The Argus Leader is covering a fireworks show this evening as former State Senator Gene Abdallah was asked about uncorroborated accusations of sexual harassment made by a former ACLU Lobbyist, with the former State Senator literally telling her “she can go to hell.”
Tiffany Campbell, a former lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union, sent emails to every member of the South Dakota Senate this month urging them to block the appointment of Gene Abdallah to the state’s Board of Pardons and Paroles.
The 41 year old said Abdallah asked her during the 2012 legislative session if he could accompany her to the restroom when the two were discussing legislation at Bob’s Bar, an after-hours extension of the Capitol for many lawmakers and lobbyists.
and…
Abdallah, a former U.S. Marshal and state highway superintendent, was representing Sioux Falls’ District 10 in the state House at the time. On Monday, he denied the allegation and said he never met Campbell.
“She can go to hell,” Abdallah said. “I’ll put my background of 37 years up against anything. If they believe her over me, I don’t want the appointment.”
and…
“I resent the fact that she’s using sleazy and gutter politics for some sort of personal gain,” Abdallah said in a phone interview Monday. “If she’d spent as much time trying to keep her family together maybe she’d still have them now.”
The last comment was a bit harsh, but obviously Abdallah is fired up over the accusations being made… and has no intention of taking them lying down as Campbell is attacking his credibility and actively campaigning against his appointment to the board of pardons and paroles.
Your thoughts?
Gene was always crude and obnoxious. I have no idea if he said this to her or not, but it wouldn’t surprise me. The story says Gene said he never met her ! Does that mean ever, or just this specific incident. They were both at the Capitol for several years, how could they not have met ? I would vote against Gene, not because of this specific alleged incident, but because of his pathetic record of missing votes both in committees and on the floor, and for his cavalier lackadaisical attitude.
He claims he never met her, then smears her over the fact that she was recently divorced at the time. This guy makes Roy Moore’s interview with Hannity seem smooth by comparison.
Thune should probably call on him to drop out of the running.
Ha, Thune has a long list of officials he needs to call on to step down, whether there’s proof of wrong doing or not. We’re still waiting for him to tell Franken and Conyers to leave and there’s evidence in these situations.
I don’t believe Campbell. Mostly because we are now in 2017, where were her claims in 2012? Why didn’t she speak up then? Probably could of helped other women from being “victims” if she would’ve said something when/if it happened. Looks to me like a bunch of he said she said and that’s not evidence.
Don’t step down.
“The last comment was a bit harsh …”?
The first comment was, “She can go to hell.”
From the Argus: “Abdallah said the allegations were aimed at generating notoriety for Campbell.”
How does Abdallah claim to know Campbell’s motives?
What does Abdallah’s background of 37 years have to do with this?
What does Campbell’s broken family have to do with this?
Even if the accusations had been false, Abdallah’s reaction alone would have demonstrated that he lacks the temperament to serve on the parole board. Is Abdallah the kind of person we can expect in positions of power in this state if Jackley is elected governor?
Just rereading the Argus story, and wow…
(Redacted paragraphs from story… that’s getting beyond what I’m comfortable with in honoring fair use principles. editor pp.)
Is this guy serious?
He has proven her correct and then some.
What notoriety is she looking for? She is a victim of a man in power thinking that he can use his “37 years” to discredit this woman… Sounds like she is taking a stand against a guy that was completely inappropriate. I applaud her courage to step forward.
He doesn’t know her? That’s a plain and simple lie. He sure does know her. Why would he then bully her? and talk poorly of her family?
His classless quotes proves that he has no business in any form of authority.
I am thankful for her standing up. Just as I am thankful for the #metoo movement. Of all the recently accused, it takes this “public servant” to tell his accuser to “Go to Hell.”
The Governor race starts here and now… Do what’s right… This guy doesn’t belong.
He never met her but knows her family situation? Also, what kind of personal gain is she getting from this? Public ridicule? Humiliation? Anxiety?
Perhaps if he responded with a little bit of class and tact people would be less inclined to believe her story. As it were, my experience tells me that when someone responds with this type of vitriol, it generally means they did something they knew was wrong. Shame on him.
