The Arizona House of Representatives held a spectacular shindig on Wednesday, where they gleefully expelled a GOP member after an ethics committee discovered she was a bit naughty. State Rep. Liz Harris was accused of “disorderly behavior” for fibbing about some fake testimony during a February gathering to ponder election matters.
In a fabulous display of unity, both Republicans and Democrats joined forces to give Harris the boot, scolding her for undermining public confidence, violating the integrity of the esteemed House, and generally messing up the place. Harris, a newbie lawmaker from just east of Phoenix, had the honor of being reprimanded by her fellow GOP cohorts for her imaginative take on elections and democracy.
The Arizona affair closely follows the drama in Tennessee, where two Democratic lawmakers who simply couldn’t resist joining a gun control protest were expelled, only to be welcomed back with open arms by local authorities.
The Arizona legislators voted 46-13 to show Harris the door, with 18 Republicans graciously offering their support. Upon hearing the verdict, Harris sadly packed up her belongings and exited the chamber to a symphony of “Shame on you!” from the peanut gallery.
Clearly distressed by the outcome, Republican House Speaker Ben Toma confided to reporters that it “saddened” him to have to deal with such a matter, adding that it “wasn’t taken lightly.” Harris, however, maintained her innocence, declaring, “I didn’t lie and God knows the truth. The truth will come out.”
Rep. Alexander Kolodin, a fellow Republican who voted against expulsion, warned of potential dire consequences, claiming the move “sets a bad precedent.”
The House Ethics Committee, having found that Harris apparently knew her invited insurance agent would spout some outrageous claims at the February meeting, encouraged their fellow House members to review the situation before deciding her fate.
As Harris exits stage left, the Republicans will now embark on a thrilling journey to find her replacement, ultimately leaving the decision to the mysterious Maricopa County governing board.
