Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax launched his gubernatorial campaign this past weekend to enthusiastic crowds at the Fairfax County Courthouse and at Fort Monroe in Hampton.

He faces formidable challenges by my General Assembly colleagues, Sen. Jennifer McClellan of Richmond and Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy of Prince William County.

However, here is what is disappointing. In an unsuccessful effort to dampen Lt. Gov. Fairfax’s announcement, Debra Katz, attorney for Dr. Vanessa Tyson, renewed her call for a public hearing by the General Assembly regarding Dr. Tyson’s allegations of sexual assault against Lt. Gov. Fairfax.

I am sick and tired of Ms. Katz’s demands for a public hearing. If her client was assaulted like she claims, then she should go to the police, file a written complaint and do it now!

Sadly, in this #MeToo movement era, an allegation equates to guilt. I, for one, still hold fast to the notion of due process, which unfortunately has been denied to Lt. Gov. Fairfax.

JOSEPH D. “JOE” MORRISSEY

Richmond

The writer represents the 16th District in the Virginia Senate.