Shocker: Leftist columnist rips MLG, Dems for sexual harassment claims

In a shocking turn of events, leftist columnist Milan Simonich of the Santa Fe New Mexican finally ripped into Democrats for their “double standard” on sexual harassment in a Monday op-ed.

Simonich notes, as the Piñon Post already reported, that state Sen. Michael Padilla (D-Bernalillo) survived sexual assault claims despite then-candidate for governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) demanding he quit the 2018 race for lieutenant governor. He did quit the race and now he has been promoted by New Mexico Senate Democrats to be their majority whip.

Lujan Grisham told the Associated Press, “My position on sexual harassment is clear: it is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated by me or in my administration. Michael Padilla’s actions were wrong.” She continued, “There is no room for excuses and he should withdraw his candidacy for lieutenant governor.”

Simonich wrote, “Still, if sexual harassment is inexcusable, Padilla’s return to power as a Senate leader is inexplicable.”

Now, Simonich is calling out Democrats for their hypocrisy on their standard-bearer, Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is seeking another term as governor.

He wrote regarding claims from former staffer James Hallinan that she poured water over his crotch and then groped his penis through his pants, while then paying him off $150,000 in a hush-money settlement:

For her part, Lujan Grisham said she agreed to a settlement with Hallinan to avoid distractions during the coronavirus pandemic. The governor’s camp also said money paid to Hallinan staved off costly litigation.

The governor’s settlement with Hallinan is just the sort of case Lujan Grisham would pounce on if it involved a political rival. Her main opponent in next month’s election is former television weatherman Mark Ronchetti, who’s run a clumsy campaign and trails in the polls.

But Ronchetti is the only Republican with a shot at winning a statewide election in New Mexico. Will the #MeToo movement rally to his side before the campaign staggers to a close? The odds say Ivey-Soto has a better chance of becoming governor.

Simonich has finally gone after Lujan Grisham after a slew of attacks against Republicans and conservatives across the state. Apparently, the claims and subsequent payoff will finally be noticed by the columnist and potentially his readers from on high.