Within the past year, several political candidates have gone to great lengths to prove they’re worthy of election — even if that means exaggerating on their resumes to get ahead.
From faking diplomas to spreading questionable details about their family backgrounds, many politicians have been accused of misleading their constituents in recent months. One recurring lie — about education — has struck many as especially disturbing.
In September, an American Working Families Party candidate was forced to quit an Oregon state legislative race after reports surfaced that she falsely claimed she possessed a bachelor’s degree.
A month earlier, a Florida state House candidate admitted to lying about her college degree and dropped out of the race.
Some of these false statements have caught up with the candidates, as in the latter case. However, some have continued to push through, despite controversies surrounding their campaigns.
Here’s a list of some aspiring lawmakers who have faced critical public scrutiny about their backgrounds.
Amanda La Bell, Oregon House District 54
(The Bulletin via Associated Press)
Amanda La Bell reportedly dropped out of Oregon’s race for House District 54 following false claims about her college education.
The American Working Families Party nominee’s exit came shortly after The Bulletin reported La Bell, 41, lied on an official state Voters Pamphlet about earning a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University in Georgia — a class C felony, the newspaper pointed out.
The report prompted La Bell to clarify what she called an “oversight” that occurred while her team scrambled to kick off her campaign.
“Regarding my college education, I attended Gulf Coast Community College for two years then transferred to Valdosta State University in the pursuit of my Bachelors of Arts in Music,” she told the paper. “However, after one semester at Valdosta State University, I had to withdraw and enter the workforce. Through the years I tried to re-enter college but, like many working families, I faced significant barriers to completing my degree.”
La Bell apologized for the error, which she said she didn’t catch “until it was too late to correct.”
Melissa Howard, Florida state House
(Facebook)
A Republican Florida House candidate dropped out of the race in August after admitting to lying about having a college degree.
Melissa Howard agreed to serve…
