A San Diego-area lawmaker is apologizing for words he used during an altercation with a lobbyist at a steakhouse in Sacramento.
A female lobbyist is alleging she was physically threatened by Sen. Joel Anderson of Alpine at a fundraiser on Aug. 13, according to published reports.
The LA Times cited several sources as saying Anderson threatened to “bitch slap” the lobbyist.
“I sincerely regret my word choice that was not directed at her. I welcome the Rules Committee investigation to clear up this misunderstanding,” Sen. Joel Anderson said in a written statement Tuesday.
Sources tell NBC 7 that the senator is the subject of a Senate Rules investigation for harassing the lobbyist with the California Nurses Association.
Lizelda Lopez, a spokesperson for the Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, said she could not confirm a current investigation.
"We take every complaint seriously, but do not comment on complaints or investigations as a matter of practice," Lopez wrote in a statement.
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The Sacramento Bee reports that Anderson and the lobbyist got into an argument during a fundraiser at the Diplomat Steakhouse where guests were drinking alcohol.
NBC 7 has confirmed the incident allegedly involved physical and verbal harassment by Anderson.
Anderson has served two terms in the state senate and one term in the state assembly.
He is currently running for the District 4 seat on the State Board of Equalization.
Last June, the Legislature announced it would cede control over sexual harassment complaints and investigations to an independent panel of experts.
The landmark overhaul of the Legislature’s policies was aimed at transforming workplace culture in the Capitol.
The new unit, comprised of independent investigators specially trained in workplace harassment, is tasked with handling misconduct complaints for both the Assembly and Senate. The Legislature also appointed an independent panel of experts to review, investigate evidence and issue findings about whether accusations, such as those made against Anderson, are substantiated. The panel will also make recommendations on potential consequences.
Both entities work independently from the Legislative Counsel’s Office, which serves as the Legislature’s lawyers.
The changes in the process came on the heels of the #MeToo movement last fall, which revealed a widespread problem in state politics that ultimately led to the resignation of three lawmakers.
NBC7 reached out to various Republicans and supporters of Anderson for their reaction to the allegations. The Republican Party of San Diego County Chairman Tony Krvaric referred to Anderson's statement that he sincerely regrets his word choice.
