Virginia GOP renews call for hearing on Fairfax allegations

RICHMOND, Va. – Republican lawmakers in Virginia are renewing their push to hold a bipartisan hearing into sexual assault allegations two women have made against the state’s Democratic lieutenant governor.

House Courts of Justice Committee Chairman Del. Rob Bell pressed Democrats on Thursday to hold a hearing on Oct. 16. That’s just a few weeks before legislative elections.

Two women earlier this year publicly accused Fairfax of sexual assault and said they want to testify before the legislature, but only if both political parties participate.

Fairfax has denied any wrongdoing.

Most House Democrats having opposed a public hearing, saying it would be little more than a political stunt.

The GOP’s renewed push comes after The Washington Post’s editorial board said earlier this week that the legislature should move forward with a hearing.