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Virginia delegate still working on articles of impeachment against Lt. Gov. Fairfax

Posted at 6:44 PM, Feb 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-11 12:36:32-05

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia Delegate Patrick A. Hope in a statement on Monday said that he is still working to finalizing articles of impeachment against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who had two sexual assault allegations made against him last week.

Del. Hope in a statement Monday said that because of the enormous amount of feedback to a version of articles of impeachment that had been circulated to colleagues, he has concluded that additional conversation needs to take place before anything is filed.

"The purpose of the additional time is so that we can find the best process to investiagting these crimes with the broadest possible support," said Hope in his statement. "The impeachment process is about investiagting to find the truth. I am open to discussions on other avenues that would accomplish the same goals."

Fairfax is facing two allegations of sexual assault, both of which he has denied. He said in a Friday statement that he would not resign.

Among those calling for Fairfax's resignation are former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe; Reps. Jennifer Wexton, Elaine Luria, Abigail Spanberger, Don Beyer, Gerry Connolly and Donald McEachin; and 2020 presidential hopefuls Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Sen. Cory Booker.

The allegations are part of a tumultuous time in Virginia politics, with Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam facing backlash after a racist yearbook photo surfaced and Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring admitting to wearing blackface.

"Virginia deserves leaders that will stand up and seek the truth, even when it is difficult. I will remain steadfast in my mission to discover the truth of this matter so that Dr. Tyson, Ms. Watson and our Commonwealth can begin to heal," added Hope in his statement.

Hope represents the 47th district in Arlington County, and is a Democrat.

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To read more on the sexual assault allegation against Lt. Gov. Fairfax, click here.