No easy way out

What happens when the personal becomes the political?

Let’s bottom line this increasingly tangled affair involving the husband of state Senate President Stan Rosenberg and a list that now includes five men who claim they were groped, kissed and in one instance received a text photo of male genitalia from Bryon Hefner.

The men making the accusations all have connections to the State House, and four told the Boston Globe Hefner is not shy about using his influence with the Senate president “as part of his toolbelt of harassment techniques.”

Rosenberg has been here before — in 2014, before the two were married but after several incidents in which Hefner rather notoriously threw his weight around on the Hill. Rosenberg promised then to create a “firewall” between his personal life and his role as Senate president.

If he did, at least four of those allegedly victimized by Hefner were not convinced of it. And in politics perception is reality.

Attorney General Maura Healey and Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley in an unusual joint statement said, “We ask anyone with this information to contact either office, and we remind every survivor of sexual assault that they can count on us to provide a safe, respectful, victim-centered environment, no matter what the circumstances might be. Sexual assault is a crime and we want to send a clear message that harassment and assault of any kind will not be tolerated.”

Rosenberg has stepped aside for the duration of any investigation. But the question remains, is that enough? What investigation — however thorough — can prove or disprove that Rosenberg wasn’t — and

will never be — influenced by his spouse?

What is certain is that the Senate is in turmoil and cannot remain that way when a new term begins in January. A man who has devoted more than three decades to the institution knows in his heart it is time to put the needs of that body first and end his presidency.