MSNBC: Florida Rep. Mark Foley resigns amid creepy email flap

[ChumpDumper]

That's what's being investigated; if you say the wrong things talking dirty to a minor, it is very much unlawful.

[Yonivore]

Then why are the Republicans pointing fingers at each other and resigning?

No one's saying Foley isn't still a creep. But, he was wanting to resign anyway.

His former Chief of Staff is the only other resignation about which I've heard. Are there others? And, contrary to your characterizations of "finger pointing" it appears the Republican majority is moving pretty fast to get to the bottom of this and are now running into Democrat obstructionism...

Freeh won't head the investigation due to Democrat objections.

Pelosi and other Democrat leaders have refused to agree to polygraphs during the investigation -- even though it is they that demanded this investigation.

I smell a Democrat-manufactured scandal gone terribly awry.

[ChumpDumper]

Maybe because they know how the democrats are going to use this and are afraid of getting covered in the mud the left is slinging! But, at least Foley was aware of the negative fallout and resigned immediately - unlike the democrats caught in scandals or ethic violations!

This is just another example of the democrats not having any luck in running on the issues - so they have to divert stupid people's attention away from their lack of any real plan by "uncovering" all these scandals involving the horrible, de able Republicans. What a joke!

The Republicans were already in jeopardy of losing both houses because of the issues. This might just be the icing on the cake for Democrats.

[Crookshanks]

Haven't you ever seen "To Catch a Predator" on Dateline? Those losers are always getting arrested for talking dirty to minors and trying to elicit illicit sex.

They don't get arrested for talking dirty - they get arrested when they show up at the house expecting to have sex with a minor - that's the crime!

[Yonivore]

That's what's being investigated; if you say the wrong things talking dirty to a minor, it is very much unlawful.

I don't think Foley and his former Chief of Staff were thrilled about being outed. Embarrassment over this may have led to the abrupt resignations.

Who knows. Personally, I could care less...they're just creepy. Kind of like a cross between Ted Kennedy and Barney Franks creepy...with some Bill Clinton thrown in.

[ChumpDumper]

Why is Congress even investigating this?

Isn't the FBI enough?

And the finger pointing is well-do ented.

[Yonivore]

The Republicans were already in jeopardy of losing both houses because of the issues. This might just be the icing on the cake for Democrats.

Nah, all elections are local. I don't know of any seats -- other than Foley's -- that are in any more jeopardy than before over this nonsense.

[Crookshanks]

The Republicans were already in jeopardy of losing both houses because of the issues. This might just be the icing on the cake for Democrats.

Sorry, wrong answer! Prior to the Foley incident, the polls were showing that a takeover of either house of congress was going to be a long shot. But, thanks for playing anyway!

[ChumpDumper]

Prior to the Foley incident, the polls were showing that a takeover of either house of congress was going to be a long shot.

Sorry, wrong answer.Senate was a longshot, not the house.

[Yonivore]

I predict they both stay in Republican hands...maybe even with gains in both houses.

It's the security and the economy stupid.

[Mr. Peabody]

They don't get arrested for talking dirty - they get arrested when they show up at the house expecting to have sex with a minor - that's the crime!

That's what I said -- for eliciting illicit sex. I think the actual charge is attempted lewd acts with a minor or something like that.

[xrayzebra]

That's what's being investigated; if you say the wrong things talking dirty to a minor, it is very much unlawful.

It is? What is your definition of dirty? Soliciting
sex or sex acts is, but telling one to kiss your butt,
which many on this board have told teens, is not.

Old joke, but when growing up many years ago,
adults teased kids all the time. Like "I heard that
you "hesitate" on the sidewalk. And "slumber"
in the bed. Yeah, many, including myself when I
was young thought they meant something else.

Now days, would that be considered "dirty"?

This story about Foley and the "pages" is going
to take so many twist and turns before it is all
over that it will make your head swim.

If I am correct, I would guess right now that many
pols on both sides of the aisle are trying to get
things shut down. The dimm-o-craps have opened
up this can of worms and now they are going
have to deal with their problems too. Many of
the high and mighty on their side are awfully
quite, really tippiy toeing around and haven't
got much to say.

[Spurminator]

This is like watching two Poker players go all in on low pairs, with the dealer forgetting to burn a card before the turn. What a ing mess.

[clambake]

I think it's all good news.
1. Republicans wanting to know how long people had known about this information. (that they chose to ignore).
2. How much time do republicans need to do the right thing. ( a question that even other republicans are asking).
3. Hastart's new found ability to point the finger at others. (avoiding any accountiblilty or responsibility to the american public)
4. Hastart ending his statement by claiming they have addressed terrorism and fixed the borders. (adressed meaning said the word terrorism........and fixed the borders meaning " I'm the house speaker and I'm delusional")
5. The investigation conclusion will allow democrats to whip this phony pony all the way to the finish. It will end by democrats accusing this house of coverup or by saying we told you so.

[PixelPusher]

I predict they both stay in Republican hands...maybe even with gains in both houses.

It's the security and the economy stupid.

It's Iraq, stupid.

[JoeChalupa]

I predict they both stay in Republican hands...maybe even with gains in both houses.

