Indiana Congressman Mark Souder has announced that he will resign this Friday after admitting to having an affair with a female staffer. Souder was elected in 1994 and is among the “Republican Revolution” freshman that helped the GOP take control of the House that year. His conservative record, including opposition to gay marriage, apparently does not match his personal life. He represents Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District.
It’s also interesting that the media has already lost interest in the story. CNN.com has it neither on their front page, nor on their Politics page as of Thursday morning. Just a few months ago we heard about the Eric Massa resignation non-stop for several weeks amid accusations of sexual harassment. Republicans at the time demanded to know what Speaker Nancy Pelosi knew about his conduct (she had heard only rumors), yet such demands are not forthcoming towards their own party’s leadership when one of their members has an actual affair. Politics as usual from the GOP.
Not only will his affair cost him his seat (and potentially the Republicans the seat as well), it will also cost taxpayers. It is estimated that the special election to replace him will cost counties in Northeastern Indiana approximately a half million dollars. Allen County alone, which includes Fort Wayne, will need at least $275,000 in order to fund the special election. This is despite spending cuts and freezes in most Indiana cities, counties and state government.
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1 Tea Party Darling Enters Race to Replace Souder // May 21, 2010 at 2:24 am
[...] Mark Souder hasn’t even tendered his resignation yet after having an affair with a staffer and Republicans are already lining up to replace him. One [...]
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