State Rep. McMurty accused of ‘inappropriate behavior,’ i.e. grabbing lawmaker’s backside

From the Globe’s Andrea Estes and Matt Stout “A member of House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo’s leadership team walked up behind an incoming legislator and grabbed her backside last month during an orientation cocktail hour for newly elected lawmakers, according to several officials who either witnessed or were told of the alleged incident. The allegations against Representative Paul McMurtry, a Dedham Democrat and, at the time, chairman of the House personnel committee, have roiled several new members of the Legislature, who gave voice to fears that the climate of harassment House leaders vowed to address last year hasn’t abated.” McMurty has “forcefully denied” the allegations, the Globe reports.

I hope this isn't the start of a new round of bad behavior by the almost all boys club. As the details emerge, it'll be worth watching to see if DeLeo opens up ... or shuts everyone out. With the increased amount of women in the legislature I can see potential bad behavior being covered up by the same people who want everyone to sign non disclosure agreements.  I'm not convicting the rep yet... but Beacon Hill has a history of questionable behavior in the past and I expect honesty from those who were there and had front row seats. Not a good start to 2019.