California Democrats Demand Response to Harassment, Change Endorsement Rules

Leaders of the California Democratic Party on Sunday approved a list of demands for state and federal lawmakers to respond to against sexual misconduct, at a meeting of the party's executive board in Millbrae.

The resolution against sexual harassment comes as allegations against lawmakers continue to come out of the state Capitol and the rest of the political world. Two sitting Democratic lawmakers in the state Legislature, Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra and Sen. Tony Mendoza, have been accused of sexual misconduct.

The party is calling for changes that include a confidential hotline to report harassment, mandatory training, an outside investigator to handle harassment claims and anti-retaliation protections.

"It has been over a month and the Legislature still has not given us our hotline," said Democratic Party Women's Caucus Chair Christine Pelosi. "They need to set one up for the California Capitol."

Last week, the state Senate announced that it will hire an independent law firm next month to investigate complaints.

Beyond demands, Pelosi said the party could use its own power in granting endorsements to weed out harassers.

"The candidate questionnaires need to change," Pelosi said. "We need to ask people, 'Have you ever had an allegation of sexual harassment against you, and if so, what was the disposition of that claim?' Voters have a right to know."

Changes to Endorsement Process

The party's executive board also approved a major change to the candidate endorsement process that could boost the fortunes of candidates challenging incumbents.

Incumbents and challengers will now need the support of 60 percent of the party's delegates to secure an endorsement. Previously, incumbents just needed a majority.

"It’s going to have a huge impact in the U.S. Senate race," said Democratic consultant and party delegate Eric Menjivar.

In that race, state Senate President Kevin de León is challenging current U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein. A party endorsement could boost de León's name recognition and campaign finances.

In addition to touting the party support, endorsed candidates can appear on state party election mailers, which take advantage of a lower postage rate than mail from individual campaigns.

"So that’s a big plus and they’re able to save some money on that," Menjivar said. "You also want to get the party endorsement so that the party can spend on your behalf, and you’re able to rely on their money to reach out to those same voters that you’re trying to reach out to."

The measure passed with a voice vote on Sunday, but some delegates questioned making the change as the U.S. Senate race is already underway.

"Does this affect any particular candidate?" asked San Fernando Valley delegate Chris Anderson. "Is that the reason why it's being pushed through?"

De León is not the only Democrat challenging an intraparty candidate. Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is making a run for attorney general, a position currently held by Democrat Xavier Becerra.

The state Democratic Party will vote on endorsements at its February convention in San Diego.