Still...go through a grueling fundraising and campaign and throw in the towel two month short later? I agree...somebody has the goods on him.
It would make his life a lot simpler to take this job if they do have the goods. And in this day and age, those “goods” don’t have to be much.
Heck. I just noticed how old he is. It’s probably something dug up from 50 years ago and he just doesn’t want the headaches at this age.