A key Florida ally and big-time donor for Barack Obama and Joe Biden finds himself under pressure to exit as state Democratic chair — again. Six women accuse Stephen Bittel, whose wealth and influence has led him to the highest level of state politics, of creating a harassing and “demeaning” environment at the party’s headquarters. The complaints include unwanted sexual advances, invitations to a hotel room, and a, er, unique method of decorating his office:
Six former Florida Democratic Party staffers and consultants say that current party Chairman Stephen Bittel has created an unprofessional workplace environment for women that includes persistent inappropriate comments, leering at young women and even inviting them on his private jet.
The women, who were reached independently by POLITICO and insisted on anonymity out of fear for their jobs, said Bittel never inappropriately touched or threatened them. But he made them feel so uneasy that they didn’t want to be alone with him due to his body language, suggestive remarks and even the breast-shaped stress squeeze-ball he has been known to keep on his desk.
Depending on the circumstance and the person discussing Bittel, they said he would make references about women cooking dinner, showing their breasts, their age, whether they wanted to ride on his plane, come to his hotel room or if they thought he was attractive.
Read more at Hot Air.
