Here’s a link to my full story at spokesman.com on Rep. Heather Scott being stripped of all her committee assignments today, and her defiant response, in which she said, “I call it like I see it.” She also set up a Facebook page, “We Stand with Rep. Heather Scott,” in which she posted email addresses for House members and Speaker Scott Bedke, urging her supporters to contact them to protest the move.

Rep. Eric Redman, R-Athol, said he wishes Scott would work more with other House members. “We’re here to solve problems, not create problems,” he said. “A lot of areas we agree on, but you’re still part of the body. I think that’s very important. We can express our disagreements but not be belligerent.”

Scott’s seatmate on the House floor, Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene, said, “I am disappointed that things have gotten to this point. What’s been said was completely inappropriate, and this process depends on respect. I’m hoping that we can get back there as quickly as possible.”

House State Affairs Chairman Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, on whose committee Scott served for just one day before being removed Thursday, said, “You have to take some action, and that’s the speaker’s call. I support him in his decision.”

“Overall, there’s a cloud always hanging over you when there are accusations thrown at any member that are that and that alone, accusations with no foundation,” Loertscher said. “That becomes a huge, huge problem for the whole body to deal with on a continuing basis.”

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