Former Hastings Aide Files Sex Harassment Suit

WASHINGTON  — A former aide to Rep. Alcee Hastings is suing the Florida congressman for sexual harassment, allegations Hastings is denying as "ludicrous."

Alcee Hastings

The conservative legal group Judicial Watch is representing Winsome Packer in her lawsuit filed Monday against Hastings and the Helsinki Commission that he chaired. Packer claims Hastings repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances, including trying to invite himself to her apartment and hugging her, and threatened her position when she refused him.

Packer served as the commission's staff representative in Vienna and says much of the harassment occurred when Hastings was in Europe on commission business. The commission advises on U.S. policy about security, human rights and other issues involving Europe.
Hastings issued a written statement saying he never sexually harassed anyone and predicting he will win.