Florida Rep. Bob Allen's Appeal Denied by Circuit Court

Florida GOP Rep. Bob Allen, who was convicted of solicitation after offering a police officer $20 for the opportunity to blow the officer in a public restroom last summer, is still insisting he's innocent and trying to be cleared in the case.

He went to court in May to appeal, but yesterday the Brevard County Circuit court rejected it:

"Allen was sentenced in November to six months’ probation, a $250 fine and other court and restitution costs — a sentence put off pending the outcome of the appeal. The Brevard County Circuit Court panel, made up of three judges, has affirmed the conviction. Allen now has the option to appeal to the 5th District Court of Appeals. Allen has consistently maintained his innocence. His attorney, Greg Eisenmenger, argued in the appeals hearing in May that Allen wasn’t charged under the right statute, saying that in order for Allen to be guilty of solicitation, he would have had to request money and sex from the officer. Eisenmenger said it was the officer who suggested 'sex for money.' Prosecutor Pat Whitaker countered that the statute under which Allen was charged also prohibits inducing people into prostitution. He said Allen’s actions show he induced the officer into having “sex for hire” by agreeing to pay."

No doubt we'll soon see Allen in the 5th District Court of Appeals.

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Florida Rep. Bob Allen Launches Appeal

Remember Florida Rep. Bob Allen who was convicted of solicitation after offering a police officer for $20 to blow him in a public restroom last summer.

He has launched an appeal:

"After his conviction in July 2007, Allen resigned. Now he is fighting back. He filed an appeal. Wednesday was his day in court. Outside the courtroom Allen and his wife, Beth, did not run from reporters. Allen couldn't say much -- his attorney Greg Eisenmenger wouldn't let him, but Beth Allen could. When asked if they were getting good support, Beth Allen replied, 'Absolutely, absolutely. The only negatives are the anonymous cowards on the blogs.' She talked about her upcoming election. Beth Allen is running for supervisor of elections. She talked about her husband. 'I am not a stand by your man kind of woman, under any circumstances. If I thought for a moment he was guilty of that which he was charged I would’ve dumped him the next day,' said Beth Allen. And when the courtroom doors opened it was time to make the case for Bob Allen’s appeal."

Allen's conviction resulted in six months of probation and a $250 fine. Allen's resignation cost taxpayers $400,000.

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Bob Allen Resignation To Cost Taxpayers $400,000

Last Friday, Florida Rep. Bob Allen, who was sentenced to six months supervised probation and ordered to pay a $250 fine related to a misdemeanor conviction of solicitation of prostitution, resigned from his seat in the Florida House.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, "Allen's letter to House Speaker Mario Rubio said he would resign on Feb. 15, 2008, or earlier if a replacement election can be held. In his letter, Allen citied 'the requirements of my family and my private life, and in order to seek justice in the upcoming appeal process' as reasons for his decision."

The chairman of the Florida GOP expressed pleasure at Allen's resignation, however, the taxpayers will ultimately foot the bill. Today the Sentinel reported that it will cost Brevard and Orange Counties at least $200,000 each to hold special elections.

That's one expensive blowjob.

Bob Allen resigns in wake of conviction [orlando sentinel]
Firing Rep. Allen's seat could cost Orange, Brevard $200,000 each [orlando sentinel]

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Florida Rep. Bob Allen Gets Six Months Probation, $250 Fine

Florida GOP state Representative Bob Allen was sentenced today to six months supervised probation and ordered to pay a $250 fine related to a misdemeanor conviction of solicitation of prostitution. The jury heard evidence last week related to his arrest in July and found the lawmaker guilty late Friday. Allen was arrested July 11 after allegedly offering a plainclothes police officer $20 for the opportunity to performer oral sex in a public men's room.

According to the Palm Beach Post: "Allen, a Merrit Island Republican, could have been sentenced to 60 days in jail. He plans to appeal. In addition to the probation, Allen was fined $250 and must pay $245 for in restitution to the Titusville Police for the initial investigation. Allen also must attend an HIV awareness class, undergo sexually transmitted disease testing and pay court costs."

He'll also have to find another location for his hobby: "He is...forbidden to return to Space View Park where the incident took place."

