As if presidential candidate Joe Biden’s vice presidential pick couldn’t get any more difficult.
Now he’s facing a new reality in the highly publicized sweepstakes.
One of his top candidates could have some major skeletons in the closet.
Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has risen to political stardom amid the riots taking place in her home city, as well as the civil unrest across the nation. Her “performance” of what many political pundits saw as leadership, earned her top consideration for the VEEP spot.
The timing was almost too good to be true.
But it’s her past — insiders say — that could land her in hot water should she be thrust into the Vice President spotlight.
According to reports, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed — a political ally to Bottoms — is tied to a $1 million city hall corruption investigation during his time leading the city. The “pay-for-play” scandal spans as far back as 2010, which includes Bottoms’ time in city council.
Skeptics wonder whether or not Bottoms may be part of the federal investigation.
A local Georgia professor, Harvey Newman, said: “The uncertainty of the federal investigation into corruption at city hall would be something I would not want to overlook if I were choosing a running mate.”
“I see it as a potential problem.”
Reed appointed Bottoms in 2015, so it’s clear the two have a relationship, reportedly confirmed by Bottoms on many occasions. Fox News reporting says that in light of Reed’s ties to an investigation, though he hasn’t been formally accused nor charged, Bottoms has kept a distance from her predecessor.
She’s also denied the possibly of her being involved.
She told ABC News that she doesn’t suspect she’ll be interviewed.
But there’s more to the work relationship between Bottoms and Reed.
Apparently, Bottoms owes it all to Reed for her rise to mayor in the first place.
Fox reporting also notes that Reed’s help led to a big cash haul of donations, which allowed her to out-earn her closest opponent at the time by double.
So far, reports say that 10 have been charged in the operation.
Should Bottoms become 11, Biden’s field of candidates would certainly shrink.
The Horn editorial team