debate on a bill to increase the number of foreign farmworkers in the state that he didn't want "5,000 more illiterate peasants" in Colorado. He was gaveled down and banned from speaking during the rest of the discussion.

Legislative leaders from both parties have repeatedly criticized Bruce's actions.

"I'm tired of being set up," Bruce said Thursday. "I think their house of cards is going to collapse when this final attack is exposed . . . for being so totally without merit."

CONTACT THE WRITER: (303) 837-0613 or ed.sealover@gazette.com


TRAINING SESSION

Lawmakers are required to take a training session on what constitutes sexual harassment, typically soon after a member is elected. The class for lawmakers appointed before the 2008 session was held in March.


COMPLAINT PROCESS

- A complaint is filed with the office of House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver. The Legislature's Joint Rules say "the complaint should be in writing and specifically describe the incident or incidents."

- The speaker's office is to investigate the complaint "as promptly and confidentially as possible." That can include interviews with the complainant, the accused and any witnesses.

- Investigators are to ask the accused for a response to a complaint and an explanation of his or her understanding of the incident. They can also ask whether there is any reason why the complaint might be fabricated.

- Individuals accused of sexual harassment are not required to aid the investigation.

- House leadership is charged with determining disciplinary action. In this instance, it is Romanoff.

- Records are to be kept on file and made available to the parties involved. If an allegation is determined to be false, the accused can make the file open for public inspection.

- MICHAEL DAVIDSON THE GAZETTE