Those who follow politics know that often what brings a politician down is the cover-up not the scandal itself. Candidate Carl DeMaio has denied the allegations by a former staffer that DeMaio sexually harassed him.
While the investigation into the allegations continues, both sides cite lie detector tests to support their claims. Not unlike the Filner situation, the DeMaio scandal is in its infancy and the truth will eventually come out. Whether the revealing of that truth happens before the election remains to be seen. But the golden rule in politics is already playing out; it’s not the scandal, it’s the cover up. The DeMaio scandal is no different.
First, there is the bizarre behavior of our police chief Shelley Zimmerman. DeMaio claims Zimmerman called him in August and said, “Thank you for your full cooperation, we consider this matter closed.” Zimmerman is now in a very uncomfortable situation. When asked by 10 News if she called DeMaio, Zimmerman dodged the question. When asked again, Zimmerman ignored the reporter.
Given Mayor Faulconer’s commitment to transparent government, why would Chief Zimmerman be so cagey? The answer is simple; any way she answers is not helpful to her career, her boss or DeMaio. If Zimmerman called DeMaio as he alleges, then she gave the candidate special treatment. After all, DeMaio is just a private citizen like you and me. Can you imagine the chief of police calling any other regular private citizen to say, “Thank you for your full cooperation, we consider this matter closed”? When you have been accused of sexual harassment? Absolutely not. If she called DeMaio, Zimmerman’s job may be at risk.
If Zimmerman did not call DeMaio, she will bring down the candidate in one full swoop by saying DeMaio is a liar. Not something Republicans in San Diego want to hear so close to the election.
Zimmerman’s reaction to the reporter’s question calls her boss’ judgment into question for selecting her. Mayor Faulconer is all about transparency. So what’s easier then saying yes I called DeMaio or no I did not? It’s Sophie’s choice for the police chief and she knows it.
Next up, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. Dumanis, who has close ties to DeMaio through the Republican Party, is now the person who will decide whether charges will be brought against DeMaio. Dumanis is also responsible for bringing charges against DeMaio’s accuser Todd Bosnich, who DeMaio has indicated is under investigation for his office break-in.
Dumanis also has a political Sophie’s choice. If she does not pursue the allegations against DeMaio, many will say it’s because of the cozy relationship she and DeMaio share. Last year, DeMaio hosted a fundraiser for Dumanis to support her re-election bid. For DeMaio that might turn out to be money well spent. Will Dumanis recuse herself from all investigations involving DeMaio? She should.
If after four months, Dumanis suddenly comes forth with a case against Bosnich for the DeMaio office break-in, the simple question is why now? How long does it take to investigate a so-called inside job? Other than videotape of Bosnich breaking in, or some other non-circumstantial evidence, it is going to be a hard case to prove. After all, Bosnich’s fingerprints and DNA are all over DeMaio’s office, he worked there. Dumanis should stay out of the investigation completely or she too will find herself in hot water.
Then there is the conservative radio personality who interviewed Bosnich and then did not air the story; reportedly because the information could not be substantiated by any other source. When has there ever been a sexual harassment allegation that was substantiated by another source? These types of investigations are typically he said, she said. Or in the case of DeMaio, he said, he said.
Notice how I haven’t really said anything about the merits of the sexual harassment allegations? At this moment, the more interesting story is about those who seem to be trying to protect DeMaio. Dumanis and Zimmerman cannot have no comment for the next two weeks.
It’s not the scandal, it’s always the cover-up. Just ask (fill in your favorite political figure who had a fall from grace).
STAMPP CORBIN
PUBLISHER
San Diego LGBT Weekly
LGBTweekly.com
Thank you Stampp! This all seems so incestuous. What will happen next? There are some interesting choices for our police chief and DA. Sadly the cover-up continues.
As the stomach churns…those are the scandalous lies. Quite the soap opera!
Can Dumanis recuse herself and her office from the investigation and turn it over to another agency, like the State Attorney General?
If she has any integrity whatsoever, she will do that.
Mr. Stamp: You are right: it’s not the offense/scandal, its the cover up… and the compliant media… and the hypocrisy of using a young man’s pain for personal and political gain.
Journalism ethics have fallen away: An interview that never aired during the Primary campaign cycle has now become center stage of this scandal, just a few weeks before the November general election. The original interviewer had his doubts in June, but other journalists do not and are sharing his interview online. What changed?
Ironies abound:
– Jess Durfee, former San Diego County Democratic Party Chairman, ignored several elected Dem women in 2011, warning him of Bob Filner’s repeated acts of sexual harassment. He is now leading the charge against the Republican. This time, he is taking no chances, and is using far less information, so far from only one disgruntled former campaign employee, to seek “justice.”
San Diego voters have seen this tactic used, successfully, many times before to throw or overturn elections after the fact.
It’s how Faulconer first got into office, when Michael Zucchet was accused, then exonerated, for scandalous behavior.
It’s effective, it will continue.
Well done, Mr. Stamp.
What an excellent, straight forward editorial relying on facts and not supposition. Reading this was truly a breath of fresh air in the smoke filled room of incestuous politics and media. You have brought to center stage the relevant issue we, as voters, should be focused; the relationships and credibility of those in political office and those who aspire to such positions. More, please.