Pillen, Walz Campaigns React to Nebraska Democratic Party Sexual Assault Scandal

by Lewis Thune

(Picture credit Jane Kleeb)

Nebraska’s gubernatorial campaigns have voiced their thoughts on unfolding allegations of sexual assault and retaliation within the Nebraska Democratic Party.

Saunders County Democratic Party Chair Larissa Schultz filed a lawsuit last month in U.S. District Court against the Nebraska Democratic Party, alleging they failed to investigate her complaints of sexual assault against Nebraska Democratic Party Communication Director Jose Flores Jr.

Schultz, who was working as President of Nebraska Young Democrats at the time, subsequently filed a complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). She states she was never notified that her employment would not be renewed, even after inquiry. Only after her employment was ended did she receive a “right to sue” notice from the EEOC.

The charges against the Nebraska Democratic Party of sex discrimination and retaliation come with requested restitutions for resultant personal suffering and lost wages.

Schultz asserts that she filed an official complaint with her employer after alleged unwanted verbal and physical advances from Flores. Upon inquiring about its status more than two months later, she states that Nebraska Democratic Party chairwoman Jane Kleeb claimed she was wholly unaware of the formal complaint.

“We stand by our internal process and decisions regarding the allegations that no harassment occurred. This was also reviewed by the EEOC, and no further action was taken by that body,” Kleeb told WOWT last week.

Schultz claims Flores’ inappropriate behavior continued during the review process, which took place five months after her complaint was filed.

On Monday morning, a Nebraska GOP press release called on Lynne Walz and NE-02 House candidate Denise Powell to state their support or opposition to Kleeb’s leadership in light of Schultz’s allegations.

“Nebraska families deserve leaders who will call out wrongdoing regardless of party, especially when it involves the safety of the people who work for them,” said Nebraska GOP Chairwoman Mary Jane Truemper. “Lynne Walz and Denise Powell can’t have it both ways… Nebraskans are watching whether they’ll hold their own party accountable.”

In response to a request from The Plains Sentinel, Walz said there should be an investigation into the alleged misconduct.

“Sexual harassment is very serious. All allegations should be investigated. Those who commit sexual misconduct or cover it up should be held accountable.”

Governor Jim Pillen’s campaign also weighed in on the allegations.

“This issue shouldn’t be political. It’s simply about treating people well and doing what’s right,” a Pillen campaign spokesperson told The Plains Sentinel. “The Nebraska Democrat Party is a disaster, and continues to fail Nebraskans — just as it apparently failed one of its own staffers.”

Earlier this year, Flores initiated a verbal spat that was caught on video between party officials and a group of socialists protesting outside of a Nebraska Democratic Party event. A police officer ended up needing to intervene to get between a party official and a member of the socialist group after things “escalated.”

— Lewis Thune is a writing fellow with The Plains Sentinel.