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Hoover Remains Defiant With Introduction Of New Amendment

Associated Press

Tuesday marked another day of high drama in the Kentucky House of Representatives as former House Speaker Jeff Hoover sought an amendment that would force critics seeking his expulsion to pay up if they're unsuccessful.

The embattled former GOP leader took direct aim at the eight Republican members who filed a complaint against him, by seeking a rule change that would make them financially liable if he is exonerated by a special House committee.

Hoover is under investigation over a sexual harassment settlement that ultimately led to his formal resignation Monday. The Jamestown Republican again struck a defiant tone, arguing the recently-approved rule creating the committee was meant to target him.

"That rule was done to appease, to satisfy, to benefit eight members of this body and now," Hoover charged in a raised voice. "And now they want to get up and say we've got to lay it on the clerk's desk so we can study it."

One of those eight House members who filed the complaint, Rep. Phil Moffett, said the former speaker isn't taking responsibility for his own actions.

"He committed an action over a two-year period with a young lady that he should not have and he's blaming everybody but himself," the Louisville Republican told reporters.

A vote on Hoover's amendment failed, though it split the chamber down the middle. House Speaker Pro Tem David Osborne later ruled that the language was improperly drafted. It's unclear if Hoover plans to return with a new version.

The unfolding saga has continued to overshadow any new business as the session enters its second week without a pension reform bill.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.