NASHVILLE (AP) - House Democrats are calling for a special session to expel a Republican lawmaker accused of sexually harassing at least 22 women before he can qualify for a lifetime pension.
Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Stewart said Wednesday that state Rep. Jeremy Durham of Franklin will automatically qualify for a pension starting at $300 per month in November, even if he loses his primary next month.
Durham suspended his re-election campaign earlier this month after a state attorney general's office released a report alleging that he had sexually harassed at least 22 women.
The lawmaker has said nearly all of the allegations are either false or taken out of context, but stopped short of resigning his seat. Early voting is already underway, and Durham's name remains on the ballot.