GOP Rep. Steve Stivers explains why Jim Jordan is still in Congress despite allegations he ignored sexual abuse claims

COLUMBUS (OH)
CNBC

August 20, 2018

By John Harwood

Rep. Steve Stivers , R-Ohio, has the toughest job in politics right now: trying to stop a Democratic “blue wave” at the polls this fall. Stivers, the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, sat down to talk to CNBC’s John Harwood about the campaign and other factors. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

CNBC’s John Harwood: You’ve got a colleague in Ohio, Jim Jordan, who is accused by multiple Ohio State wrestlers that he coached of having ignored sexual abuse that they were experiencing. Why is it OK for him to remain in Congress, to be a member in good standing of the Republican caucus, to run for speaker of the House?

Rep. Steve Stivers: Well, the Ohio State University has an investigation on Dr. Strauss, who died a few years ago but is alleged to have abused many people. I’m looking forward to seeing their results. We have empathy for the victims and as I have empathy for anybody who was victimized in a sexual harassment way or a sexual assault way.

Harwood: Based on what’s on the public record, and who is making the allegations, are you inclined to think that this was a real thing, a real scandal — as opposed to something that was cooked up by people who are opponents of Jim Jordan or opponents of the doctor?

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