Holcomb, Bosma, And Long Call For Curtis Hill To Resign

Gov. Eric Holcomb and legislative leaders Rep. Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) and Sen. David Long (R-Fort Wayne) joined the growing number of voices Thursday calling for Republican Attorney General Curtis Hill to resign.

The top state republicans made their calls three days after sexual misconduct allegations against Hill became public.

Three legislative staffers and a lawmaker say Hill groped them at a party in March. Those allegations became public Monday. None of the four legislative leaders -- from either party -- called for Hill to resign at that time.

Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) changed his tune; he and his caucus said Hill should go. Holcomb, vacationing in Montana, said he’d gather the facts when he returned.

Now the governor and Republican legislative leaders say they believe Hill’s accusers and call for the Republican Attorney General to step down. In a statement, Long and Bosma say sexual harassment is unacceptable at any time.

"Curtis Hill is not our employee; if he was, he would already have been fired," Bosma and Long say. "Because we cannot terminate his employment, we ask instead for him to own up to his actions, apologize publicly to the victims, and tender his resignation immediately." 

Hill has adamantly denied the allegations.

The legislature can impeach Hill and force him to leave office. Holcomb would appoint Hill's replacement. 

Holcomb and the legislative leaders also say they want the state Inspector General to open an investigation into Hill's conduct.

Other state leaders who joined those calling for Hill to resign Thursday:

• House Minority Leader Terry Goodin (D-Austin): "It had been my hope that the Attorney General could realize on his own that his salacious behavior has no place in our state government, then do us all a favor and quit. Now that his governor and his party leadership in the Indiana General Assembly have weighed in, let me make it unanimous: Mr. Attorney General, it is time for you to go."
   
• Lieutenant Gov. Suzanne Crouch: "As lieutenant governor, I fully support Governor Holcomb's statement regarding Attorney General Curtis Hill. Sexual harassment should never be tolerated."
   
• Secretary of State Connie Lawson: "Indiana deserves a safe work environment, which extends beyond the workplace. I am disappointed that I must make such a call, but Attorney General Hill should resign. Our state leaders are held to a higher standard and must behave in such a manner."