What to do about Dwayne Dobbins, the former legislator who gave up his seat in returned for a reduced charge when he was accused of molesting a teenager. He filed at the last minute for his old House seat and was unopposed for the Democratic nomination. A Green Party candidate has surfaced, but faces an uphill climb given Dobbins’ name recognition in his neighborhood. (ADDED: He’s Richard Carroll. You’re right, of course, Jim.)
House members continue to plot strategy to thwart his seating. The latest idea is for the House caucus to pass a rule change that would rule ineligible any former member who had resigned pursuant to a criminal conviction or settlement of a criminal case. This would be a general rule that could apply to others and not just a vote to refuse seating to Dobbins, a vote some legislator might not wish to cast.
Movement on this could occur as early as next week, I”m told. There’s an interest in getting the matter settled early so there’s no time wasted on it during the session beginning in January.