Since the last update, in which sixteen women had accused San Diego Mayor Bob Filner of sexual harassment, the recall campaign against him has gained momentum in volunteers, signatures, and donations.
The 70-year-old Democrat is set to return to work this week after taking two weeks off for therapy—which he left early—and “personal time,” but outraged Californians have already raised more than $100,000 to have him removed, the AP reports. An additional 1,100 people have signed up to volunteer for the campaign, and recall spokeswoman Rachel Laing made their passion clear, stating “He is a sexual predator. He has abused the power of his office.”
Reuters writes that the recall will need at least 102,000 valid signatures by September 26 in order for the vote to go on the ballot. But in the bipartisan campaign, Republican Michael Pallamary is confident. "People are literally running up and signing," he said. "It's an amazing momentum and a sign of the people's anger."
Almost every elected official in San Diego has made support for the recall campaign clear by publicly requesting that Filner step down, but so far, he has refused. Now, another possible lawsuit for his use of city-issued credit cards is on the horizon. Filner has promised to pay the questionable expenses back—but he also promised to attend therapy for two weeks, not one. Things aren’t looking good for the mayor.
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