Allen is lucky that Florida House Bill #1475, which he co-sponsored months before his arrest, failed. According to the Post, "[It would have] increased public sex charges from a misdemeanor to a felony. The proposed bill addressed 'unnatural and lascivious acts or exposure or exhibition of sexual organs' within 1,000 feet of a park, school or child care facility."

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Florida Rep. Bob Allen Guilty in Oral Sex Solicitation Trial

Florida GOP Rep. Bob Allen, arrested last July after offering a plainclothes police officer $20 for the opportunity to performer oral sex in a public men's room, was found guilty of soliciting prostitution by a jury that deliberated for 3 1/2 hours on Friday.

Immediately afterwards, the Orlando Sentinel reports, fellow lawmakers began demanding his resignation.

Said Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio: "This conviction makes it impossible for Rep. Allen to represent responsibly the citizens of his district. Furthermore, it is my personal belief that it harms the reputation of the Florida House of Representatives. We will now take the appropriate steps."

The Tallahassee Democrat reports: "Florida law provides automatic expulsion for legislators convicted of felonies but not misdemeanors. Speaker Marco Rubio, who already stripped Allen of his Energy Committee chairmanship, said the House would act further if Allen didn’t resign. Allen listened to the verdict, watched the jury leave and reached into the gallery to touch his wife, who sat behind him all week. 'We’re going to continue to seek justice,' Allen said. 'I am innocent; I’ve done nothing wrong.'

Allen's conviction on the second-degree misdemeanor charge carries a possible sentence of 60 days in county jail and a $500 fine, which prosecutors say they intend to seek. Allen must also now undergo testing for sexually-transmitted diseases, the results of which will be made public.

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As Bob Allen Trial Begins, Jury Tours Men's Restroom and Park

As Florida Rep. Bob Allen, his wife Beth, and Allen's attorneys watched from a distance, the jury in Allen's trial toured Space View Park in Titusville and the men's rest room where Allen's alleged solicitation took place. Allen was arrested in July after offering an undercover police officer $20 for the opportunity to perform oral sex in a public men's room.

Florida Today reports: "The five women and three men also checked out the handicapped stall Allen is accused of entering to speak with Officer Daniel Kavanaugh. The layout of the park and restroom has been a key part of the testimony in Allen's trial, which continues today...Both the defense and prosecution had requested the jury make the 30-mile trip from the Moore Justice Center to the park. Afterward, the defense said the visit, which lasted under an hour, helped their case. 'I think it just drives it home,' defense attorney Greg Eisenmenger told reporters."

The latest excuse for why Allen was in the men's room (Allen previously claimed he was there because he was afraid of black men in the park and inclement weather) is that he has a small bladder: "State Rep. Bob Allen wasn't searching for sex when he entered a park bathroom five times in about an hour, he just needed to relieve himself after drinking too much iced tea, his attorney told jurors Wednesday during the first day of testimony in the legislator's trial on a charge of solicitation for prostitution. 'Unfortunately, nature does take its course,' said Greg Eisenmenger, who spent much of the afternoon grilling one of three Titusville police officers who played a role in Allen's arrest July 11 at Veterans Memorial Park in Titusville."

Lawyers have been arguing over what "hitting on someone" amounts to: "Allen attorney Greg Eisenmenger questioned how Jackson knew Allen was hitting on them. 'What was significant about someone looking at you?' Eisenmenger asked. 'From a men's restroom? There's something strange about it,' Jackson said. Jackson said he knew from a previous experience that men will look or stare at someone if they are trying to hit on them. Eisenmenger replied, 'Officer Jackson, I've been looking at you the entire time. Do you think I'm hitting on you?'... 'I don't know. Have you?' Jackson said, triggering laughter among the spectators."

Finally, one juror was released because she had a flight to catch.

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With Jury in Place, the Trial of Florida Rep. Bob Allen Begins

Opening arguments began at 9 am today in the trial of Bob Allen, the Republican lawmaker from Florida who was who was arrested in July after offering an undercover police officer $20 for the opportunity to perform oral sex in a public men's room. According to Florida Today, "The second-degree misdemeanor brings with it a potential 60 days in jail and a $500 fine."

