Chuck Haytaian

Garabed "Chuck" Haytaian (born January 28, 1938) is an American Republican Party politician, who was the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly during the 'tax revolt' of the James Florio – Christine Todd Whitman era. He is of Armenian descent.

Political career
He served in the General Assembly from 1982 to 1996. In 1994, he staged an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the United States Senate, falling to incumbent Frank Lautenberg, 50%-47%. Haytaian was the Chairman of the New Jersey Republican State Committee from 1995 to 2001.

Personal life
Haytaian, born in the Bronx, has been a resident of Independence Township, New Jersey.

Sexual harassment accusation
In 1996, Beth Herbert, an administrative assistant at the State House, brought sexual harassment charges against Haytaian. She claimed that over a fifteen-month period, Haytaian would periodically call her into his office and molest her. The worst incidents, according to Herbert, took place after his failed Senate bid in 1994. Haytaian in turn filed charges against Herbert for defamation.

The State offered paid Herbert $175,000 in a settlement to avoid what they believed would be a more costly legal battle.