Swalwell’s fall was electoral math not morality |
Eric Swalwell’s fall from viable gubernatorial contender to political casualty was swift and surgical. He was among the frontrunners to replace Governor Gavin Newsom until allegations of sexual misconduct from years ago were published in the San Francisco Chronicle. The response from major Democratic operatives was immediate, with labor unions and party figures quickly withdrawing endorsements. Swalwell formally announced the suspension of his campaign two days later, followed by his resignation from Congress the following day.
Some of the allegations are serious. In addition to claims of inappropriate and predatory sexual relationships with staffers, Swalwell has been accused of sexual assault. In a video statement, he denied any criminal wrongdoing. But he also framed the issue as “mistakes… between me and my wife,” an implicit acknowledgment of infidelity and inappropriate conduct.
The more revealing story is timing. By multiple accounts, Swalwell’s conduct was an open secret in Washington. CNN even hinted at similar issues in a 2017 segment about an unnamed California congressman. A reporter has said he knew of allegations as early as 2013, when Swalwell was a city council member. And yet the rumors didn’t derail his political career, nor did a formal investigation into an alleged romantic relationship with a suspected Chinese spy.
Swalwell........