The site reports that three men and three women were chosen for the jury: "The jurors include a Christian school teacher, a county parks and recreation employee, a Florida Power & Light employee and a retired bookkeeper. One of the eight jurors is black. In addition to the questions about prostitution, prosecutors asked potential jurors Tuesday about biographical information -- their previous experiences in the courts, with law enforcement and their knowledge of Space View Park in Titusville, where the alleged proffer occurred. Defense questions, meanwhile, pried into the ability of jurors to find a defendant not guilty if evidence presented in the trial either doesn't match or doesn't prove all the elements of the crime."

Last week the judge threw out inquiries Allen made upon his arrest (wondering if his "lawmaker" status might get him out of trouble). Earlier, the judge also ruled inadmissible Allen's controversial remarks that he was in the men's room because he was afraid of black men in the park.

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As safe houses close, Iraqi gay activist Ali Hili says world has left them behind: "Over 30 gay residents who we cared for in these three safe houses now have to take their chances in a country where religious militia regularly seek out gays and execute them. Several months ago, two lesbians working with Iraqi LGBT were assassinated in the safe house they were running in Najaf, along with a young boy the women had rescued from the sex industry. We feel deserted by the international gay community. Few people seem to care about our fate."

Dennis Kucinich to force vote on impeachment resolution against Vice President Dick Cheney. And he's not stopping there....

Jenkem is the shit: Florida police investigating new fecal drug craze. Disgusting.

Scottish parliament considering sexual orientation hate crime law: "There are no guarantees that enough MSPs will support the bill, but it appears to have received a warm welcome from the government. Today it comes before a committee of the Scottish Parliament."

Bush to nominate anti-gay Harvard law professor Mary Ann Glendon as U.S. ambassador to the Vatican: "Glendon, 69, is an anti-abortion scholar and an opponent of gay marriage who also has written on the effects of divorce and increased litigation on society. Her 1987 book 'Abortion and Divorce in Western Law' was critical of the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established a legal right to abortion."

Eric Dane is a silver fox.

CBS News on LOGO expanding to half-hour weekly broadcast: "Brian Graden, Logo president and president of MTV Networks Music Group Entertainment, said Monday afternoon that the network had gotten to the point where it had the distribution and roster of advertisers to take things to another level. 'It seemed like there was enough news to sustain that (half-hour) format and then some, and that the audience had a concentrated interest' a year out from the 2008 general elections, Graden said. He didn't rule out further news programming based on how things go."

Gavin Rossdale flexes his tennis chops.

Discharged lesbian nurse battling "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": "Margaret Witt's ACLU lawyer told a federal appeals court panel in Seattle that child molesters in the armed forces are treated more leniently than homosexuals because molesters don't face mandatory discharge. Witt contends the policy-driven discharge violated her right to be free from governmental intrusion in her private life, and that her lawsuit against the Air Force should be reinstated...Witt, 42, spent more than 18 years building a stellar reputation as a McChord Air Force Base nurse who saved the lives of soldiers on medical-evacuation missions. Twice decorated by President Bush, her career was on the rise until an anonymous tipster told the Air Force in 2004 that Witt, a major, was in a long-term relationship with a civilian woman."

British boyband McFly are pube-burning sensations at G-A-Y nightclub in London.

Slow-going as jury selection enters day two for Florida Rep. Bob Allen: "It's "very unusual" for jury selection on a second-degree misdemeanor charge of soliciting a prostitute to enter a second day, attorneys agreed. 'The typical misdemeanor trial would generally have jury selection concluded in a half-day or less, and some are done as quickly as an hour or two,' said Michelle Perlman, misdemeanor division chief for Brevard's State Attorney's Office. Many potential jurors were dismissed immediately after they said they believed Allen, accused in July of agreeing to pay an undercover police officer he encountered in a Titusville park bathroom $20 to perform a sex act, was guilty based on media accounts."

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Judge Tosses "Legislator" Remark in Bob Allen Case

A judge hearing the case of Florida Rep. Bob Allen, who was arrested after offering an undercover police officer $20 for the opportunity to perform oral sex in a public men's room in July, has thrown out a remark Allen made during arrest, saying it "was not relevant to the misdemeanor charge of solicitation for prostitution."

Florida Today reports: "Titusville police officers say Allen asked if his position as a lawmaker 'would help' after they arrested him July 11. Allen is accused of agreeing to pay an undercover officer $20 to perform a sex act. Allen’s attorneys say the Merritt Island Republican was misquoted."

