Statements today were released by incumbent Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and her challenger Mike Lee regarding former New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who resigned yesterday after allegations of sexual misconduct, including assault, were printed in the New Yorker.
His statement announcing his resignation: “While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or the operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the office’s work at this critical time. I
Rutledge issued a statement on the matter last night in her capacity as chair of the Republican Attorney General Association. (Coincidentally, this is the same group that poured dark money into her 2014 race for attorney general, in a case that established that candidates and outside groups can fully coordinate — Rutledge appeared in the ad — so long as they go through the charade of not using words like “vote for”). Here’s the statement from Rutledge:
The allegations against Eric Schneiderman are sickening. With devastating detail, the courageous women involved shared the horror and abuse they endured at the hands of a disturbed monster. I commend these strong women for standing up, speaking out and sharing their stories which will hopefully empower other victims to speak out against violence. These women will be the ones who are remembered, not this sick man. While Schneiderman has resigned as Attorney General of New York, I am hopeful that he will also be held accountable for the violent attacks against his victims.
Lee also issued a statement last night, condemning Schneiderman but also zooming out to a broader take on women’s issues:
Violence against women is unacceptable. Holding abusers accountable regardless of their party affiliation or position of power is a priority. After hearing the horrific allegations against him, I was relieved by the resignation of the attorney general of New York, Eric Schneiderman. Arkansas needs an attorney general who understands that standing up for women is not a partisan action. Led by conscience, I seek the office of attorney general. My moral compass was forged decades ago in Garland County with homegrown values and a good measure of patience provided by my loving parents. The moral sense they imparted points toward an equal, more just and perfect Union for all Arkansans.
Standing up for women means more than lip service. Standing up for women means protecting the health insurance of hardworking Arkansas families. When Mom isn’t well, the entire family suffers. Every Arkansan deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare. As attorney general, that’s one way I’ll take a stand for women…and the entire state of Arkansas.
Standing up for women means paying our daughters, wives, and mothers the same salary as their male counterparts. Forcing women to work for less is wrong. Standing up for women means improving public safety, protecting seniors from predatory reverse mortgages, and making sure payday lenders do not take advantage of Arkansas workers. In essence, standing up for women is standing up for every Arkansan. That’s how I will put Arkansas first—always.