12-18-2018
BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — The state Senate is conducting an outside investigation into Democrat Sen. Kevin Ranker following allegations of improper conduct.
Through a public records request, the Associated Press found the Senate hired an investigator in October with Ogden Murphy Wallace law firm in Seattle.
Ann Larson, who served as Ranker’s legislative assistant for a year nearly a decade ago, said the investigation is related to sexual harassment and hostile workplace issues.
She says she also was subjected to hostile encounters involving Ranker once she left to work as a legislative liaison for the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Ranker says he won’t comment during the investigation, but will cooperate fully and believes he will be exonerated.
Ranker is currently the State Senator for Washington’s 40th legislative district, encompassing San Juan County and parts of Whatcom and Skagit counties.