ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota's House speaker says an outside firm will be hired to conduct an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment.
Two women came forward this week and said Republican Rep. Tony Cornish sexually harassed them. Cornish has admitted texting one of the women, a fellow lawmaker, but said it was congenial. He denied other allegations that he propositioned a lobbyist.
On Saturday, House Speaker Kurt Daudt sent a letter to Minority Leader Melissa Hortman in which he says that the two agreed to hire an outside firm to investigate the allegations against Cornish.
The letter says the investigation was recommended by the non-partisan human resources department.