By now, the scandal surrounding Democratic San Diego Mayor Bob Filner is national news, with many calling for him to resign. But some conservatives are saying the scandal goes beyond Filner himself, and that he was the beneficiary of a coverup by his own party. Are they right?

As of now, a total of seven women, including a retired Navy rear admiral and a dean at San Diego State University, have stepped forward to say they were at the receiving end of Filner’s inappropriate sexual behavior. Just to get an idea, this behavior allegedly included things like groping, putting women in headlocks and trying to kiss them, telling one woman to come to “work without panties” on, putting his hand down a woman’s bra, shoving his tongue down women’s throats, and running his finger up a woman’s cheek and asking if she was single.

While Filner refuses to step down, and says he will be vindicated, he has also apparently admitted some inappropriate behavior, saying, ”I have diminished the office to which you elected me. I have reached into my heart and soul and realize I must and will change my behavior[…] As someone who has spent a lifetime fighting for equality for all people, I am embarrassed to admit that I have failed to fully respect the women who work for me and with me, and that at times I have intimidated them […] I am also humbled to admit that I need help. I have begun to work with professionals to make changes in my behavior and approach. In addition, my staff and I will participate in sexual harassment training provided by the city.”

Read the rest at Salon