It was really cute that Nesiba had to chime in on this one. It is interesting that the ACLU lobbyist is using the same tactics that the NARAL lobbyist has been using to get attention.
Ya, I got a kick out of that too, from Sen. “You Don’t Need Those Pants” Nesiba. Knowing Gene, he probably said it but wasn’t serious about it. He’d say things like that for the shock factor and to get rid of the ACLU lobbyist and her stupid far-left bills.
It is really cute that Spencer Cody has to chime in on this one. It is interesting that Spencer is using the same tactics as Gene Abdallah has been using to smear Tiffany Campbell.
How do you claim to know Campbell’s motives, Spencer? Do you believe Abdallah’s claim that he never met her?
Ha, ha. I really cannot be a character witness for Gene since I am only familiar with him in formal committee or floor comments; however, I follow Campbell’s and Spawn’s wheelings and dealings on issues very closely. Sad and naive are words that often adequately sum up their statements. Considering some of the garbage Tiffany Campbell has told lawmakers and the public through the years, it is difficult to take anything she says very seriously. It comes off as being more of a political stunt of some sort or some desperate attempt to get attention.
Making women out to be victims of sexual comments and physical contact is a national trend. A letter came out about two or three weeks ago supporting a feminist movement to combat harassment and also sent a plea for money at the same time. Now that being said, I was wondering why Campbell was at Bob’s Bar and around the Senator in the first place.
She was clearly positioning herself to take false accusations to the press FIVE YEARS LATER when a “national trend” developed and Jackley appointed Abdallah to the parole board. (Or not.)
The stunt alleged by Spencer Cody was apparently pretty elaborate, since Campbell reported the incident to the house speaker in 2012, but in a “desperate attempt to get attention” she didn’t go public until now.
No one asked you to be a character witness for Abdallah, Spencer. It was a simple question about whether you believe his claim that he never met Campbell. You didn’t answer.
Do you mean “Why was the Senator, a married man, hanging out at Bob’s Bar?” Ms. Campbell was a lobbyist – I assume she was there working.
So, Michelle, you’re saying married men aren’t allowed to hang out at a bar and have a drink? I’ll make sure to let my husband know your rules;)
Lobbyists working in a bar? That seems inappropriate, there’s no office space available?
No, there’s no office space for lobbyists. Lobbyists must use every opportunity they have to discuss bills and their issues with representatives. Working from a bar after hours is culturally acceptable in Pierre.
You seem to suggest it’s inappropriate for lobbyists to work in a bar, but it’s fine for an elected official. (It’s acceptable they’re BOTH at that bar after hours, by the way.) This is why women don’t share their stories for years. Victim shaming.
The capital has no locations available to have meetings? Please, spare me. No restaurants in Pierre? I think there’s a library? Do legislators really do work with lobbyists in a bar? I’m not sure you’re being honest. I’ll contact reps from my district and I’m guessing they don’t do that.
Victim shaming, call it what you will. This is not a sexual harassment case, that is clear. She is making false allegations and why not go to police to prevent further “harassment”. She doesn’t care about other women who could be put in the same position? And please, if you’re so concerned about drinking and driving, you should show concern for everyone in a bar. Why is she singling him out? Sounds to me like a grudge.
When my customers come in and say, “Hey, pretty lady, I’ll take my regular.”, is that sexual harassment? Or how about when a customer asked if he could tug on my ponytail? Ms. Campbell needs a safe space. She should not be working as a lobbyist. I’d stay far away from her.
Have you seen the poll taken by Millennials, where 25% say, if a man asks them to have a drink they consider it sexual harassment? Here’s your snowflake generation at work. Entitlements and safe spaces. Grow up.
I said good things about Gene’s nomination to the parole board before this came out. I know and like Gene, and anyone who knows him knows he can be … irreverent. Even more so when he’s been drinking. He’s from an earlier era.
I know that Gene and Marty like each other. These comments put Marty in a very difficult position in the Governor race if Gene goes on the parole board as Marty’s appointment. This is particularly so with Kristi Noem as Marty’s opponent. It would be better for Marty at this point if Gene withdrew from consideration for the parole board spot.
Abdallah is from an earlier era, when it was acceptable for a man to claim he’d never met a woman he’d actually met, then attack her in the press with irrelevant smears about her personal life.
