Vice President Kamala Harris’s long-standing association with former California State Senator Mark Leno has come under scrutiny due to a controversial bill he once proposed. The former Democratic Party lawmaker—described as a “dear friend” by Harris—attempted to amend the law concerning child pornography penalties to allow an offender to possess up to 99 illegal pornographic items before felony charges could be filed.
The revelations come from former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. At the time of Leno’s child pornography amendment, McCarthy served in the California State Assembly as the Republican leader. McCarthy recalls criticizing the bill—Assembly Bill 50—at the time, noting that a compact disc containing numerous illegal images would only count as one item under the proposed law.
The Leno-amended legislation faced significant criticism, even within Democratic circles. Pat Caddell, a Democrat pollster who served under President Jimmy Carter, labeled the proposal as excessive, questioning how it might impact public perception of the Democratic Party. An editorial in the Los Angeles Daily News condemned the Leno-amended provisions, pointing out that it created loopholes for reduced charges in child pornography cases.
Harris and Leno have maintained a professional relationship for over two decades, as indicated by their social media interactions and public accounts by other California officials and media. In 2003, Leno backed Harris in her campaign for San Francisco District Attorney, actively supporting her during campaigning events. On election night that year, Leno reportedly shared a meal with Harris.
In 2016, as Leno concluded his legislative career, Harris praised his “passionate and collaborative service” on social media. Subsequent interactions, including exchanges on X (formerly Twitter) and public appearances, further illustrate the close ties between the two California Democrats. […]
— Read More: thenationalpulse.com
