According to a Daily Mail report, new information has emerged that challenges Harris's assertions about her work ethic during her time at the California Medical Assistance Commission (CMAC).
The report suggests that Harris was frequently absent from CMAC meetings despite her appointment to the position by her then-boyfriend Willie Brown.
The relationship between Harris and Brown, who was 31 years her senior, has been a subject of controversy. Brown, then the Assembly Speaker, appointed Harris to two state board positions while they were dating. These appointments have raised questions about political patronage and Harris's qualifications for the roles.
Records reviewed by the Daily Mail indicate that Harris missed more than 20% of CMAC meetings, making her the most absent commissioner on the board.
The job, which required members to meet twice a month, was not a full-time position but paid Harris $99,000 annually.
Harris has previously defended her performance in these roles. In a 2003 interview with SF Weekly magazine, she stated, "Whether you agree or disagree with the system, I did the work."
However, the newly revealed attendance records appear to contradict this claim, potentially undermining Harris's narrative about her early career dedication.
The controversy surrounding Harris's appointments and her relationship with Willie Brown has been a recurring issue throughout her political career. When running for District Attorney of San Francisco, Harris faced questions about whether she had truly earned the positions Brown appointed her to.
In response to these inquiries, Harris has consistently stated that she put in significant effort in her various roles. In a 2003 interview with the San Francisco City Journal, she firmly expressed that she worked extremely hard for all her achievements.
Brown himself has acknowledged his role in Harris's early career advancement. In a 2019 op-ed for the San Francisco Chronicle, he wrote:
Yes, I may have influenced her career by appointing her to two state commissions when I was Assembly speaker.
The revelations about Harris's attendance record at CMAC meetings come at a time when her past and qualifications are under increased scrutiny due to her position as Vice President. While the appointments occurred decades ago, they continue to be a point of discussion in evaluating Harris's political journey.
Critics argue that the new information raises questions about Harris's transparency and the accuracy of her public statements regarding her early career. Supporters may contend that the focus on these past appointments is a distraction from Harris's more recent accomplishments and her current role in the administration.
New information has emerged that challenges Vice President Kamala Harris's claims about her work ethic during her early career appointments. Records indicate frequent absences from California Medical Assistance Commission meetings despite her assertions of hard work. The controversy resurrects questions about Harris's relationship with Willie Brown and the nature of her early political appointments.
