When then-Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) announced his candidacy for governor of California, I was beyond surprised.

Rumours of sexual misconduct, including allegations of blatant and serial infidelity, had been circulating for years.

ELDER: The implosion of Eric Swalwell: What was he thinking? Back to video

Having run for this very office, I experienced first-hand the intense level of local, state and national scrutiny one receives when seeking the top job in the biggest state in the country.

The left-wing media treats liberal Democrat candidates differently from how it treats conservative Republican candidates, but the media are not the problem if one’s candidacy starts to resonate. The heat comes from the same-party campaign rivals.

When I decided to run for governor of California, I sought the advice of several experienced strategists, politicians, pundits and some professors. They all said the same thing, only worded differently: “Is there anything in your background that would be a problem?”

These questions, they advised, include but are not limited to: Skeletons in your closet? What about your friends, associates and family members? Taxes? Sexual harassment........

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