On Eve of Election, DeMaio Accused of Sexual Harassment Again

On the eve of the election, reports of alleged tea-room antics continue to swirl around Carl DeMaio, the openly gay GOP candidate for San Diego's 52nd Congressional District, as a second former staffer stepped forward with a claim of sexual harassment.

The latest accusations come from Justin Harper, 25, a Navy veteran who was working as a regional political director on DeMaio's campaign until July.

In an interview with radio station KPBS Harper recounted an alleged incident involving DeMaio in the men's room at DeMaio's campaign office in Miramar, California.

"I was at the urinal, and (DeMaio) came from the stall that was closest to the urinal and was kind of just standing there hovering," Harper said. "I turned around and realized that it was Carl. He had his pants up, but his fly was undone, and he had his hand over, not over, grasping his genitals."

Harper said DeMaio didn't say anything to him, and he didn't say anything to DeMaio.

"I just walked out. I didn't say anything to him, I just left," Harper said.

Harper's allegation of sexual harassment against DeMaio isn't the the first time the Republican candidate has been charged with inappropriate behavior. According to Raw Story, DeMaio was accused of publicly masturbating in the men's room of the San Diego City Council headquarters by fellow council member Ben Hueso in 2009.

In early October, DeMaio's former policy director, Todd Bosnich, accused the candidate of making repeated sexual advances toward him, openly masturbating in front of him, grabbing at his genitals, and drunkenly attempting to kiss him.

DeMaio is running a tight race with his opponent first-term Democratic Rep. Scott Peters. At least $10 million has been poured into the race, which is considered one of the few pure congressional toss-ups.