Campbell contacted Jackley’s campaign over a month ago, and they ignored her. Now they’re most likely going to reap what they’ve sown.
But just because he is from ‘an earlier era’ doesn’t make it excusable. Period.
Kind of an epidemic of sex crazed licentious leftist complaining about the environment they created. How does the saying go about making your bed? Perhaps this is a good time to talk about banning sex so-called education from our schools, and end the left’s Alfred Kinsey era.
Why is the Argus quoting Nesiba on these topics?
The victim blaming here is astounding. Put party aside—this overture (to ANY woman) is wrong.
Mr Abdullah’s response shows his character more than any accuser could prove. Immediately he puts his record as PROOF he didn’t do anything wrong – this hasn’t worked since the 1970’s. His next response is to refer to Ms Campbell as sleazy, followed by an attack on her personal life, which essentially said if she’d been at home (where he clearly thinks women belong) her marriage wouldn’t have fallen apart. Why didn’t the Argus Leader ask how he knew such details if he’d never met her?
He should withdraw and walk away.
Ever been to the restroom at Bob’s? If you had, you would know this is not a location that anybody in their right mind would use in trying to lure a female companion.
The problem is it is all allegations. Nothing on video or tape. No DNA.
Fergusen has a licence to write whatever she wants without any evidence or follow up.
What about the supposed rape in the capitol by a state employee? Nothing reported to the police so that person is ok to rape again? All men in Pierre are now supposed to be whispered about as potential rapists?
It’s extremely reckless and if this happened it should be reported to the authorities. Fergusen has an ethical standard to follow and she’s not meeting it.
The Argus should be sued or else start proving these allegations.
Are you one of those people who believes a man should be able to abuse women as long as he stays away from recording devices and doesn’t leave behind any DNA? You don’t seem to understand that statements from the people who were there ARE evidence.
Your suggestion that Dana Ferguson didn’t do any follow-up makes me wonder whether you’ve even read her story, which directly quotes from several follow-up interviews. Ferguson is responsible for the veracity of her own reporting, not for the veracity of the statements others give her.
I hate the Argus Leader’s anti-Christian bias as much as anyone, but in this case they haven’t done anything but expose the truth about Abdallah by reporting his own obnoxious lies.
There is no defense for Dana’s sleeze reporting.
The Argus is running a lot of she said he said stuff.
It’s really unfortunate that they are ok with destroying lives with this kind of stuff.
I think his comments prove he is unfit to hold any position of power responsibly.
Whether he did it or not, this just proves how classless and unfit for office he is. What a scumbag.
Jackley knew that Abdullah was a drunk and loose cannon. Why did he appoint him in spite of this knowledge? This raises serious questions about Jackley’s judgement. I’m not sure he is ready for prime time.
Several Comments:
1a) Abdallah can be let’s just say unrefined and gruff as evidenced by his response. But, the account as described doesn’t sound like him, especially if the intent was a come-on. I’m not saying he may not have said something unrefined but I don’t believe his intent was as interpreted. This could be a miscommunication, especially since it happened in a bar.
1b) Abdallah has said things to my face which I didn’t receive well and done in a manner I didn’t appreciate. But, you know what it was to my face and I appreciate that. And, I got to immediately respond to his face. Not everyone is disposed to deal with issues like a Southern Gentlemen. And, frankly, isn’t it good Abdallah doesn’t discriminate between men and women? If one is in a bar like Bob’s doing business, one better not expect the conversation to be fit for church.
1c) As a father of three girls and now three granddaughters, I want to break down every ceiling there is. But, women can’t expect every room they enter to be fit for a lady just as they can’t expect every toilet seat down. Nobody gets to write the rules to be applied in every situation. If women want to be in a place where there is alcohol and many men, they should not expect it to be like a church basement. Two of my daughters started coming on hunting weekends long before they could hunt and continue long after being able to hunt. While I hoped the conversation would be fit for them, it wasn’t always and I expected them to handle it which they did. I have every confidence if a man is crude, they will respond as appropriate.
2) This was said in a bar. I don’t know if it was early or late but I do not like the idea we are holding people to “church” behavior in bars (remember I don’t think he intended to pick her up or do anything perverted). But, after more than a few drinks, I could see him saying something crass since I’ve heard him say things in a crass manner without any drinks. If only choir boys and choir girls can meet the standard to serve, we might have a pretty small pool from which to pick.
