Justin Fairfax, Northam’s waiting successor, issues 3 a.m. statement denying #MeToo claim

Virginia’s Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax on Monday denied a new sexual assault allegation against him, just as many were preparing for him to take over for embattled Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.

“Lt. Governor Fairfax has an outstanding and well-earned reputation for treating people with dignity and respect,” Fairfax’s chief of staff and communications director said in a statement Monday that was released at 2:57 a.m. “He has never assaulted anyone — ever — in any way, shape, or form.”