A Republican political action committee has launched a mailer targeting state Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson, a Democrat from Lexington, asserting that she failed to protect women in light of allegations against Rep. Daniel Grossberg. The mailer questions what Stevenson knew regarding Grossberg’s actions, which have included accusations of sexual harassment against young women and inappropriate behavior at a Louisville strip club. These allegations led to Grossberg being banned from the establishment after multiple witnesses reported his misconduct, including inappropriate touching and solicitation of a dancer for sex. The mailer claims Stevenson, as the House minority caucus chair, misused funds meant for the House Democratic Caucus to defend a “predator” rather than safeguarding young women.
The flier’s accusations indicate that Stevenson and her fellow Democrats continued to provide support and resources to Grossberg, enabling him to secure a win in the primary by 50 votes despite the allegations against him. Recently, the Kentucky House of Representatives’ Democratic Caucus voted to expel Grossberg in light of these serious claims. Stevenson, who has served the 88th District since 2019, is facing Republican Vanessa Grossl in November’s general election. During the preceding months, Grossberg has faced scrutiny and was suspended from caucusing with House Democrats following the surfacing of “creepy” messages he reportedly sent to women working with advocacy organizations or lobbying firms.
The charges against Grossberg gained traction with a series of investigative articles published by the Herald-Leader, which detailed the nature of his texts and allegations from women who have interacted with him. Following the escalating concerns surrounding Grossberg’s behavior, both House Democratic leadership and attorneys from the Legislative Research Commission initiated investigations into his conduct. Despite a widespread call for transparency and ethical accountability, Grossberg has denied any wrongdoing and rejected calls for his resignation.
The mailer, which has not been authorized by any candidate, strongly emphasizes that Stevenson should be held accountable for her failure to act decisively against Grossberg. It encourages voters to reconsider their support for her by urging them to “vote against” Stevenson without mentioning her opponent, Vanessa Grossl. The political maneuvering reflects an evolving tension within Kentucky’s political landscape, where accusations of misconduct and the handling of such allegations can significantly influence electoral outcomes.
Stevenson’s actions throughout the controversy are under scrutiny as the election approaches, particularly her response to Grossberg’s alleged behavior and the Democratic Caucus’s initial support for him. The situation has become a focal point in her campaign, highlighting potential vulnerabilities as she prepares to defend her seat against Grossl’s challenge. Observers note that the Republican Party’s strategic use of these allegations showcases their intent to exploit any perceived weaknesses within the Democratic leadership amidst a broader political climate often charged with partisan conflict.
As the general election draws near, both parties are likely to mobilize their resources to sway public opinion. The outcome of this contentious battle between Stevenson and Grossl could set a precedent for how similar cases are managed within state politics and may impact the future dynamics of the Kentucky House of Representatives. In this atmosphere of heightened awareness around issues of sexual harassment and accountability, the stakes have never been higher for candidates like Stevenson, who must navigate the treacherous waters of public opinion while also addressing the serious implications of her party’s handling of alleged misconduct.