3) When Abdallah was announced, my reaction was this might be the best place he could continue to serve. Abdallah and I don’t and haven’t always agreed but never have I doubted his interior heart. Pardons and Paroles is not the place for choir boys and girls but those who have real world experience knowing nobody is 100% saint or 100% sinner. The safest, easiest thing to do is to just say no to these potential parolees. At the same time, many want to be forgiving and believe the best in a person. Abdallah is the type of person who has experience trying to discern when to say yes and when to say no.
4) While I disagree with Ms. Campbell this disqualifies his appointment, I’m glad Ms. Campbell gave her account and perception of what happened. We are entering a new era of what is acceptable, what will be tolerated, what is not to be tolerated and we need to find new mechanisms/reactions in this era. For instance, I stressed to my daughters their elbows are sharp, their hands sting, and their knees can drop a man. Too often we have relied on passing laws, pressing charges, or suing people. I think some good old public embarrassment and shaming WHEN it happens will be good for all concerned. It avoids it being a “he said, she said” and it allows apologies to made if appropriate and it allows miscommunications to be cleared up on the spot. Women should not have to live more than 2 seconds with gaudy behavior. Slap the cad and move on.
Well said, Troy.
Well said? Troy is saying the incident Campbell describes was no big deal, but Abdallah is claiming it NEVER HAPPENED.
The original incident was disgusting but not necessarily disqualifying if it hadn’t been part of a lifelong pattern and if Abdallah would have admitted he was in the wrong. But that’s the opposite of the situation at hand. Abdallah is claiming he never met Campbell, accusing her of “sleazy” behavior, saying she made up the story for attention, smearing her personal life in the press, and publicly condemning her to hell.
Troy, it’s one thing to have a disagreement about the seriousness of the original offense, but if you believe it happened, how can you possibly justify what Abdallah is doing to Campbell NOW?
These bizarre rationalizations on behalf of Abdallah and Roy Moore are the height of demented partisanship and moral confusion.
Whoa, there Jones. The Left has already set standards for what’s acceptable and what will be tolerated. Are you going to watch the Victoria’s Secret runway show tonight? Democrats and Liberals sexualize everything. For years, young girls and women have been being told by Planned Parenthood, Hollywood and many women in politics, it’s my body and I can do whatever I want with it. They didn’t have lines in the past and they most definitely don’t have lines now.
I agree with many of your points (as usually) especially not having to deal with gaudy behavior for more than 2 seconds. Go to the police right away when something happens to you, not years later. We have laws for a reason and they are there to protect women, men and children.
Very well said. I’m glad I took the time to read that.
When people drink, they say the darnedest things. Don’t be around
guys that are drinking too much. Lobby them when they are sober.
KM,
I know you are being facetious/sarcastic in your first paragraph and I agree. We now know why the left and their media sycophants were so soft on Bill Cosby (I thought it might be because he is Black but now we know its because they protect their own first).
Regarding your second, I agree if someone commits a crime against a woman to go to the police but the gaudy behavior I was referring to is saying crude things. Dress the cad down or slap him after counting to 2 (don’t wait until one counts to 10).
The whole incident is ridiculous. What man tries to proposition a woman by asking if he can watch her pee? Why would anybody want to watch her pee? Obviously it’s a joke, he couldn’t have been hitting on her.
It sounds like things I have heard in the past, like “as long as you’re going, can you pee for me too?” And “Try not to fall in this time.”
It’s a big stretch to consider such repartee to be sexual harassment.
It’s just drunk talk.
Have you ever had someone announce they are going to the bathroom and jokingly responded, “Why, do you need help?” I don’t know if that’s what happened here or not. What is clear — he didn’t touch her. He didn’t promise favorable legislative action in exchange for other “favors.”
Crude and crass is not Sexual Harrassment or Assault. Don’t trivialize the experience of actual victims by making a big deal of out someone saying things that are not polite or in good taste.
Exactly. We need to be outraged with the serious stuff. Not bar talk. The longer I think about it the more incensed I’m getting. Crude is not a crime nor a disqualifier from serving (except maybe as a choir boy).
