Nebraska Democrats demand Senate candidate drop out over sexual comments to female staffer

‘Our party will not extend resources or any type of support to any candidate that violates our code of conduct,’ says state's Democratic Party chairwoman

Chris Janicek in Omaha ((Omaha World-Herald))

The Nebraska Democratic Party has asked its Senate nominee to pull out of the race, after a female staffer reported texts he sent making graphic sexual comments about her.

Chris Janicek, who owns a cupcake bakery in Omaha, Nebraska, is running as the Democratic nominee for the Senate, against Republican Ben Sasse, who is seeking reelection.

Mr Janicek accepted the nomination in May, after he won a Democratic primary in the state that involved six other candidates.

However, on Monday, the state’s Democratic party voted unanimously to withdraw its support and funding for Mr Janicek, according to the Associated Press.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Democratic Party chairwoman Jane Kleeb said: “Our Democratic Party has no tolerance for sexual harassment.”

Ms Kleeb added: “Our party will not extend resources or any type of support to any candidate that violates our code of conduct and doesn’t treat men and women with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

The female staffer reported the graphic texts to the party and filed a formal complaint, in which she claimed Mr Janicek violated their code of conduct regarding sexual harassment.

Several of Mr Janicek’s texts were obtained by the outlet, from a group chat that included the woman, the nominee and four other people.

In one message, Mr Janicek said that he had argued with the staffer, and wondered whether the campaign should spend some of their funds “getting her laid.”

He added: “It will probably take three guys,” before describing in graphic detail a group sex scene involving the woman, according to the AP.

Mr Janicek then reportedly attempted to defend his comments as “a joke” and sent another text message with an apology to the rest of the members of the group.

“I’m going on no sleep and a bunch of exuberant excitement and I think I was out of line,” he added.

The woman replied to Mr Janicek’s messages and told him that she was quitting her job and would no longer support his campaign for Senate, according to the outlet.

“You are my boss and a candidate running for Senate, (an) office held by just 100 Americans representing approximately 330 million of her people,” the former staffer wrote.

“There is zero tolerance for what you said."

The AP reported that Mr Janicek apologised to the former staffer in person, but hoped that the incident could be kept private.

He claimed he was being targeted by the party, because he disagrees with more liberal beliefs on abortion and gun control.

He added that “They’re using this as a crutch,” to stop him running as the Democratic candidate.

The party will be able to field a new candidate in November’s election only if Mr Janicek withdraws his name from the ballot – something he is currently refusing to do. The party would then have a deadline of 11 September to submit a new nominee.

Vince Powers, a former state party chairman, who is representing the former staffer, told the Associated Press that his client wants Mr Janicek to drop out of the race.

“People go to work for Democratic candidates in an underdog race because they’re idealists,” Mr Powers said.

“So when you get a text like this, it’s just devastating.”