It's the security and the economy stupid.

I pray you are not right but if the republicans can keep blowing smoke and clouding people's judgement you may be right.

I they vote for their party rather than their true beliefs republicans will keep control. Only time and votes will tell.

[boutons_]

"security"

the Repug Iraq fiasco is a disaster for US security.

Threats to the US mainland security have been/are wildly overhyped by the Repugs for their "scare the out of everybody" since we can't, we won't really assure mainland security, esp without abridging personal rights and other unchecked Exec powers.

"economy"

yep,the economy SUCKS for everybody outside the top 2%, every sinlge poll shows this is people see the economy

and then there is:

"It's Iraq, stupid"

[Yonivore]

It's Iraq, stupid.

Like I said, it's the security and the economy, stupid.

[PixelPusher]

Like I said, it's the security and the economy, stupid.

A majority of americans now recognize the difference, stupid.

Not gonna work this year.

[boutons_]

Lawmaker's Intentions Appear Clear In Exchanges

By Jonathan Weisman and Juliet Eilperin
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, October 5, 2006; A01

The message exchanges included plenty of kid stuff -- talk of killer finals and botched SATs, cramming to learn the lines of a school play, picking up a sister at cheerleading practice. But when two former pages sat down at their computers to furtively chat with then-Rep. Mark Foley, they were also acting out a parent's nightmare with a man with clear designs.

"BRB [Be right back] . . . my mom is yelling," one teenage boy wrote just after Foley coaxed him into discussing his anatomy with a lascivious "ummmmmmmmm . . . beautiful."

"back," the boy continued.

"cool hope s[h]e didnt see any thing," Foley responded.

"no no . . . she is computer dumb," the boy offered.

The instant messages that surfaced last Friday drove the Florida Republican from office and ignited a political firestorm over the handling of the matter that has engulfed House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (Ill.) and other senior Republicans. The controversy could tip the balance of Congress to the Democrats in an election that is just five weeks away.

Now, with the help of a former House page who served with the two male pages who conversed online with Foley, The Washington Post obtained dozens of America Online instant messages yesterday that illuminate the apparent predations of the disgraced former congressman. David Roth, Foley's attorney in Florida, said last night of the messages: "I'm not going to comment on anything unless it's in a public forum before everyone."

Some of the instant messages were previously reported by ABC News. The conversations occurred between December 2002 and October 2003, according to the date stamps on the computer files. The vast majority of the messages were between Foley and one of the two former pages. Some of the exchanges took place before the boy turned 18. Attempts by The Post to contact the two former pages were unsuccessful.

Taken together, the chats seem to make clear that Foley tried to lure the boys into sexual encounters, and certainly encouraged lurid behavior online. In one conversation, it appears clear that Foley met with one boy in San Diego.

There is no clear evidence that Foley and the boys had sexual contact. But they frequently talked about getting together

At one point Foley wrote: "i miss you lots since san diego."

"ya i cant wait till dc," the former page replied. "did you pick a night for the dinner"?

"not yet," Foley said, "but likely friday."

In another sequence, Foley suggested that a page meet him at his house a few blocks from the Capitol.

"I could give you a massage here . . . just a block and a half," he wrote. Later in the online conversation, Foley asked, "so you do see us palyin around"?

"sure," the page responded. "weve gone over this before . . . havent we"? "i excuse your memory when you are drinking . . . cause i dont remember much when i drink," the page continues.

Foley then wrote: "I wish i would have jumped you after dinner in san diego, but I was good."

In another particularly lurid conversation, Foley and the teenager engaged in graphic Internet sex, with the boy apparently masturbating as time was running out on a vote the lawmaker had to cast on the House floor.

As the pornographic discussion concluded, the youth said, "ya go vote . . . i dont want to keep you from doing your job."

"can I have a good kiss goodnight"? Foley asked.

":-*," the boy typed.

Often implicit in the chats is an exchange of professional advancement in exchange for sex that plays on the allure of power that Foley used to entice one of the teenagers. Foley at one point promised to help him become the "stylish elite type" person the teenager said he wanted to be.

"We will make you successful," Foley promised, "as long as you don't mind me grabbing your [deleted] once in a while."

Such conversations occurred under the noses of parents who clearly took interest in their children but knew little about their online life.

"sorry my mom walked in," a page wrote after an interruption.

"whta did she want"? Foley asked.

"to spend time with me . . . she just came in and sat down . . . apparently she doesnt see enough of me or something," he replied.

"thats a good mom," Foley said.

Such instant messages were the subject of Foley's own political efforts when he helped sponsor legislation to lower the threshold for law enforcement officers to go after online predators.

But in his own messages, Foley encouraged mutual masturbation, even when the boys protested that they had too much schoolwork.

"im doing homework," one wrote.

"better do you[r] homework . . . I am a bad influence," Foley wrote.

He fished for compliments on his looks, flattered them on theirs, frequently brought up the subject of sex, encouraged their attractions and frowned on girlfriends. He was impervious to the misgivings of his online chat mates.

"so . . . where does that leave us"? Foley asked once, after he seemed to encourage a sexual encounter, to no avail.