What about giving defamatory statements to the news media?
http://dakotawarcollege.com/former-state-senator-abdallah-provides-fiery-response-to-former-lobbyists-accusations/#comment-708592
Why are you highlighting your own comment? If you’re going to use a handle “Moral Clarity” please stick with it, and please refrain from then posting anonymously to agree with your own comment. That’s sock puppeting, and confusing for the people trying to follow the conversation.
I know you can see our IP addresses, Pat. I linked to my own comment because that seemed to make more sense than posting the same thing twice. I’ll refrain from using the handle “Moral Clarity” if I ever comment here again, but I don’t see how more comments from “Anonymous” would supposedly be any less confusing for the people trying to follow the conversation.
Only Mr Powers, Troy’s Jones, and Dan Lederman are allowed to “sock puppet.”
I’ve been shocked at how poor of judgement Jackley has at embroiling himself in these questionable political situations.
He’s confirmed my worse thoughts about him.
I saddened by your defense of the indefensible Troy. You know as well as anyone that Abdallah is unfit for any public position . His drinking is totally out of control and that merely accentuates his disgusting behavior and demeanor. He doesn’t belong on the board under any circumstances.
Troy,
You are wrong to assume he said anything of the sort.
I’m with those who think the Argus has crossed a serious line of ethical standards, morals and legality.
If ABC can be sued for “pink slime” surely the Argus can be sued for destroying a reputation on an unprovable allegation.
I hope Scott puts them out of business.
It’s apparent that you have much less interest in the truth than the Argus Leader does. Abdallah destroyed his own reputation with the ridiculous claim that he and Campbell never even met.
She’s also upset about his drinking and driving. I was forwarded the email she sent senators.
Dear Senator *****,
I was shocked when I read that AG Jackley appointed former Rep. Gene
Abdallah to the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Let me tell you why. In 2012, I was a first year lobbyist in Pierre when, Rep. Abdallah sexually harassed me. One evening, shortly after session ended, I went to Bob’s Bar and sat with Rep. Abdallah. It was well
known among lobbyists, this was the best time to discuss bills with him. At one point I said to Rep. Abdallah, “Excuse me I need to use the restroom.” As I got up, he motioned me to lean down, so I could hear him whisper, “Can I watch you pee?” I said “No.”
Stunned and embarrassed, I left the bar immediately.
After reflecting on this incident for several days, I approached Speaker
of the House Val Rausch, and relayed what happened. Rep. Rausch informed me that because this behavior did not take place at the Capitol, there was nothing that could be done by him by way of censure, and asked me on which night this unwanted advance occurred.
After I told Rep. Rausch, he replied, “Yeah, I heard he was pretty bad that night.” While I do not believe alcohol excuses harassment, this incident occurred during the daylight, and I did not perceive Rep. Abdallah to be intoxicated. I chose not to pursue
this incident further because of the reception I received from Rep. Rausch, and because I became concerned about my ability to successfully lobby if I made the allegations public.
I have since shared my story with Argus Leader.
(http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2017/10/21/sexism-statehouse-women-detail-harassment-pierre/780144001/)
This was the worst, but by no means the first time, I witnessed inappropriate
behavior by Rep. Abdallah. One evening, prior to his harassing me, Rep. Abdallah left a dinner visibly intoxicated, and drove his vehicle. When I asked Rep. Cronin, who had been dining with us, and also witnessed his drunken behavior, if he should be driving,
he remarked, “That man will never be picked up in this town.” I was horrified by this statement. My concern was not whether he would receive a much deserved DUI, but whether or not he would strike another vehicle or pedestrian on his way home. He was a lawmaker,
and former Superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol, he should hold himself to a higher standard than that of an average citizen.
I am no longer willing to stay silent, and I do not believe men who
abuse power should be rewarded for their bad behavior. If Gene Abdullah’s appointment to the Board of Pardons and Paroles, is approved, he will be just that. I have informed Jeromy Pankratz, AG Jackley’s campaign manager of my concerns. If AG Jackley does
not rescind his appointment of Gene Abdullah, I ask that you vote “No.” I welcome any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Tiffany Campbell
What i got out of that is that Pankratz got a promotion.
