Rosenberger did not say whether Seitz, R-Cincinnati, would face discipline from Republicans in the House. Senate President Larry Obhof, R-Medina, said consequences for Huffman, R-Lima, are under review.
Media reports indicate that Seitz and Huffman made demeaning comments toward current and former female lawmakers, including Rep. Candice Keller, R-Middletown. Witnesses said Seitz joked during the dinner that Keller and former Rep. Diana Fessler wore tin foil hats, a phrase is used mostly to disparage people who harbor conspiracy theories.
Related: Bill Seitz apologizes for comments that left fellow lawmaker livid
State Rep. Kristina Roegner, R-Hudson, told this newspaper she walked out of the party as soon as she figured out what Seitz was saying. She called the remarks disrespectful.
Keller, who was not at the event, said in an interview: “Apparently, the present culture of racism and sexual assault in our culture has not changed the conversation enough, even in Ohio’s legislature. I would encourage my colleagues to act respectfully of women and to guard their mouths. Women are involved in the public sector permanently. I suggest that those who would insult us in an inappropriate manner to clam up and get used to the idea.”
Seitz late Wednesday denied he said anything disparaging about Keller who, he said, “relied on an inaccurate blog post.”
He acknowledges making a remark about Fessler, but he said she later sent him a note saying she took no offense.
Seitz said he fractured his fibula when he missed a step on a crowded spiral staircase. Staff at the Athletic Club of Columbus called an ambulance to take him to Grant Medical Center where he underwent surgery.
He denied that he had too much to drink that evening.
Asked Wednesday about the roast, Rosenberger, who was there, said, “Look, I was not comfortable with the situation and I was uncomfortable with several of the remarks.”
In his letter to Seitz, Rosenberger wrote: “I am disheartened by the careless and insensitive remarks you made ….[Y]our remarks were irresponsible and not appropriate as a representative, and more importantly, as a member of my leadership team.”
Seitz said he believes his apology should end the matter.
The roast was for Mike Dittoe, who is leaving his job as Chief of Staff for Ohio House Republicans. Huffman, who was the emcee, also apologized after his remarks were publicized in the online blog Third Rail Politics.
“I understand why people at the event were offended, and I apologize,” Huffman said. “I am truly sorry.”
House Minority Leader Fred Strahorn, D-Dayton, said the incident reflects “tone-deafness” in the wake of the Me Too movement and sexual harassment training mandated for lawmakers following other recent incidents.
State Rep. Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, issued a statement that said in part: “Elected officials, Democratic and Republican, who were sitting in the crowd that night should come forward and demand better, but sadly most of them won’t in an effort to protect the establishment men entrenched in positions of political power across our state.”
Gov. John Kasich said he didn’t know enough about the incident to offer comment.
Staff Writer Michael Pitman contributed to this report.
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