BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — State Representative Heather Scott is speaking out about the controversy that got her punished by legislative leadership.
Scott was removed from her three committee assignments Thursday by House Speaker Scott Bedke after allegations that she commented to another female lawmaker that women only get high positions in the Legislature by offering sexual favors.
Scott, a Republican from Blanchard, made the remark to Rep. Judy Boyle during the Legislature's organization session on Dec. 1. Boyle had just been named chair of the House Agriculture Committee and Scott told her in front of other lawmakers that women only receive coveted leadership positions if they "spread their legs." Since then, multiple lawmakers have demanded Scott be reprimanded or offer a public apology.
Appearing Friday evening on the Nate Shelman Show on KBOI 670, Scott did not apologize. Rather, she came out swinging. (You can listen to the entire Nate Shelman interview here)
"I'm very blunt,” she said. “Citizens are sick of this kind of behavior in legislators." And in the spirit of bluntness, Scott had this to say about fellow Republican Christy Perry and her alleged affair. “Representative Perry broke the law. She actually broke the law and they're going to promote her. And that's... We got major problems in government, people."
Scott called her conversation private, still she confirmed what she said. “I said, ‘legislators shouldn't have to sleep around or spread their legs to advance."
After the radio program, KBOI 2’s Scott Logan asked Scott if she had regrets. “No. Maybe the way I said it could have been framed better, but no. It is the appearance from the citizens on the outside. And I'm not ashamed to speak for the citizens. That's what I'm paid to do."
Without committee assignments, Representative Scott will have limited influence over legislation. She won't get to vote on a bill unless it comes to the house floor.
Asked if she would fight to get back on a committee or two, she admitted she didn't know how to do that. But if Speaker Bedke requires a frank apology, she’s not ready to give it. That much was clear from her 90 minutes on the radio.
Watch our complete interview with Rep. Scott:
ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmpaeTlrlwvsSpZKGdkam1pr6MrJqorKRiwLGxwKSq