Is this real? If it is I hope people are asking Ms. Campbell the questions she welcomes.
I’ve got a few…
Is it sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior, you’re not very clear. I’d like to know exactly your perception of what constitutes sexual harassment, because we are in disagreement with what you claim to even be harassment. The law has a definition and I don’t think the incident you describe is what the law states sexual harassment is.
Why are you in a bar discussing bills and legislation? .
Why do you blame Rep. Rausch for not going to the police after you were told that nothing could be done via him? If what you say is truth, reporting the incident to the police would not have caused you to lose your job.
Why did others not report concerns of the drinking and driving? If the bartender had concerns for the amount Rep Abdallah had been drinking, they could’ve cut him off. Why didn’t you call the police with your concerns? They could monitor his driving after leaving a bar. You could’ve even called him a cab.
You’re tired of men being rewarded for bad behavior? Really? Think about that statement past your nose. Do you know about your tax dollars paying settlements for sexual misconduct in WH?
Don’t step down Rep Abdallah. This is not sexual harassment. Rude and crude behavior at most. And if you are drinking and driving, stop.
Personally I am more upset about his drinking and driving and the idea that he would never be stopped for doing so, especially since he is a former highway patrol member. Lewd comments are just that in this case.
The Argus should lose readers over their slander and Fergusen should be placed on a leave of absence.
I don’t know when or why women have turned into such delicate creatures that they can’t defend themselves against unwelcome advances. I never considered myself a victim of anything, even the time I sent a jerk sprawling into a frat house coat closet. Men would hit on me and I would deal with them. I don’t understand these wimpy women at all.
Bottom Line … political people are lousy lovers. #Yes,You
I agree, Ann. . By the way, is it sexual harassment when men go into a bar for a drink and a dancer teases them along by hanging on a pole and flirts suggestively? Or do the men know ahead of time when they enter the establishment that it is a bar with dancers, drinkers, and loud, lewd conversation? Bars are unpredictable places…Ms. Campbell appears to have been told ahead of time that she would find the person in question at Bob’s and was hoping to lobby him for her cause. She obviously also had been told it was a great place to lobby him…why? Perhaps because he would be jovial and relaxed there. Maybe even loud and somewhat lewd? Did she really take his statement as something sexual? That is laughable.
I find it hard to ignore that the two allegations about bad behavior in Pierre have come from the NARAL and ACLU lobbyists… Likely the two least successful organizations in the Capitol.
Now we know at least one way to get rid of unwanted attention from an ACLU
activistlobbyist. Genius.Anne Beal blames women for not being as “butch” she is? That’s like blaming an unarmed black man because a cop shot him dead because the cop felt threatened. Think again, Anne.
Keep using your Leftist Logic and it’ll eventually bite you in the ass.
Anne’s not blaming women, she’s stating women aren’t victims. You though seem to think they are and need to stay in their safe space. Mommy, daddy or the gov’t can take care of them, right? Awww, so thoughtful of you. We will be teaching our daughters differently.
Why is your unarmed black man shot dead? Is there a reason the cop felt threatened? Your comparison is weak and baseless. We can go into statistics if you want. I’m all about justice being served. I still wonder what happened to the MPLS Somalian officer that killed the unarmed Australian lady. Don’t hear much about those unarmed white people who are shot and killed by cops, do we?
A person who has been raped is a victim. Someone who has been robbed is a victim. Want me to go on about who is and isn’t a victim. Ms. Campbell is not a victim, she is an entitled snowflake whom you think needs a safe space.
Leftist logic only makes sense to Leftists. You’re a Leftist. For many educated people it’s nonsense and laughable.
You shouldn’t separate people into groups based on their identity, that’s racist.
But, if you insist…
I don’t identify as a Republican. I identify as a Deplorable.
What entitles you to decide what hate speech is? I think what you just said is hate speech. You hate my opinions and that really hurts my feelings….Hate Speech! Uh-oh:(
The word games that come out of your mouth should not be tolerated.
A person who goes to a bar and hears things they don’t like (even 10 times worse that she asserts here) is not a victim. Let’s reserve the word victim for real victims.
Going to guess Abdallah wanted to make her go away and leave him alone.