According to a Monday morning report, Democratic Lt. Gov. of Virginia Justin Fairfax has been placed on leave by his law firm, Morrison Foerster, while the firm investigates the rape allegations against him.

The firm reportedly “has retained outside counsel to conduct an investigation. During the investigation, Justin Fairfax has taken a leave of absence from Morrison & Foerster.”

“Justin has agreed to cooperate with the firm’s investigation,” the firm’s chairman Larren M. Nashelsky said.

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The private sector appears to be taking the allegations against Fairfax, first reported by Big League Politics, far more seriously than their counterparts in the public sector. Despite calls from Democrats across the country for Fairfax’s resignation, he has not stepped aside.

“We take the allegations against Justin very seriously,” Nashelsky reportedly said. “As a firm, we believe that it is important to seriously listen to any allegation of sexual assault or harassment, and to treat all persons making such allegations with respect and sensitivity.”

The role of Lt. Gov. is fairly small role in the governing process and earns only about $36,000 annually from the job. It is commonplace to hold another job while governing.

Still, the allegations are serious, and have dealt a huge blow to Fairfax, once considered a future leader of the Democratic Party.

Follow Peter D’Abrosca on Twitter: @pdabrosca

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