Meredith Wilson: I'm willing to testify in public. Justin Fairfax should, too.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Hat tip, Above the Law:

Morning Docket: 02.19.19
By KATHRYN RUBINO
at 8:30 AM

* Meredith Watson, one of the women to accuse Virginia Lieutenant Governor and MoFo partner Justin Fairfax of sexual assault, writes in an op-ed that she’s willing to publicly testify about the allegations. [Washington Post]

Opinions
I’m willing to testify in public. Justin Fairfax should, too.

By Meredith Watson
February 18 at 4:33 PM

Meredith Watson lives in Maryland.

When I came forward to report that Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax raped me when we were both Duke University students in 2000, I did so to support another victim of sexual assault and to remove that man from a position of national prominence.

Despite the professed belief of numerous elected officials in Virginia and elsewhere that Vanessa Tyson, who says that Fairfax sexually assaulted her in 2004, and I have brought forward credible allegations, the Virginia General Assembly has not taken the simple and responsible step of arranging the thorough public hearing that we have sought.

This is how the culture of sexual assault, harassment and the disempowerment of women persists.

Since I came forward less than two weeks ago, certain politicians offered to support me if I made it a partisan issue. I refused. Likewise, I have refused to make this a financial issue by suing for compensation. I have refused to make it a law-enforcement issue. Despite nearly 100 offers to be interviewed, I have refused to make my rape a media opportunity.

My motivation was never for personal gain. ... And what have I gained? I have endured relentless scrutiny of my personal life and an unending, bitter flood of hurtful misinformation trumpeted by the media.
....

[underpants]

1. I don't know if it was his strategy but he's really run out the clock

The GA will be finished and adjourn at the end of this week I think.

[4139]

2. They can extend the session to a total of 60 days -adding 15- but clock is ticking real fast.

[underpants]

4. They stare set to finish up on Saturday

So they’ll have to extend in the next few days.

[4139]

5. reconvened session on April 3

“According to staffers within the Virginia Democratic caucus, once lawmakers adjourn this weekend, they are expected to return to Richmond for a "reconvened session" on April 3 to take up vetoes from the governor and amendments. It's possible they could also address the Fairfax controversy again at this time or they could be called back for a special session. That would be up to the Speaker of the House, Republican Kirk Cox. “
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/justin-fairfax-accuser-speaks-out-as-virginia-house-dems-end-calls-for-impeachment/

[underpants]

6. Va. House Democrats, GOP speaker at odds over who should lead in investigating Fairfax allegations

Yep you’re right. I saw this above the fold in the Times-Disgrace.

The Democratic caucus in the Virginia House of Delegates said Tuesday that the sexual assault allegations against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax should be investigated by law enforcement without the General Assembly’s involvement.

“We believe that the law enforcement investigation should proceed unencumbered and outside of the political arena,” the caucus said in a statement.

A few hours later, House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, said the prospect of having legislative hearings is “becoming more compelling” and “should be seriously considered.”

Though both parties said they’re committed to finding a bipartisan way forward, the two statements indicate a clear difference of opinion on who should take the lead in investigating the allegations.

https://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/government-politics/general-assembly/va-house-democrats-gop-speaker-at-odds-over-who-should/article_33134a15-f223-5d22-8743-cf387b937d27.html

[msongs]

3. she can file charges and testify in court nt