"i dunno . . . same as we are now," the boy replied, ". . . just saying that im not sure what im totaly comfortable with . . . we will still have fun."

Moreover, Foley appeared aware that he was behaving badly, chastising himself but unable to stop. It was that behavior that his former chief of staff, Kirk Fordham, seemed to allude to when he said yesterday that he turned to the most senior House leadership officials to intervene when his own efforts to stop Foley's actions had failed.

"to be honest I am a little to interested in you," Foley said to one page, "so thats why I need to back off a little."

"ya slow things down a little im still young . . . like under 18 dont want to do anything illegal," the teenager cautioned.

"nothing will happen . . . just dreaming," Foley assured him. "i was good in SD."

"I am not a sicko," he concluded.

Yesterday, several Web sites said that bloggers had been able to learn the name of one of the two former pages because ABC News had briefly posted his screen name on its site.

"We always want to keep the iden ies of people involved in any kind of alleged sexual crimes confidential," ABC News spokesman Jeffrey Schneider said last night. "On Friday, there was a glitch in our posting, and it's possible that an actual, unredacted screen name was posted for an extremely short period of time. Obviously, it was fixed almost instantly."

Staff writer Howard Kurtz and staff researcher Madonna Lebling contributed to this report.

© 2006 The Washington Post Company

=================

So Yoni defends Foley as "nothing illegal"
What a Repug jerkoff Yoni.
"if it's Repug, I gotta defend"

[JoeChalupa]

Fact is the Republican Party is no longer the party of small government as this administrations's spending has proven and they can no longer run as the party of "moral values" and I know many conservatives who are disgusted with the current cover up just to remain in power.

[boutons_]

October 5, 2006

Voters Say Scandals Will Affect Votes

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Filed at 2:19 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congressional Republicans, already struggling against negative public perceptions of Congress, now face voters who say new scandals will significantly influence their vote in November.

With midterm elections less than five weeks away, the latest Associated Press-Ipsos poll found that about half of likely voters say recent disclosures of corruption and scandal in Congress will be very or extremely important when they cast their vote next month.

The poll was conducted this week as House Republican leaders came under increasing pressure to explain what they knew of sexually explicit messages from former Rep. Mark Foley of Florida to teenage pages.

More troubling for Republicans, the poll found that by a margin of nearly 2-to-1 likely voters says Democrats would be better at combatting political corruption than Republicans.

The Foley scandal, fueled by new revelations each day, has put Republican leaders and GOP candidates on the defensive, forcing them into a political detour just as they were preparing their final offensive against Democrats to save control of Congress.

At least one House Republican said Wednesday the GOP likely will lose control in November.

Four-term Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho, asked if he were confident about retaining the majority, said, ''Not confident.''

''It was pretty much a given in conventional wisdom six months ago that the House was gone, we'd lost the House,'' Simpson said in an interview with The Associated Press. ''In September we came back after August recess, conventional wisdom shifted we would lose three, four or five seats but would retain the majority. That was good until last Thursday. From Thursday, it went to fairly confident we were going to keep the majority to a real tossup.''

The poll also found that President Bush's efforts to depict the war in Iraq as part of a larger campaign against terrorism and to portray Democrats as weak on national security was not altering the political landscape.

Approval of Bush's handling of the war in Iraq was at 37 percent among likely voters, down slightly from 41 percent last month. Bush's rating on handling foreign policy and terrorism also fell slightly, from 47 percent last month to 43 percent this month.

Similarly, recent good news on the economic front -- from lower gas prices to a rising stock market -- did not appear to pierce through the public's downbeat view of the economy. Fifty-six percent of likely voters disapproved of Bush's handling of the economy, compared to 59 percent who held that view last month.

The poll of 741 likely voters, was conducted Monday through Wednesday and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Overall, the president's and Congress' low approval ratings were essentially unchanged from last month. Among likely voters, 24 percent approved of the way Congress was handling its job and 39 percent approved of Bush's job performance.

================

Poor Yoni, owned every time he posts a message.

The Repugs are ed in every orifice.

[Crookshanks]

More troubling for Republicans, the poll found that by a margin of nearly 2-to-1 likely voters says Democrats would be better at combatting political corruption than Republicans.

Anybody who believes that democrats would be better at combatting political corruption are idiots. Let's see - the democrats are the party that gave us Huey Long, Mayor Daly, Marion Barry, and, of course, Bill Clinton. The democrats are and always have been, the epitome of corruption. Back in the 80's, there was a congressman (I think his last name was Stupp or something like that) who was caught having gay sex with a young man. He was censured, but refused to resign. Instead, he gave a speech in the House, condemning those who had censured him. The house democrats gave him 3 STANDING OVATIONS!!!

Don't even talk to me about corruption unless you're willing to cite all the filthy, dirty democrats!

[Ocotillo]

I predict they both stay in Republican hands...maybe even with gains in both houses.

Not gunna happen. The Senate is a long shot. Dems will win the House and they will definitely make gains in the Senate but might fall just short.

Speaker Pelosi it is.

[ChumpDumper]

The Republicans: Possibly slightly less filthy and dirty than the Democrats

You should be a campaign manager.