Because "prosecutors are not charging Allen with any offense of bribery or misuse of authority," the statement is not relevant to the case, the judge wrote.

Allen's lawyer has asked the judge to throw out the remark at a hearing at the beginning of the month. Allen's trial begins Monday.

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Florida Rep. and men's room-frequenter Bob Allen's trial begins on November 5th.

Matt Leveson, a 20-year-old Sydney man who went missing after a night of partying, is feared murdered: "The wildlife welfare officer, a regular at the club, was thought to be going home to Cronulla. His family reported him missing when he failed to show for work the following Tuesday. He had also stopped answering his phone. Two days later Mr Leveson's green 1999 Corolla hatchback was found dumped outside a public toilet at Waratah Park Reserve, Sutherland. Police said evidence suggested he did not park it there. They believe he 'met with foul play'."

Funeral held in Ireland for lesbian soldier Ciara Durkin, slain mysteriously in Afghanistan. The investigation into her death is ongoing.

Radiohead fans pissed at poor sound quality of In Rainbows digital download: "The sentiment among many fans seems to have gone from admiration for the group's willingness to let the consumer decide how much to pay for the new album to anger over the low quality of the downloads — and dismay over the band's manager's statement that the you-choose-the-price downloads were just a promotional tool for the release of the physical CD."

POLL: Oscar Wilde is Britain's greatest wit.

Paris Hilton heading to Rwanda on charity mission: I'm scared, yeah. I've heard it's really dangerous. I've never been on a trip like this before. I love having everything documented. It shows people what everyday life is like for me, how hard I work. There are a lot of misconceptions about me."

Jack Mackenroth, set to compete in the upcoming Project Runway season, denies a rumor that he was booted from the show because of a staph infection: "'He says he was the fifth designer voted off,' says the snitch. 'He is claiming that this was at least part of the reason he was booted.' Mackenroth, who had signed a confidentiality agreement, denied spilling the beans when contacted by Bravo. 'People will say things about me whether they know me or not,' he said in a statement released through Bravo's PR. 'Those were not my words and are fictitious.'"

Is the government employing high-tech robo-bugs at anti-war rallies?

Same-sex couples from Australia seen heading to the U.S. in increasing numbers on the quest for designer babies: "IVF pioneer Dr Jeffrey Steinberg said an increasing number of gay and lesbian Australians were visiting his Californian fertility centre to begin a family and side-step Australian law that prohibits surrogacy. 'We see about two or three gay couples from Australia each month and that's about a five-fold increase over the last two years,' he told The Sunday Mail. Dr Steinberg said between 75 per cent and 80 per cent of same-sex couples who came to him for treatment decided to choose the sex of the baby, using the controversial IVF procedure and embryo screening known as Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis."

The NYT looks into the mysterious death of gay club icon Dean Johnson: "After Mr. Johnson did not show up for band rehearsal on Sept. 27, his friends called the Washington police and finally got an answer. Mr. Johnson’s body was in the city morgue; it had been there for a week. As details of his death surfaced, the mystery around it grew. Four days earlier, the police had found the body of another man, Jeremy Conklin, 26, at the same apartment — that of Steven S. Saleh. Mr. Conklin had been pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, said Inspector Rodney Parks of the Washington police. For Dean Johnson, whose heyday in the 1980s mirrored the rise and fall of New York’s bohemian downtown club scene, and who rarely kept the salacious details of his life private, it seemed an inconceivable way to go. The apartment Mr. Johnson died in was at the end of a nondescript hallway on the second floor of a stately building — a distant cry from the East Village nightclubs where he and the naked go-go boys under his command once reigned."

Prince Harry cheers on English rugby at the World Cup. Unfortunately, no nipple-licking.

Who had sex with Alan Cumming?

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Bob Allen Denies Using Lawmaker Status for Advantage at Arrest

A pretrial hearing was held on Thursday in the case of Bob Allen, the Florida representative who was arrested after offering an undercover police officer $20 for the opportunity to perform oral sex in a public men's room in July.

