Tampabay.com
NOVEMBER 09, 2007

Allen's days in House may be numbered

From House Speaker Marco Rubio: “The crime Rep. Allen has been convicted of is serious. The House has reserved action on this matter to allow Rep. Allen the right to conduct his defense and to ensure that all the facts were made available. This conviction makes it impossible for Rep. Allen to represent responsibly the citizens of his district. Furthermore, it is my personal belief that it harms the reputation of the Florida House of Representatives. We will now take appropriate steps.”

House rules allow for removal of member after a committee is formed to investigate allegations of misconduct. Then two-thirds of the chamber would have to vote to remove Allen.

Republicans hope it doesn't go that far.

"If he doesn't do the right thing and resign immediately, then we will be forced to begin the process of seeking his removal from office," Rep. Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, told the Buzz.

UPDATE: The AP quotes Allen: "We're going to continue to seek justice. I am innocent; I've done nothing wrong."

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