Ernie Konnyu

Ernest Leslie Konnyu (born May 17, 1937) is an American businessman and former Republican U.S. Representative from Silicon Valley, California, 12th congressional district, serving one term from 1987 to 1989.

[citation needed] Konnyu's business career began in 1969 as Controller at Valley View Investments in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

As a result of his extensive service to the community the Arcadia Jaycees recommended Ernie Konnyu for a lifetime Senatorship in Junior Chamber International which he received in 1973.

[citation needed] In the first year of his term, Congressman Konnyu caused waves when three separate accusations of sexual harassment were raised, and responding to it in terminology that made it even worse.

In one instance, he told a staffer in a private meeting to wear "high heels and frilly" blouses, and then "asked her to stand up and turn around so he could 'see what you look like'".

He and his wife of 57 years reside in San Jose, California, and stay active with local, state and national professional, charity and political groups.

He ran unsuccessfully for Santa Clara County Assessor in 1994, losing the nonpartisan race to Democrat Larry Stone, who received 181,406 votes (52.51%) to Konnyu's 164,045 (47.49%).

[9] In 2004, he won the Republican primary for California's 24th State Assembly district[10] but lost the general election to Democratic incumbent Rebecca Cohn by 94,152 votes (59.42%) to 55,956 (35.32%).