Rep. Katie Hill’s colleagues were uniformly shocked and saddened by the collapse of the freshman star’s political career. But that’s where their agreement ends.
A stark generational divide among Democrats has emerged over what, if any, responsibility Hill should assume for the firestorm that led to her resignation this week, as well as whether the same standards would be applied to a male lawmaker. Some Democrats are also worried about the potential chilling effect on efforts to recruit younger candidates, particularly millennial women.
“This doesn’t happen to male members in the same way — revenge porn in this respect. It’s horrific,” said freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), adding that “of course” it will deter some younger women from running for office. “I don’t think we’re really talking about how targeted and serious this is. We’re talking about a major crime… being committed against her.”
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Hill’s situation is complicated.
The California Democrat vehemently denied an improper relationship with a congressional aide, allegations that prompted a House Ethics Committee investigation. But Hill acknowledged an “inappropriate” relationship with a separate campaign staffer. And she faced a barrage of nude photos published on conservative websites — allegedly at the hands of an “abusive husband” — and the threat of hundreds more to come.
Some senior Democrats, who came of age long before the proliferation of cellphone cameras, have privately suggested that Hill should have been more careful. Others have refused to comment on the issue, with some visibly uncomfortable when asked about Hill’s private life.
Democratic leaders have not directly addressed the circumstances of Hill’s resignation or the smear campaign against her to the full caucus since Hill made her resignation announcement. Her departure did come up at a weekly gathering of senior Democrats, which Hill used to attend as the freshman leadership representative.
Source: Katie Hill’s downfall highlights stark generational divide among Democrats
