LINCOLN, Neb. -- All 13 women in the Nebraska Legislature came forward Thursday to commend Sen. Julie Slama, while also condemning gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster, following a report by Nebraska Examiner that Herbster had groped several women.

Slama and seven other women accused Herbster of misconduct, allegations that Herbster and his campaign have denied.

The bipartisan group of 13 state senators signed a statement that was emailed to press members by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan.

"We commend the brave women who have stepped forward to tell the truth about what they endured at the hands of Charles Herbster, including our friend and colleague, Senator Julie Slama," the statement read. "Sexual assault is despicable and damaging. This is not a question of politics—it is an issue of character and basic human decency. Charles Herbster's behavior is completely unacceptable for anyone, especially someone seeking a public office of authority and trust. Herbster's actions as outlined by the Nebraska Examiner render him unfit to serve."

The statement was signed by the following Nebraska state senators:

Sen. Joni Albrecht
Sen. Carol Blood
Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh
Sen. Jen Day
Sen. Wendy DeBoer
Sen. Suzanne Geist
Sen. Megan Hunt
Sen. Lou Ann Linehan
Sen. Patty Pansing-Brooks
Sen. Rita Sanders
Sen. Julie Slama
Sen. Lynne Walz
Sen. Anna Wishart