At the hearing, Allen denied using his lawmaker status to gain advantage during his arrest:

"During Thursday's hearing, two police officers testified that as Allen was being placed in a patrol car after his arrest he asked whether it 'would help' if he were a state legislator. Responding to the allegations for the first time, Allen offered a very different version of what happened. Allen said he and an officer were discussing whether his car would be left at the park, towed or driven to the police department when he mentioned being a legislator. 'I said, 'I don't know if it makes a difference, but when you get to the car you'll see I'm a state legislator,'' Allen said he told the officers, referring to a special tag in the vehicle."

Allen's lawyer wants the remarks thrown out: "It has no probative value as to whether Mr. Allen solicited anyone. The state is arguing that he is a bad legislator using his position to get out of trouble. That's going to become the focus of this case."

Prosecutors say the remarks show "consciousness of guilt". The judge said he needed more time to decide but did throw out some evidence regarding $800 in cash that was in Allen's car at the time of the arrest.

Rep. Allen denies he used his position [orlando sentinel]

For all the Bob Allen coverage, click here.

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Florida Rep. Bob Allen to Request Postponement of Trial

Florida Rep. Bob Allen's attorney will reportedly ask a judge to delay his client's trial. The Republican lawmaker was arrested for solicitation in July after offering an undercover police officer $20 for the opportunity to perform oral sex in a public men's room.

The Orlando Sentinel reports: "...attorney Greg Eisenmenger said he needs more time because prosecutors have failed to provide adequate copies of photographs, audio recordings and other evidence in the case. For instance, Eisenmenger said he had received facsimiles of photos that came out all black and had not been given ample time to question a newly disclosed witness."

Jury selection was scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

UPDATE: Judge resets Allen trial for November.

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Shamhunt.Net, Where Self-Hating Americans Find Love

Our friend Aaron over at Narcissism 101 has just introduced us to the latest social networking site. Don't miss the profiles of Ted Haggard, Bob Allen, and last but not least, Larry Craig.

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Judge Dismisses Tape, But Not Charges in Bob Allen Case

Moving on to the other GOP public restroom scandal, Brevard County Judge Oscar Hotusing refused to dismiss the charges against Allen at a court hearing yesterday, saying the case should go to a jury.

Florida Today reports: "In arguing for dismissal, Eisenmenger said nothing that Allen said or did referred to money or a sex act; it was Kavanaugh who brought it up. Eisenmenger said the law states that Allen needed to make the offer to make the charge stick. 'He's not suggesting anything, he's not offering anything,' he said of Allen. Whitaker said Allen made eye contact with the officers in the park, walked into Kavanaugh's bathroom stall at the park and 'made the first move,' which showed intent. 'Intent is always material,' Whitaker said. Eisenmenger drilled Kavanaugh and Barrett about questioning Allen without reading him his Miranda rights. Kavanaugh said Allen began making statements before questioning, and Barrett said Allen did not mention wanting an attorney at any point during his conversation with him after his arrest. 'Did you mention to your supervisor, 'Excuse me, I haven't given him Miranda?' ' Eisenmenger asked Kavanaugh. 'No,' Kavanaugh responded."

In a minor victory for Allen, the judge ruled inadmissible the controversial comments regarding black men in the park which Allen made immediately following his arrest, because he was not read his Miranda rights. A decision is pending on two other statements made by the lawmaker.

Recently
Florida Rep. Bob Allen Pleads 'Not Guilty' to Gay Sex Charge [tr]
Florida Rep. Bob Allen Apologizes to NAACP [tr]
Lawyer: Resignation Not in the Cards for Florida Rep. Bob Allen [tr]
Rep. Bob Allen Cites Fear of Black Men, Weather in Oral Sex Arrest [tr]
Fla Rep. Bob Allen to Fight Solicitation Charges, Plead Not Guilty [tr]
Florida Rep. Bob Allen to Discuss Men's Room Activities [tr]
GOP Florida State Rep. Allen Charged in Gay Oral Sex Solicitation [tr]

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News: Camilla Parker-Bowles, Reggae, Whale, Keith Olbermann

The Rev. D. James Kennedy, pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, which hosted the "Love Won Out" "ex-gay" conference in 2006, has retired.

Japanese "eco-tourists" hoping to catch glimpse of majestic whale in its natural habitat instead witness whale's slaughter at the hands of fishermen.

Camilla Parker-Bowles says she won't attend memorial service marking the 10th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana this week.

