Crazy local politics

[alenac]

Not sure how much of this made national headlines, but I am curious of what my NJ friends (and other "locals") think of the whole McGreevey fiasco. Most of the stories I found are password protected, but the following link should work for others haven't heard and care to

Comments

[tara_scraps]

In terms of him being gay and a politician, I think it's too bad he resigned. However, I can totally see why he did. Coming out is (by all accounts -- I've never done it ;)) a difficult thing and can through one's whole life into upheaval. And most people only come out to a few people at a time. Imagine coming out to the world. Scary stuff. I personally can't imagine life as a political figure -- the scrutiny they are subjected to, particularly over things that, IMO, have nothing to do with political service. So I don't blame him for resigning. While the gay community needs pioneers, it's a lot to ask one person to stand up and take the heat, especially when they are already taking the heat for other issues. (And from everything I've heard, he's been through the wringer. It reminds me of Clinton and all the accusations that people tried to make stick.)

I actually heard a couple of months ago that it was common knowledge in NJ political circles that he is gay. At the time I doubted it was true simply because I figured the opposing party would attempt to use this information to their advantage. But I can't help but wonder if all these investigations (that haven't come up with any wrong-doing to date or resulted in any charges) are somehow connected to this fact.

[tara_scraps]

and can through one's whole life into upheaval

Let's just pretend I said "throw", okay? :)

Ok, but....

[alenac]

having an affair (regardless of gender) is one thing, but from your professional work, I would think you'd agree that having an affair with someone who works for you is not the same thing. I know such situation would not be acceptable in our company, especially if it came out that the exec hired that person while already having relationship with him/her. Anyway, since having an affair with your subordinate is a giant no-no in the corporate world, I think it certainly should be in politics. IME, such situations do affect negatively the work of everyone involved, including co-workers who have to live with the situation. Plus in this day and age lawsuits are always just around the corner, so the potential liability is huge.

Re: Ok, but....

[tara_scraps]

Hrm. I'm not saying that it was okay for him to have an affair with a subordinate. I was referring to the financial allegations (misappropriating funds, illegal fundraising, etc.) that have plagued him for a while. As a matter of fact, it wasn't until I started really delving into the news stories during lunch that I became aware that the affair was with a subordinate, or that there were questions about how he was appointed, or that he might file a harassment suit. (I know, bad me, I didn't watch the news or listen to NPR last night or this morning.)

I'm simply saying that political figures undergo an extreme amount of scrutiny -- and only some of it is deserved. So I don't blame him resigning if only to nagivate life out of the closet in a little bit more peace.

Re: Ok, but....

[alenac]

I'm simply saying that political figures undergo an extreme amount of scrutiny -- and only some of it is deserved.
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I could not agree more, I think it has gotten totally out of hand. But it still shocks me how many people run for office in spite of serious sceletons in their closets, knowing the reality is what it is today. Sometimes I wonder if everyone has them, or if people who do are just disproportionately driven to the life in the limelight of politics. Occassionally I go as far as thinking of what the press could dig up about DH and myself, should we choose to do it. Nothing exciting, but enough that neither of us would ever dream of running for anything.

Re: Ok, but....

[tara_scraps]

Amen. I guess some people think they are "bulletproof"? Or they just don't think at all...