The #MeToo web has caught up with the Democratic Senator. Because of the weight of his sexual misconduct allegations, he was forced to resign Thursday before enduring a vote that was supposed to expel him. He delivered a sarcastic resignation letter stating that the probe on his misconduct was partial against him with the objectivity to show concern for the #MeToo movement. The letter clarified that the Senate President, Pro Tem Kevin de Leon led the efforts to kick him out and convince the #MeToo campaign of his sincerity in supporting the cause.
The letter said that it was clear Kevin de Leon will not rest until he had his (Tony) head on a platter to convince the MeToo movement of his unwavering support. It is for this reason that Tony decided to “throw in the towel.” Despite his resignation, Tony Mendoza expressed his interests to run again for the same seat this fall although it may be an uncomfortable endeavor for the Democratic Party. De Leon is also running for the US Senate seat held by Democrat Dianne Feinstein. Responding to the resignation, Leon said that the Legislature will not tolerate abuse of power as well as behaviors that disrupt the Senate’s harassment standards.
The Investigation on Tony Mendoza
The investigation launched against Tony concluded that it is likely the legislator engaged in unwanted sexually suggestive behavior with six women comprised of a young woman in the company of another lawmaker, a lobbyist, and four subordinates. He becomes the third lawmaker in California to step down after sexual harassment allegations were leveled against them. The sexual accusations in the USA are instigated by the MeToo campaign that calls on women to speak up about their experiences over sexual abuses. The movement has led millions of women to share their experiences, especially through the social media platform.
In her statement on the process of the investigations, Senator Andy Vidak said removing senators from the process of determining cases involving sexual harassment on the basis of friendship or roommate was overbearing. She stated this in response to Tony’s resignation letter which said Kevin was a friend and a former roommate. Andy went on to state that the Mendoza mess has brought to light the flaws in sexual harassment policies in the Senate and hopefully there will be reforms to remedy the policies.
Tony Mendoza has denied wrongdoing and criticized the investigations as unfair, illegal and racially motivated.
