Resignation of Republican Rep. Mark Souder is no boon to Democrats

A sex scandal before an election might be expected to help the opposing party’s candidate, but Republican Rep. Mark Souder’s resignation in Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District could dash Democratic hopes for a possible pick-up this fall.

Souder, who was seeking a ninth term, disclosed Tuesday that he had an extramarital affair with a part-time staff member, and announced he would leave Congress by week’s end.

An evangelical Christian, Souder was elected in the Republican wave of 1994 after a career as a Capitol Hill staffer in both chambers for Dan Coats, also a Republican from Indiana.

“I sinned against God, my wife and my family by having a mutual relationship with a part-time member of my staff,” said Souder, 59, in a statement in which he took full responsibility for his actions.

“In the poisonous environment of Washington, D.C., any personal failing is seized upon, often twisted, for political gain. I am resigning rather than to put my family through that painful, drawn-out process.”

His resignation restacks the November ballot in the conservative Fort Wayne-area district and deprives Democrats of their chance to capitalize on the anti-incumbent mood across the country.

“For our guy, it’s a bad break,” said an Indiana Democratic strategist, who asked not to be named in order to speak frankly about his party’s chances. “Most candidates would prefer to run against an establishment incumbent as opposed to a newer fresh face.”

The prospect of putting the rock-solid Republican seat in northeastern Indiana into Democratic hands was always an uphill battle.

Voters in the district overwhelmingly chose Republican presidential candidate John McCain in 2008. And even as Democrats swept congressional seats during the last two elections cycles, Souder held on by a double-digit margin in 2008.

Now, Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels will decide on setting a special election to serve out Souder’s term.

lisa.mascaro@latimes.com