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TThe California Democratic Party announced Monday that its president, Eric Bauman, would take a leave of absence until an external investigation led to the examination of allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
The decision was made after Bauman used "the holiday weekend to examine the most constructive way for the work of the Democratic Party of California," said California Democratic Party spokesman Mike Roth.
"President Bauman believes that this decision is the best way to ensure the independence and integrity of the process," Roth said in a statement. "The Party is confident that the procedures in place will allow all parties to present themselves freely and provide for a thorough and comprehensive review."
Daraka Larimore-Hall, second vice-president of the California Democratic Party, sent a letter to the party last week in which he said Bauman was "sexually harassed and, in some cases, sexually assaulted during party functions," without however, provide specific details.
"I believe the victims. Their stories clearly illustrate the horrific and dehumanizing behavior of President Bauman, "Larimore-Hall wrote, according to the Sacramento Bee. "This is unacceptable for a political organization dedicated to feminism, human rights and fair working conditions. Our activists and constituents see us as a force for social change and we must embody the values we fight for in society. "
Bauman said that he took the allegations "seriously" and welcomed the opening of an independent investigation into the case. "I take seriously any allegation made by anyone who believes he was injured," Bauman said in a statement released Saturday.
"I look forward to putting these allegations behind us and going forward as unified democrats," he added.
In the absence of Bauman, Roth said that the first vice president, Alexandra "Alex" Gallardo-Rooker, would take the position of interim president and work with staff members to ensure the day-to-day operations "without interruption".
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