Former Councilwoman Donna Frye sharply criticized congressional candidate Carl DeMaio on Wednesday, calling him untrustworthy and suggesting that charges against him of sexual harassment are true.
“What I believe is that there are other victims … Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” she said, adding that she believes other victims are too frightened of retribution to come forward.
The San Diego County District Attorney‘s office said last week no criminal charges will be filed in connection with a burglary of Carl DeMaio‘s campaign office and a related allegation of sexual harassment.
Frye spoke to reporters at a press conference at Scott Peter‘s campaign headquarters in Kearny Mesa. Frye said Peters did not ask her to speak, and Peters was not present during the press conference.
She said she came forward because DeMaio had said publicly that they had a good working relationship on the council. That was true in the beginning, she said, but quickly changed.
“I do not support him or trust him, and I want the public to know that. Mr. DeMaio, please stop using my name to promote your campaign unless you tell the public the full story,” said Frye.
She said DeMaio takes credit for accomplishments of others, doesn’t listen to the public and lacks compassion for ordinary citizens.
Frye was a key figure in uncovering sexual harassment allegations against former Mayor Bob Filner last year.
“When I supported Bob Filner for mayor, I made a big mistake. I hope we’ve learned from that,” she said.
The DeMaio campaign criticized what it called “false personal smears — particularly after the District Attorney dismissed this smear weeks ago.”
“While Mr. Peters’ campaign calls a press conference to engage in name-calling and rehash false smears, Carl DeMaio held a press conference with small business leaders to talk about how we create jobs for San Diegans,” said Dave McCulloch, a spokesman.
DeMaio, a Republican, faces incumbent Peters, a Democrat, in the race to represent the 52nd District in Congress.
