Rep. Luna accuses Sen. Gallego of misconduct, which he denies
Rep. Luna accuses Sen. Gallego of misconduct and campaign finance violations, which he denies 02:24
Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida accused Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of abuse of power on Thursday, which Gallego denied.
Luna said on CBS News’ “Take Out with Major Garrett” that the Arizona Democrat was the previously unnamed senator and that he was facing “very disturbing” allegations. mysterious social media Release early this week.
A Gallego spokesperson told CBS News on Thursday: “These are right-wing conspiracy theories parroted by a far-right member of Congress. Senator Gallego has not received any notification or been contacted by the ethics committee.”
CBS News has not confirmed the allegations.
Luna did not provide many details about the allegations, but said some were “sexual in nature” while others involved allegations of campaign finance violations. He also said Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office confirmed to him that the matter was under investigation.
Luna referred to Gallego as a senator, House Democrat, who is “very closely associated with Eric Swalwell.” resigned from Congress this week Following sexual abuse allegations
Luna said “there is a woman who allegedly came forward with lawyers” [and] “He wants to put on record an incident that took place between the two at the same time and the incident was allegedly of a sexual nature.”
Pressed for more details, Luna said: “I think any time you knowingly attempt to procure someone for sex, that’s something to be taken seriously.”
Gallego has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in recent days. He told reporters earlier this week that he had never engaged in sexual misconduct or other inappropriate behavior with his employees or with women outside his marriage.
Gallego, who is a friend of Swalwell but later called for his expulsion from Congress, acknowledged earlier this week that he was aware of rumors that Swalwell was acting “flirtatious.” However, he later said he had “never heard of actual accusations of harassment or predatory behavior towards staff”. Gallego also said he “fell for lies.”
Hours before Luna called Gallego, Thune told reporters he didn’t know whether the congressman’s allegations of “very troubling” behavior were credible, but that it had been referred to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. CBS News has reached out to the ethics panel for comment.
The saga comes just days after Swalwell and his former GOP colleague, Rep. Tony Gonzales, formally spoke. resigned from parliament Within hours of each other when pressure is applied to force them to be expelled from the lower chamber. Swalwell was accused of sexual assault and sending unsolicited nude photos, while Gonzales was accused of having an affair with an employee who later died by suicide.
Luna became outspoken He told CBS News earlier this week that he expected other lawmakers to face similar pressures, calling for tough action against allegations of misconduct.
Christian Peña, Alan He and Nikole Killion contributed to this report.
