Sen. Latvala Removed From Powerful Post Amid Harassment Scandal

CLEARWATER, FL — Florida Sen. Jack Latvala, who is currently running for governor, has been removed from his prestigious post as the chairman of the state Senate Appropriations Committee amid a sexual harassment scandal, according to multiple media outlets.

Senate President Joe Negron, a Republican, made the decision to remove Latvala from the post as an investigation into his conduct continues.

Latvala, a Republican from Clearwater, came under scrutiny after a Politico story found six women, including Senate staff and lobbyists, accusing the senator of misconduct. They said he touched them inappropriately or made demeaning remarks about their appearances.

Latvala said in a statement released Friday evening that Politico was a "fake news entity" and their article was a "smear campaign."

“While the independent, third party investigation regarding Senator Latvala is pending, I believe it is in the best interest of the Senate for another Senator to temporarily serve as Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations," said Negron when announcing his decision Monday, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Negron said Latvala's other Senate responsibilities will be unchanged.

According to The Gainesville Sun, Gov. Rick Scott said the report was disgusting and that Latvala should be removed from office if the charges are true.

In a letter to Negron, Latvala asked for a "leave of absence" from his chairmanship, the Tampa Bay Times reported, adding, "I look forward to defending myself against these untruthful allegations and believe I will be fully exonerated.”

As chairman of the appropriations committee, Latvala had extensive control of the state's budgetary spending. Sen. Rob Bradley will be taking over the chairmanship in Latvala's absence, according to WFLA.

AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser