Patrick Marley and Molly Beck and Daniel Bice

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MADISON - A top Assembly Republican made sexual comments to two female state lawmakers and a racial remark to a Latina legislator at a July event, prompting a review by the house's chief human resources official.

Rep. Rob Brooks (R-Saukville) directed a racial remark at fellow GOP Rep. Jessie Rodriguez of Oak Creek — the only Hispanic Republican in the Assembly — at a restaurant after an Assembly GOP caucus event in Wisconsin Dells, according to sources familiar with the incident.

An obviously inebriated Brooks said he was buying drinks for everyone "except Jessie because she's Hispanic," said one source.

Some at the gathering thought it was a really bad joke by an intoxicated individual because it was not delivered in a hateful way. But sources said Brooks proceeded to purchase alcohol for several Republicans. Rodriguez was not among them.

Brooks also made sexual comments to Republican Reps. Cindi Duchow of Delafield and Amy Loudenbeck of Clinton at the restaurant, but it is not known what exactly he said to them.

A statement from the three female lawmakers released by Speaker Robin Vos' office characterized Brooks' comments as "inappropriate" and "offensive."

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Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) intervened during the episode, prompting Brooks to stop making the offensive remarks. Soon after, the three female lawmakers reported his comments to Assembly Chief Clerk Patrick Fuller and asked Fuller to discuss the matter with Brooks.

Brooks later apologized, the three lawmakers said in their statement to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. A source said Brooks has maintained that he doesn't recall what he said to the women.

"We are pleased with the appropriate way in which this case was handled and have already put it behind us," the three female legislators said.

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Brooks is the assistant majority leader. It's a top position he was given by his Republican colleagues. Also in leadership positions are Rodriguez, who is caucus secretary, and Loudenbeck, who sits on the Legislature's powerful budget-writing committee.

Brooks declined to be interviewed but in a statement said he'd made the "stupid" remarks after he had been drinking.

"I regret that I made some stupid comments while under the influence of alcohol after our caucus in the Dells," his statement said. "I take full responsibility for my behavior and have apologized for my actions. I am ready to move on from this incident and fully support and will adhere to the Assembly policies to maintain a safe workplace for legislators and staff."

Brooks' Democratic opponent, Chris Rahlf of Cedarburg, said Brooks' comments were unacceptable whether he was drinking or not.

"Sober or drunk, it's not OK to make these remarks," she said. "I'm glad the women involved are satisfied that the correct course of action was taken. We must keep striving for a society where everyone is respected all the time."

When asked for records related to the harassment, the chief clerk said there were none.

The state Legislature came under scrutiny in the fall of 2017 over its policy to keep most details and records related to sexual harassment in the Legislature private. The questions were raised amid a national wave of accusations of sexual misconduct against powerful men and lawmakers.