Pennsylvania lawmaker quits amid sex harassment allegations

By MARK SCOLFORO
Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania state lawmaker is quitting the Legislature, a week after a union lobbyist accused him by name of having sexually harassed her four years ago. Democratic Rep. Mike Zabel of Delaware County said in the letter sent Wednesday to Democratic Speaker Joanna McClinton that his resignation will take effect March 16. That leaves enough time for her to order that the vacancy be filled during the May primary. Zabel says the toll from the scandal has been too great for his family and has been detrimental to his well-being. He said he’s seeking treatment of an undisclosed nature.