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Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren has fired her top campaign aide amid allegations of “inappropriate behavior.”
Fox News reports campaign spokesperson Kristen Orthman described that Rich McDaniel, the campaign’s national organizing director, was fired after “senior campaign leadership received multiple complaints regarding inappropriate behavior.”
“Over the same time period, the campaign retained outside counsel to conduct an investigation,” Orthman continued.
She also said: “Based on the results of the investigation, the campaign determined that his reported conduct was inconsistent with its values and that he could not be a part of the campaign moving forward.”
According to the Western Journal, the alleged behavior does not include sexual misconduct.
Politico reports McDaniel released a statement after his firing where he said his departure was “in the best interest of both parties.”
“I have separated from the campaign and am no longer serving as National Organizing Director,” McDaniel said. “I have tremendous respect for my colleagues despite any disagreements we may have had and believe departing at this time is in the best interest of both parties.”
He continued: “I would never intentionally engage in any behavior inconsistent with the campaign or my own values. If others feel that I have, I understand it is important to listen even when you disagree. I wish the campaign and my colleagues well.”
Here’s more from Politico:
The investigation was conducted by attorney Kate Kimpel and her firm KK Advising.
As part of her investigation, Kimpel conducted interviews and did so without campaign senior staff present. Kimpel is also a co-founder of Ramona Strategies, a female-owned firm that specializes in workplace safety and sexual harassment.
McDaniel was one of the first hires announced by the campaign and was paid at the level of other senior staffers. He worked as the primary states regional director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and the field and political director for Sen. Doug Jones 2017 upset victory in Alabama.
