Eric Bauman has resigned as chair of the California Democratic Party. Today’s Page 1 story in the LA Times was particularly harsh and damaging to Bauman’s future as party leader.
Here’s the Sacramento Bee story on the resignation. And from the story:
Facing a sexual misconduct investigation and growing political pressure to step down, Eric Bauman announced Thursday that he would resign as chair of the California Democratic Party.
“I have made the realization that in order for those to whom I may have caused pain and who need to heal, for my own health, and in the best interest of the Party that I love and to which I have dedicated myself for more than 25 years, it is in everyone’s best interest,” Bauman said in a statement.
It marks a swift downfall for the first openly gay leader of the California Democratic Party, who narrowly won a contentious and controversial race for the chairmanship last year.
One of Bauman’s deputies, Daraka Larimore-Hall, initiated the process to remove him last week after hearing from individuals who said Bauman had sexually harassed and assaulted them at party events. By Monday, the party had launched an investigation into the complaints and Bauman took a leave of absence. He announced Wednesday that he would seek unspecified treatment for health problems and alcohol abuse.