Article Summary –
Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale dropped out of his U.S. Senate race, prompting rampant speculation about the reason, with former Democratic U.S. North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp suggesting a rumor that he impregnated a 20-year-old congressional staffer. Rosendale denied the rumor and threatened legal action against Heitkamp. The Montana Free Press reported it had found no proof to confirm the rumor, which had allegedly been spreading for weeks, and suggested the rumor could have been used as a political weapon against Rosendale.
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The reasons for Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale dropping out of the U.S. Senate race have sparked widespread speculation. Amongst these, a rumor that he impregnated a 20-year-old congressional staffer was highlighted by former Democratic U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp on a popular podcast. While Rosendale denied the rumor and threatened legal action, the speculation escalated.
Rosendale announced his candidacy for re-election to the House this week. His wife, Jean, publicly defended him on television. However, no evidence of the affair has been presented.
“Officer class Dems are predisposed to believe accusations of sexual misconduct… Their attitude is ‘Where there’s smoke there must be fire.’ I think that where there’s smoke there’s probably attempted political arson.” – Blogger James Conner
The grapevine was further fuelled by social media and political circles, causing the rumor to enter mainstream news. Abra Belke, a Montana attorney, stated that the desire to be in the know often leads to the spread of such rumors.
When Heitkamp spoke out, it gave the rumor enough legitimacy to invite a response from Rosendale. His denial and threatened legal action, along with his wife’s defense, converted the rumor into a news story.
According to Jessi Bennion, a political scientist, the rumor spread seems to be well-coordinated. The rumor’s reach became more significant than its accuracy as people circulated it on social media and in bars.
Despite the lack of evidence, Rosendale’s political future remained uncertain until his House re-election announcement. The rumor could have potentially influenced donor support and created a contested primary.
In recent weeks, anonymous polls have questioned whether voters would support Rosendale if he had an affair or was in an open marriage.
However, amidst all this, Bennion emphasizes the need to remember the potential victim in the situation – a young woman whose character is not considered in the rumor. Lower-level staff like her often bear the brunt of such rumors, as their identities are tied closely with those of their bosses.
The origin and intent behind the Rosendale rumor may never be known, but the impact is evident, especially on those who are directly affected by it.
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