Former aides to state Sen. John Mannion, a Democratic candidate for the 22nd Congressional District, have accused him of creating a hostile work environment.
In an open letter posted online and reported yesterday by The Citizen, the ex-staffers detailed allegations of harassment and mistreatment.
The aides, who chose to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation, claimed that Mannion frequently cursed and yelled at staff, sometimes causing them to become ill. Additionally, the aides said Mannion engaged in sexist behavior, allegedly stating that hiring attractive women could make his wife jealous.
Mannion denied the allegations during a recent debate, calling them a false political attack. He stated, “That is not who I am, it’s not what I stand for.” The state Senate has launched an investigation, and Mannion has pledged to cooperate fully.
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