2 female candidates accuse San Jose senator of bullying ahead of elections

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- In a news conference on Tuesday, Democratic District 27 Assembly Member Nora Campos came out firing against her opponent incumbent, State Senator Jim Beall, D-San Jose, in the race for the 15th Senate District, which covers much of Silicon Valley.

"We as women need to be united, and we need to say we will not take this anymore, we will not be bullied and intimidated with dirty politics," said Campos.

By her side was current Santa Clara Board of Education President Darcie Green, a candidate for Campos' current position, who claims that the state senator played some sort of role in having her put on leave from her job at Kaiser Permanente.

"This happened, and it's going to happen to more women, and that's why they don't run for office," said Green.

The two women say they've been the target of bullying and intimidation by Beall, a charge that he strongly denies.

"I've supported women running for office, I've supported women's issues, this is very frustrating to hear all these things coming up at the last minute from my opponent," said Beall.

Kaiser Permanente also released a statement, saying, "Any claim that Senator Beall talked to us about Ms. Green's employment while a candidate for the assembly is simply not true."

San Jose State Political Science Professor Melinda Jackson says she isn't surprised by the mudslinging, especially since the two are from the same party, vying for the same seat.

"It can actually backfire if the person attacking, is seen as being unfair or too harsh, the voters can actually hold that against them," said Dr. Jackson.

The California primary will be held on June 7.

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