Brumley’s comments about Duvan 'sexist and misogynist,' say Duvan allies

TAMPICO, Damoign -- Allies of Damoign Governor Jenna Duvan are reacting with strong criticism to comments about the governor they say are "sexist."

The brouhaha started when Mattinow businessman John Brumley made a veiled swipe at Duvan in an interview with a local television station.

Duvan, a Nationalist, is running for re-election in 2020. Brumley, also a Nationalist, is considering challenging the governor in the NAT primary election, scheduled for May.

Brumley was asked by Mattinow's 3GBC what qualities Damoign's next governor should have.

"I think we need less vanity," he said of the next governor. "We need someone who isn't so concerned with image and celebrity and someone who is focused on solving problems and governing."

Immediately, Brumley’s comments came under intense scrutiny.

Allies of Duvan, a 39-year-old former model who is known for her sexy fashion choices and her close relationships with celebrities, said the comments were "sexist and misogynist."

"John Brumley is essentially saying the next governor of Damoign needs to be a man," said NAT political activist Evan Buyer, a close friend and associate of Duvan.

"It's unthinkable that in 2019, a candidate for governor in the state of Damoign would make comments so stunningly sexist and anti-woman," said Elena Candela, an advisor to Duvan's campaign on women's reproductive health.

Members of the media chimed in on the controversy also.

Betty MacGlover, a well-known news anchor for the local GBC TV station in Grassadellia City, called Brumley’s remarks "asinine." 

"I find it ironic and sad that in this day and age, women politicians are criticized because they wear fashionable dresses and nice shoes. Somehow that makes them unfit to be elected officials," MacGlover said.

A spokesman for Brumley said the Mattinow businessman was not referring to Duvan's wardrobe when he spoke.

"The line they keep quoting, it was totally taken out of context," said Brumley spokesman Josh Evans. "John was alluding to Governor Duvan's penchant for publicity and fame, not her actual clothing choices."

"It's clear from following the governor's media strategy and her public appearances and social media activism that she is more concerned with projecting a celebrity image. She's more concerned with being popular that being governor. It has nothing to do with what clothing she wears, it has everything to do with persona, attitude and priorities."

Brumley later said, in an off-hand comment to a reporter outside a Mattinow restaurant Tuesday night, that Duvan "can wear whatever she wants."

"If she wants to wear leopard print or tie-dye or whatever, she can wear whatever she wants," said Brumley.

Duvan herself has not commented on Brumley’s criticism.

The governor is widely-known for her stylish clothing.

She frequently dons expensive stiletto shoes and chic, designer-label outfits, including some with low neck lines and skirts above the knees.

Many of her outfits are personally made for her by top-name fashion designers. She is personal friends with many in the fashion industry.

Brumley previously ran against Duvan in the NAT gubernatorial primary in 2016.

After losing to Duvan in the primary, Mr. Brumley endorsed Duvan in her general election race against Conservative Mercer Diego.

"By and large, I think Jenna Duvan has done a great job as governor," Brumley said back in a January 2020 radio interview.

But in recent months, the Mattinow businessman, who made his fortune in the paper pulp industry, has stepped up his criticism of Damoign's first female governor.

In June, he took issue with what he called Duvan's "habit" of picking fights with Conservatives over highly-charged social issues like abortion and immigration.

"In my view, it's better for a governor to focus on economic issues and infrastructure and creating jobs," said Brumley in another radio interview.

Brumley’s more centrist views are often at odds with Duvan's more mainstream NAT positions, and the two have opposite approaches to politics.

Where Ms. Duvan is not afraid of confrontation, Mr. Brumley shies away from it.

But ultimately, Brumley’s more moderate views would be a tough sell to an NAT party base that leans increasingly to the left.

Duvan herself is facing pressure from the party's left wing, with several potential left wing candidates also considering challenging the governor in the 2020 NAT primary.

No polls have conducted yet on the NAT primary election for Damoign governor. But recent polling from The Grassadellia City Times and Dulkalow University have found Duvan leading nearly all potential big-name Conservative rivals.

Only Damoign Assemblywoman Pat Leemore, a moderate Conservative from Arnelleson, tops Duvan in a hypothetical general election match-up.

Leemore ran unsuccessfully for governor in the 2016 Conservative gubernatorial primary election, taking third place.

Ms. Leemore has not said whether she is considering running in 2020, but said she would announce her candidacy by spring if she decides to run.

Other potential Conservative candidates include former Grassadellia City Mayor Sid Hoffa, Assemblyman John DeGallio of Tolston, former National Security Director Robert Austin, and Assemblyman Ron Wilder of Kentwick.