Kamala Harris Defends Absences on CMAC

Kamala Harris faced scrutiny regarding her tenure on the California Medical Assistance Commission (CMAC), a position she was appointed to by her then-boyfriend, former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown. A review revealed that Harris was absent from over 20 percent of the 111 CMAC meetings, making her the most absent commissioner, with 88 absences. Despite the part-time role requiring bi-monthly meetings, she earned $99,000 annually, totaling over $400,000 during her five-year appointment. Critics highlighted the perceived impropriety of her appointment, while Harris defended her efforts in the role during her campaign for District Attorney of San Francisco. The circumstances surrounding her absences, including a claimed leave from her role in the Alameda District Attorney's office, remain unclear. Harris's relationship with Brown and its implications for her political career continue to provoke debate.