Another Evangelical Political Sex Scandal

[AOII Angel]

http://content.usatoday.com/communit...e-of-affair-/1

There are news reports out today that Rep. Mark Souder, an Indiana Republican, will resign because of an affair with a female aide.

Our friend Sylvia A. Smith at the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a statement from Souder, who told her that he is resigning because he "sinned against God, my wife and my family by having a mutual relationship with a part-time member of my staff.""I am so ashamed to have hurt those I love," Souder told the Journal Gazette in a written statement. "I am so sorry to have let so many friends down, people who have fought so hard for me.

Souder, who describes himself as an evangelical Christian, came to Congress in 1994 as part of the "Republican Revolution" led by Newt Gingrich. The congressman recently won a contested GOP primary, in which opponents criticized his support for the 2008 federal financial bailout and for his support for the "Cash for Clunkers" program.

Our Gannett Washington Bureau colleague Maureen Groppe says Souder, who is married with three children, is resigning so he doesn't put his family through a painful process in Washington where "any personal failing is seized upon, often twisted, for political gain."

Maureen writes that Souder, 59, had just survived a competitive primary but was expected to be re-elected in his heavily Republican district. The Democratic nominee is Tom Hayhurst, who got 46% of the vote against Souder in 2006.

Souder said that after leaving office Friday, he plans to focus on repairing his marriage, earning back the trust of his family and community, and "renewing my walk with my Lord."