New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio appeared to take aim at Montana Governor Steve Bullock for hiding from city investigators a series of sexual harassment complaints against a former Bullock staffer later employed by DeBlasio.
“The misconduct in this case literally makes me sick to my stomach. Angry doesn’t describe my view. I am livid,” de Blasio said.
The cover-up has thrown a monkey wrench into Bullock’s developing campaign for President. Bullock is term-limited and would likely parlay a presidential campaign into a national audition for a Cabinet or senior administration position in a Democrat White House.
Kevin O’Brien, a senior adviser to DeBlasio and previously acting chief of staff, was fired after two women filed sexual harassment complaints against him in February 2018.
An investigation found in 2015 O’Brien, who had been recommended for the job by Bullock, had been fired from his Democratic Governors Association job under Bullock for sexually harassing women.
When New York City Department of Investigation officials asked Bullock’s office about O’Brien, they report they “received confirmation of title and work dates and no adverse information.” Bullock’s office never disclosed the complaints, or that he had been fired.
Bullock tried to explain the coverup by claiming he believed the firing convinced O’Brien to stop harassing women.
“When I was made aware of the complaint against Mr. O’Brien at the Democratic Governors Association, I fully agreed with the decision to end his employment,” Bullock told The New York Times.
“It’s clear that was not enough to protect these women from what has proven to be an unacceptable pattern of behavior on his part. We all have a responsibility to do better and to put an end to sexual harassment, and I’m committed to doing my part,” Bullock claimed.
Bullock’s attempt to cover up the sexual misconduct may derail what appears to be an effort to position him for a presidential campaign.
“I believe the time is right to lend my voice, the voice of someone that after getting elected has been able to govern in what’s viewed as a red state. Some of the things that I’ve been able to do in Montana can also translate beyond just the state’s border,” Bullock said in a 2017 speech to the National Governor’s Association, implying a presidential run.
“Bullock is creating a political action committee — Big Sky Values PAC, to provide funds to allow him to meet Democratic donors, help the party’s candidates and fund out-of-state electoral travels, another clear sign of Bullock’s intentions to move beyond state politics,” CBS News reports.
But in an era in which politics is dominated by the #MeToo movement, Bullock’s attempt to cover up serial sexual harassment may doom him.
AAN Staff
The staff at American Action News are consummate professionals, who when not producing original, hard-hitting content, are scouring the internet to bring you the unfiltered news that matters to you! Our mission is to maximize your experience on our website. If we can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know!
