Judge: Former Yuma lawmaker cannot sue state

Suit by former Rep. Don Shooter claimed wrongful termination

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KSWT, KECY) - A Superior Court judge says former state Representative Don Shooter cannot sue the state of Arizona for wrongful termination.

Shooter became the first state lawmaker in the United States expelled in the wake of the #MeToo movement.

The Republican represented Yuma County in both the state House and the Senate. He was elected to the Senate in 2010, and moved to the House six-years later.

His legislative career effectively ended when multiple women came forward to accuse him of sexually inappropriate actions and comments. Shooter admitted to making "jarring, insensitive, and demeaning" comments, but denied all allegations of sexual harassment.

The House voted to remove him from office in February 2018 by a vote of 56-3. Shooter filed suit against the state earlier this year.

In making the ruling, the judge differentiated between being fired, and being removed from office. The judge said they are not the same. He says the rules applying to typical workplace terminations do not apply to this case.

No word yet on if Shooter will appeal.