Should disgraced politicians be given a second chance?

Shooter was first in the nation to be expelled in #MeToo era

When it comes to mistakes of the past in one’s personal life, there are multiple approaches one can take. One can forgive and forget. Or, one can learn from the lesson and move on, a little wiser, and a little more cautious, while taking precautions to not get burned again.

That’s fine when one is talking about personal experiences. But when it comes to a politician, how does that process work?

Do voters forgive and forget? Do they move forward? Do they disregard the candidate? Or do they simply forget?

The question is relevant with several lawmakers running for office in the wake of “#MeToo” allegations of sexual misconduct.

And in Yuma County, the question looms large with former state Rep. Don Shooter running for a seat in the Senate. Shooter was the first state lawmaker in the country to be expelled in the #MeToo era after he was criticized for a pattern of sexually harassing women, The Associated Press reports. Now, Shooter is running for election once again, this time looking to secure a seat in the Arizona Senate.

There has not been much of a public outcry locally about Shooter running for office again, but the true answer will come during the primary, when voters must either choose him or Sen. Sine Kerr.

Voters must decide whether Shooter’s actions are relevant when it comes to representing them in office.

One could argue that such actions speak to one’s moral character — and that one should want someone with morals similar to their own representing them in office.

Or, one could argue that the issue is irrelevant, and the important matter is how the district is represented at the state level, with a focus on issues that impact voters here — water rights, jobs, unemployment, etc.

While there hasn’t been much of a public uproar locally about Shooter’s expulsion, it did bring negative publicity and some degree of embarrassment to his district, which stretches into Yuma County. His expulsion from the House was a very public affair.

Ultimately, the answer will come at the polls, based on how voters choose during the primary.

What do you think, readers? Does Shooter deserve another chance or not? Share your thoughts online at www.YumaSun.com, or send us an email at letters@ yumasun.com.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?