GOP Congressman Mark Souder tearfully quits over affair: ‘I am so ashamed’
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
“I am so ashamed to have hurt the ones I love,” the eight-term congressman said at a televised news conference in Fort Wayne. “I am sorry to have let so many friends down, people who have worked so hard for me.”
Politically, Republicans will have to fight to hold the seat. Souder was renominated after a tough primary this month and would have faced the Democrat who four years ago gave him his toughest battle.
The human cost was evident in Souder’s five-minute speech, interrupted by tears and deep breaths as the congressman fought for control. It was a scene in sharp contrast to other recent revelations of infidelity, including South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and Nevada Sen. John Ensign.
“I sinned against God, my wife and my family by having a mutual relationship with a part-time member of my staff,” Souder said. “In the poisonous environment of Washington, D.C., any personal failing is seized upon and twisted for political gain. I am resigning rather than put my family through a painful, drawn-out process.”
In what seemed to have become a well-worn road, Souder apologized to his family, his God and his constituents. He said his wife, Diane, offered to stand by his side, but the congressman rejected the offer.
“I’m sick of politicians who drag their spouses in front of cameras rather than confronting the problem they caused,” he said.
“I wish I could have been better,” he said. “My comfort is that God is a gracious and forgiving God.”
He apologized to his friends and those who had supported him “I am so sorry to have let so many friends down,” he said. “Our cause is greater than individuals.”
“I love this area, this is my home,” he said, noting that his family had lived in the area for more than a century.”The toll has been high,” he continued adding he wanted to spend his time “repairing my marriage“ and “repair the relationship with the Lord.”
Though Souder’s comments were in sharp contrast to Sandford’s and Ensign’s, the situations were different.
Sanford had disappeared for days before he called a news conference to explain how he had had lied about his whereabouts. He talked about the tough legislative session, then shocked the political world by announcing he had had an affair.
Rather than hiking on the Appalachian Trail, as his staff had said, Sanford, a one-time presidential hopeful, admitted he had been in Argentina visiting his friend.
Ensign, another erstwhile GOP presidential aspirant, took just minutes to apologize for his affair with a former staffer. Ensign’s wife issued a statement of support, and the senator said he would stay in office because ““I am committed to my service in Senate and the people of Nevada.”
-- Michael Muskal
