BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- As state senators are expected to take the first steps toward investigating allegations of sexual misconduct against the senate president Stan Rosenberg's husband Monday morning, one member of the body called for Rosenberg to step down.
State Sen. Barbara L'Italien of Andover told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens that she will suggest Rosenberg step aside during the course of the independent investigation.
"It's clear to me any independent investigation, while he continues to serve as Senate President, just will put a chilling effect on the victims in this scenario," L'Italien told Stevens.
Last week, The Boston Globe reported that four men said Rosenberg's husband, Bryon Hefner, sexually assaulted them.
With many key issues in front of lawmakers, L'Italien said, work in the senate could grind to a halt if Rosenberg were to remain at the helm during the investigation.
But if Rosenberg steps down, who would be Senate President?
Democratic analyst Mary Ann Marsh told WBZ NewsRadio that four senators have already made calls about this--Sens. Linda Dorcena-Forry, Eileen Donahue, Karen Spilka, and Sal DiDomenico.
"You have at least four members of the Senate calling around trying to line up votes to be the next Senate President?" Walsh said. "It's not a good sign for Stan Rosenberg."
As for whether or not he should step aside, Walsh said that depends on whether or not he can do his job.
"Stan Rosenberg made two committments," she explained. "One, there would be a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual harrassment. The second is a three-year-old promise regarding a firewall between himself and his now-husband."
When elected to lead the Senate, Rosenberg promised to wall off his then-fiancee after Hefner bragged about his influence on Beacon Hill.
On Friday, Rosenberg announced Hefner would attend rehab shortly for alcohol dependence.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports