A Democrat in a key House race has parted ways with his campaign manager just days ahead of the election.
Aftab Pureval, who’s in a competitive race against Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), told the Cincinnati Enquirer that “new information” about his campaign manager’s conduct had led her to resign.
“Our campaign holds itself to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” Pureval told the paper. “While the actions of a few are inappropriate, we’re proud of the campaign we’ve run.”
He didn’t make clear what that new information was, but the shift came the day after Chabot’s campaign accused Pureval’s of sending staff to infiltrate them.
The staff shakeup is the latest turmoil for Pureval, who’s been dogged by questions about whether he improperly used money for his Hamilton County clerk of courts campaign account as he geared up for his congressional campaign, a potential violation of campaign finance law.
In spite of his missteps and the district’s heavy GOP lean, Pureval has stayed fairly competitive with Chabot. National groups that had pulled out of the race as it looked like it was getting less competitive have gone back in in recent weeks.
But Republicans believe that Chabot had cemented a lead in the race even before this latest setback, and even in a Democratic wave year, Pureval’s campaign issues may prove too much to overcome.
We desperately need Pureval here in Cincinnati, but quite a few mistakes in his campaign. Still hoping, Chabot’s bad for people’s health, and he’ll only get worse. A really gerrymandered district to boot.
Yes, and it’s often unfair when you’re failed by your own organization, but here we are.
Still, if enough people vote …
Controversy seems rather quaint by today’s standards.
Ratfucking isn’t strictly a Republican pastime?
They all are in this state. I’m hoping we get better districting in 2021, although I fully expect Chabot and Wenstrup to be screaming bloody murder when the new districts are drawn.