Accusations of domestic abuse appear to be taking their toll on Minnesota Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison and his quest to become the next state attorney general.
As The New York Times notes, Ellison seemed to be a picture-perfect candidate in a progressive, blue state, especially since he served as the leader of the Democratic National Committee. But that was before ex-girlfriend Karen Monahan began accusing him of abuse. Monahan claims that Ellison pulled her from her bed while verbally abusing her. She has also pointed to a 2017 medical report in which she blames Ellison for “emotional and physical abuse.”
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 08: Democratic National Committee Deputy Chair Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) (R) talks to reporters as he leaves a House Democratic caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol February 8, 2018 in Washington, DC (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Recent polling indicates that Ellison is now in a tight race with Republican opponent Doug Wardlow, a lawyer with a low political profile. A Minnesota Tribune poll indicates Ellison is narrowly ahead, while a second shows the two tied. The latter survey indicates that 40 percent of respondents are aware of the domestic abuse allegations and say they will be “a factor” in their decision on whether or not to support Ellison. (RELATED: Keith Ellison Facing Violent Domestic Abuse Allegations Less Than A Week Before Minnesota Primaries)
Democratic National Chair candidate, Keith Ellison, addresses the audience as the Democratic National Committee holds an election to choose their next chairperson at their winter meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. February 25, 2017. REUTERS/Chris Berry
Ellison continues to deny the accusations. A lawyer who works for the Democratic Party has issued a report exonerating the congressman. In an interview with the Times, he suggested that women don’t always have to be believed. (RELATED: Minnesota Democrats’ Own Lawyer’s Partner Handling Independent Keith Ellison Investigation)
“The #MeToo movement is a justice movement, and I don’t ever want to be counted among those who in some way tried to dissuade victims from coming forward,” Ellison told the Times. “But I think the #MeToo movement has room for due process. Every social justice movement must.”