Kentucky House Dems seek investigation of text messages, temporarily suspend one of their own

Rep. Daniel Grossberg, D-Louisville, has denied any impropriety. (LRC Public Information)

Democrats in the Kentucky House have temporarily suspended Rep. Daniel Grossberg of Louisville from their caucus and asked the Legislative Ethics Commission to investigate allegations that he sent inappropriate text messages to women.

Grossberg’s attorney, Anna Whites, said Wednesday afternoon that Grossberg “appreciates the hard work the Legislative Ethics Commission does, looks forward to answering any questions and looks forward to a favorable result.”

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported Tuesday that the Legislative Research Commission (LRC) is investigating Grossberg, who is serving his first term in the legislature.

The Herald-Leader reported that three women had independently confirmed that they had been contacted by LRC investigators and asked about text messages sent by Grossberg. The newspaper did not identify the women but said they work for nonprofit organizations and routinely interact with lawmakers. They shared messages with the newspaper from Grossberg which they described as “weird” or “creepy;” they said the messages from Grossberg often came late at night and included compliments about their physical appearance. A fourth source also confirmed an LRC investigation, the Herald-Leader reported.

Grossberg in a statement from his lawyer Tuesday evening told the Herald-Leader that he had done nothing wrong, saying, “I steadfastly deny any impropriety.”

On Wednesday morning, a spokesperson for the House Democratic Caucus released this statement: “This morning, Kentucky House Democratic Caucus members voted to temporarily suspend state Representative Daniel Grossberg from the caucus and to request a formal investigation by the Legislative Ethics Commission.  We believe this is the appropriate organization to review the issues that have been raised.  Given the sensitive nature of these allegations, we have no further comment at this time. – Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Leaders Derrick Graham, Cherlynn Stevenson and Rachel Roberts.”

Also Wednesday, Kentucky Democratic Party chair Colmon Elridge released this statement: “ The series of allegations made against Representative Daniel Grossberg are unsettling. KDP has zero tolerance for sexual harassment and any form of sexual misconduct. Every individual should be held accountable for their own actions — particularly those who represent Kentuckians in the halls of our Capitol.”