Calls mount for Dem who admitted to abusing ex-wife to drop out of South Carolina primary
Last edited Tue May 22, 2018, 11:09 AM - Edit history (1)
Source: Politico
By LOUIS NELSON 05/22/2018 09:15 AM EDT
A South Carolina Democrat who has admitted to physically abusing his former wife in the 1970s has refused to drop out of next months Congressional primary despite rising calls for him to do so.
The Post and Courier reported Monday that Archie Parnell, one of four Democrats running for the right to challenge GOP Rep. Ralph Norman in South Carolinas 5th Congressional District, admitted to physically abusing his ex-wife in 1973 after he was confronted with divorce records that detailed the allegations. Parnell used a tire iron to break the window of an apartment where friends of his then-wife were protecting her from him, records show, after which he struck her several times and then beat her again later in the evening.
Parnell did not deny having physically abused his former wife.
This campaign has always been about the people of the 5th district, my home, but never about me," he said in a statement. "Forty-five years ago, while still a college student, I did something that I have regretted every single day since. In response to actions I feel unnecessary to specify, I lashed out and became violent with other people, including my former wife, which led to a divorce and monumental change in my life.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/05/22/archie-parnell-south-carolina-abuse-602660
Rorey
(8,445 posts)I'd like to see evidence that he got help he needed to change his behavior. It would go farther than admitting it and expressing remorse.
Demonaut
(8,916 posts)SharonClark
(10,014 posts)But, candidates should be open from the very beginning about the skeletons in their past. Waiting until the height of the campaign for the inevitable 'gotcha' question is too late.
Me.
(35,454 posts)The campaign is about you
heaven05
(18,124 posts)women issues? Still? Someone asked, has he had therapy to confront his personal demons? If not, probably still there to erupt at any time.
and I wonder what his current wife, presuming he is married, has to say. And let's pay attention to the fact that he brought a tire iron with him.
Bradical79
(4,490 posts)It's one of those things in your past that probably makes "elected Democratic politician" a poor career choice. Want to help? Fine. Find a role where nobody is going to pick your life apart. He's right, it's not just about him. If he won somehow, it could hurt the party and any related goals related to domestic violence.