In a bold move, Erin McClelland, a candidate for Pennsylvania treasurer, has publicly cast doubts on Democrat Gov. Josh Shapiro's vice-presidential potential.

McClelland has endorsed North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper for the role of Kamala Harris' running mate, citing what she says is Shapiro's poor handling of a sexual harassment case, as Fox News reports.

McClelland Expresses Disapproval on Social Media

McClelland took to the social media platform X to voice her concerns about Shapiro's suitability as a vice-presidential candidate.

Her disapproval stems from a past sexual harassment scandal involving Shapiro's former aide, Mike Vereb. She highlighted that Vereb remained in his position for six months following the initial complaint, a fact that she believes reflects poorly on Shapiro’s administrative decisions.

The scandal itself centered around a $295,000 settlement paid to the accuser, raising questions about the handling and transparency of the situation under Shapiro’s governance.

This incident, according to McClelland, disqualifies Shapiro from being an effective leader at the national level.

The Endorsement of Roy Cooper

Amidst her criticism of Shapiro, McClelland strongly endorsed Cooper as the Democratic nominee for vice president.

In her social media posts, she praised Cooper for his ability to comfortably occupy a supporting role without undermining the president, a trait she deems crucial for someone in that role.

McClelland emphasized Cooper’s approachability and appeal to rural voters, strengths she finds crucial for the position.

Her endorsement reflects a broader desire to see a vice-presidential candidate who is secure in being subordinate to a female leader, a nod to Vice President Kamala Harris' leadership. McClelland’s comments underline her preference for a leadership style that fosters collaboration and support rather than competition.

Democratic Party Reaction to McClelland's Statements

The Pennsylvania Democratic Party, led by Chairman Sharif Street, reacted sharply to McClelland’s public remarks. Street expressed personal offense at the post, reflecting tension within the party regarding the candidature for the vice presidency.

Despite this, he reiterated the party’s support for whoever Vice President Harris chooses as her running mate.

In interviews and further comments, McClelland stood by her assessment. She argued that the Democratic Party needs vice presidential candidates who are content with supporting roles and are not preoccupied with their political ambitions.

This stance has sparked discussions on the dynamics within the party leadership and candidate selection processes.

The Implications of the Controversy

McClelland’s statements have stirred a significant discussion about the qualifications for national leadership, highlighting issues such as handling of misconduct and the ability to support a presidential leader without overshadowing them. These comments have also opened up conversations on gender dynamics within political leadership positions, particularly the experience of women in top roles.

Further, McClelland’s insistence on discussing the past scandal and the qualities necessary for a vice president underlines the ongoing debates within the Democratic Party about the balance between addressing past issues and focusing on future leadership capabilities.

McClelland's Commitment to the Democratic Ticket

Despite the controversies and her outspoken nature, McClelland affirmed her commitment to the Democratic ticket in the upcoming elections. She acknowledged her relationship with party leaders like Sharif Street might face strains but asserted that these would not affect her support for the party’s ultimate choices.

Her statement, “Someone is offended by a woman with a strong opinion. Color me thunderstruck,” illustrates her readiness to challenge the status quo while maintaining party loyalty. This blend of critical independence and party solidarity showcases the complex layers of political alignments and individual beliefs within party politics.