PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — In the wake of sexual harassment allegations lodged against him, state Rep. Mike Zabel (D., Delaware) says he is not resigning his seat in the Pennsylvania State House, but is stepping back from committee assignments and other legislative duties.
He says he will allow the Democratic caucus to handle any constituent services in his district.
Leaders of the House Democratic caucus say they agree it is an appropriate step for Zabel and expect the recently empaneled House Ethics Committee will thoroughly and expeditiously review any and all claims that come forward.
House Republican leadership have called on Zabel to resign, saying “the fact that a serial predator was knowingly allowed to harass other women within the halls of this Capitol and elsewhere is shameful behavior.”
Mike Zabel is accused of sexually harassing a lobbyist during discussion of legislation outside of the Capitol building. The allegations first came to light in January during a hearing hosted by then-House Speaker Mark Rozzi. Zabel wasn’t named at the time, but he was named during this week’s debate on House rules.
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Those rules expand the House’s harassment policies to cover not only House members and staff, but also anyone who does business with the House. The House Ethics Committee has four Republicans and four Democrats and is chaired by Philadelphia Democrat Donna Bullock.
Zabel says he will cooperate fully with the committee.
In his letter to House leadership, Zabel references an illness that has caused behavior he regrets. Sources say Zabel has struggled with alcohol addiction. He says he is currently in out-patient treatment, but is seeking an in-patient program which he will enter as soon as possible.