Indiana Republican Rep. Mark Souder quits Congress over affair with staffer

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Indiana Republican Rep. Mark Souder announced Tuesday he would resign from Congress, effective Friday, because he had an affair with a staffer.

Souder, 59, said in a statement provided by his office that he has “sinned against God, my wife and my family by having a mutual relationship with a part-time member of my staff.”

He scheduled a news conference in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Tuesday to discuss his decision.

Souder won a bruising Republican primary on May 4 to be nominated for his ninth term representing northeastern Indiana. In his statement, he said would not be a candidate in the fall election.

“I believe it is the best decision for my family, the people of northeast Indiana and our country,” he said.

“In the poisonous environment of Washington, D.C., any personal failing is seized upon, often twisted, for political gain,” he said. “I am resigning rather than put my family through that painful, drawn-out process.”
Souder won the Republican primary over car dealer Bob Thomas, who spent much of his own money on television commercials portraying Souder as a career politician who wasn’t a true fiscal conservative. Souder countered by emphasizing his A-plus marks from the National Rifle Assn. and 100% rating from the National Right to Life Committee.

Souder had been expected to face a stiff challenge from Democrat Tom Hayhurst, a former Fort Wayne city councilman who lost a close race to Souder in 2006.

Souder did not provide details about the affair.

“As I leave public office, my plans are focused upon repairing my marriage, earning back the trust of my family and my community, and renewing my walk with my Lord,” he said.

-- Associated Press

In Top of the Ticket: Indiana Republican Rep. Souder resigns over affair -- the same Souder who preached abstinence