Michael Avenatti 'still considering' running for president after domestic violence arrest

Christal Hayes | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Stormy Daniels' lawyer Michael Avenatti arrested Michael Avenatti, who is representing Stormy Daniels in her case against President Donald Trump, was arrested on domestic violence charges in Los Angeles.

WASHINGTON - Attorney Michael Avenatti says despite his run-in with the law Wednesday evening over an alleged domestic violence incident, he is still debating a bid for the White House.

"I'm still considering it," Avenatti told USA TODAY in a text message.

For months, Avenatti has been flirting with a 2020 presidential bid and in recent weeks has started building out a possible campaign and strategy if he does run. He did not answer questions about the incident but said his "first priority right now is clearing my name."

"I will not be intimidated," Avenatti said in a text message. "The measure of a person is how they get up when they are knocked down."

But the hurdles in his way are adding up. On Wednesday, Avenatti, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump who rose to prominence as the attorney for porn star Stormy Daniels, was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of domestic violence.

Hours after being taken into custody, Avenatti posted $50,000 bail and strongly denied wrongdoing as he left the Los Angeles Police Department and tweeted on Thursday that he hasn't been charged with anything related to the accusation.

More: Michael Avenatti's ex-wives come to his defense after domestic violence arrest in LA

More: Michael Avenatti arrested in Los Angeles, denies domestic violence accusations

"I have never struck a woman. I will never strike a woman," Avenatti told reporters, adding that he is and would continue to be an "advocate" for women's rights.

Los Angeles Police have not identified the alleged victim but said the person had visible injuries.

Both of Avenatti's former wives came to his defense, issuing statements saying was always a kind and loving father and husband.

Avenatti has denied that he was charged with a crime, despite a Los Angeles Police statement to the contrary.

In a tweet, Avenatti blamed right-wing internet provocateur Jacob Wohl, who was accused of instigating a plot to discredit special counsel Robert Mueller with bogus charges of sexual harassment.

"First Mueller and now me. When we are fully exonerated I am coming for you Jacob Wohl," Avenatti wrote.

Avenatti did not immediately provide answer additional text messages from USA TODAY about the allegations and whether he believed this incident could pose an issue to his possible presidential bid.

Even before the arrest, Avenatti would have faced an interesting road to the Democratic primary if he chose to throw his hat in the ring for president.

Along with not holding public office before, Avenatti was criticized for his role in the Supreme Court hearings on Brett Kavanaugh.

Some critics, both Republicans and Democrats, blamed Avenatti for Kavanaugh's successful confirmation as a Supreme Court Justice. Critics said the decades-old allegations about a gang rape by his client Julie Swetnick cast doubt on the other allegations of sexual assault.

But, Avenatti's name recognition, his high-profile legal fights with Trump and his fight-fire-with-fire attitude could rally Democratic support.

Ahead of the midterm elections, Avenatti toured the nation speaking at Democratic fundraising events, some of which sold out.

In recent weeks he's gotten help from a group of veteran Democratic advisers and launched a political action committee, Politico noted in October. The group of advisers includes those who've worked on campaigns for Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

Contributing: Steve Kiggins, Gregory Korte