From everything I’ve read/heard about this, it does sound like a bit of a nothing burger. Overblown for political ends. But I think saying “coworker” is a bit intellectually dishonest. A big part of the allegation is that they were involved, and then she hires him. Concerns of abuse of power, misuse of funds, and conflicts of interest. The judge’s ruling seems fair. To opponents, dismissing it in this way has the appearance of strawmanning. If you already have a strong argument, you only hurt your position long run