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Florida Senator Accused Of Groping Removed As Budget Chair

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TALLAHASSEE (AP) — A Florida senator accused by six women of groping or making demeaning comments about their bodies is being removed from his powerful position as budget chairman.

Republican Sen. Jack Latvala is also a candidate for governor. He has denied the allegations.

Gov. Rick Scott said Monday that Latvala should step down from office if the allegations are true.

Senate President Joe Negron removed Latvala as chair of the Appropriations Committee and replaced him with Sen. Rob Bradley. Negron has ordered an investigation into the claims.

The allegations were first reported by Politico Florida last week. Latvala didn't answer a call to his cellphone Monday and his voicemail was full.

(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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