HELENA — Republican and Democratic leaders in the Montana Senate announced Thursday that 39 out of 50 senators, from both parties, have signed an "open letter" calling on embattled Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, to resign.
Windy Boy has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment, including claims of sending sexually inappropriate messages to a minor. He’s denied any wrongdoing.
“We recognize that you have a right to due process and the presumption of innocence,” the senators wrote. “However, allegations of this nature—involving minors and abuse of position—carry serious implications for the credibility and functioning of the Legislature.”
Senate President Sen. Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, had already called on Windy Boy to step down. Earlier this month, leaders from both parties agreed to remove him from his Senate committee assignments.
“Choosing to resign is an opportunity to uphold the high standard that the public expects of its lawmakers and to show your dedication to the dignity of the Montana Senate,” the letter said. “We also believe it would be the best decision for you personally, as this issue is not going to go away and will undoubtedly continue to escalate the longer you choose to remain in office.”
Four senators who serve on the Senate Ethics Committee – and might therefore investigate allegations against Windy Boy – recused themselves from signing the letter. In addition, Sen. Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, is currently suspended from office while defending himself against an official misconduct charge.
Windy Boy is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Montana’s eastern congressional district. Last month, he suspended his campaign, but he announced several weeks later that he was “un-suspending” it and vowed to fight back against what he called a “coordinated political smear.”
Here is the full text of the letter:
As you are aware, disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct have been made against you. As reported by the press, it is alleged that you engaged in sexually explicit conversations with minors, including at least one attempt to solicit them for sex. You have also been accused of sexually harassing a fellow legislator and a member of legislative staff. These serious allegations, at least some of which are well documented, establish a pattern of behavior that we believe is disqualifying for anyone holding public office.
Any credible allegation of sexual misconduct with minors is beyond alarming. That potentially criminal activity is a breach of the trust given to you as an elected official. Further, the Montana Senate and the Legislature as a whole have a duty to protect the ability of every legislator, staff person, and member of the public to safely do their jobs and participate in the legislative process in a dignified manner.
We believe that the right thing for you to do for yourself personally, for the Legislature, and for your constituents is to immediately resign from your position in the Senate. We do not request this of you lightly; the gravity of these allegations and the duty we have to protect the integrity of our institution and the people it serves leaves us no choice.
We recognize that you have a right to due process and the presumption of innocence. However, allegations of this nature—involving minors and abuse of position—carry serious implications for the credibility and functioning of the Legislature. The continued controversy surrounding these allegations risks undermining public confidence in the Montana Senate and distracting from the work of the Legislature. Choosing to resign is an opportunity to uphold the high standard that the public expects of its lawmakers and to show your dedication to the dignity of the Montana Senate. We also believe it would be the best decision for you personally, as this issue is not going to go away and will undoubtedly continue to escalate the longer you choose to remain in office.
In order to preserve the integrity and due process of any potential Senate Ethics Committee proceedings during the interim, the Senate Ethics Committee members(Sens. Mandeville, McGillvray, Smith, and Pope) have been recused from signing this letter.