Keith Olbermann names Mike McConnell, Bill O'Reilly, and Rush Limbaugh the "World's Worst" in network debut.

Janice Dickinson's models just can't stop getting naked.

Ron Paul on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell': "If a heterosexual or homosexual sins, that to me is the category of dealing with their own soul. Since we cannot have only perfect people going in the military I want to separate the two because I don't want to know the heterosexual flaws, nor the homosexual flaws and that's why I got in some trouble with some of the civil libertarians because I don't have any problem with Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Because I don't think that, for the practicality of running a military, I'd just as soon not know every serious thing that any heterosexual or homosexual did, and those flaws have to do with all our flaws because each and everyone one of us has those imperfections."

Gays in Polish media distance themselves from recently-published list of homophobic politicians: "[This] is a private initiative of the authors, reflects private opinions of the authors and their friends, and by no means represents an opinion of sexual minorities’ organisations or gay people in general. We do not accept placing names of politicians known for their actions for rights of sexual minorities close to those whose homophobia is apparent."

Great White Shark under observation in pen off coast of Malibu.

Whistleblowers on contractor fraud in Iraq face stiff penalties: "If you do it, you will be destroyed."

Florida Rep. Bob Allen to appear in court today on blowjob charges: "Judge Oscar Hotusing will decide whether the evidence presented in the case constitutes a crime. Police say in a Titusville park restroom July 11, Allen agreed to pay $20 to perform oral sex on an undercover officer, a charge the seven-year lawmaker has vehemently denied. Whether Allen testifies in the 2:30 p.m. hearing depends on what the state attorney's office presents, said Greg Eisenmenger, one of his attorneys."

Reggae Carifest goes on despite protests from GLAAD.

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Florida Rep. Bob Allen Pleads 'Not Guilty' to Gay Sex Charge

Florida Rep. Bob Allen, who was arrested for solicitation in after offering an undercover police officer $20 for the opportunity to perform oral sex, entered a written plea of not guilty in court on Thursday. Neither Allen nor his lawyer were present at the hearing. Court records were released on Wednesday which detailed Allen's explanation following his arrest.

Florida Today reports: "According to the report, Allen said he went to the bathroom to avoid a lightning storm that was about to start. The National Weather Service said there had been inclement weather in the area. The undercover officer went into a stall next to Allen's. Allen knocked on the officer's stall door to ask if he was all right, according to Lau's report. Allen told Lau he was afraid he was going to be robbed and suggested going across the A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway. 'Mr. Allen stated that he wanted to lure (the officer) with him and ultimately get to the guard shack entrance to the Space Center where there was security,' Lau wrote. 'Mr. Allen claimed he was in fear of (the officer) which is the reason he wanted to have (him) get in the car with him so that Mr. Allen could drive to the security gate.' That route cuts through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The nearest KSC gate is about eight miles from the park along a paved two-lane road lined with native Florida brush and wetlands. The Titusville Police Department is about the same distance away. According to Lau's account, Allen did not ask for an attorney until after describing the robbery scenario. But Eisenmenger said the recorded interview indicates Lau knew about Allen's earlier request for a lawyer."

He is set to appear in court on Monday to see if he can have the charges dismissed.

Allen says he sought security of KSC guard post [florida today]
State representative Allen to go to court [tcpalm]

Background
Florida Rep. Bob Allen Apologizes to NAACP [tr]
Lawyer: Resignation Not in the Cards for Florida Rep. Bob Allen [tr]
Rep. Bob Allen Cites Fear of Black Men, Weather in Oral Sex Arrest [tr]
Fla Rep. Bob Allen to Fight Solicitation Charges, Plead Not Guilty [tr]
Florida Rep. Bob Allen to Discuss Men's Room Activities [tr]
GOP Florida State Rep. Allen Charged in Gay Oral Sex Solicitation [tr]

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Florida Rep. Bob Allen Apologizes to NAACP

Florida Rep. Bob Allen, who was arrested for solicitation in after offering an undercover police officer $20 for the opportunity to perform oral sex, spoke to the North Brevard branch of the NAACP last night and apologized for comments about black men in the park where he was arrested.

Florida Today reports: "In his second appearance before a Brevard County branch of the NAACP during the past 10 days, Allen said in a half-hour speech that he understands 'you're guilty until proven innocent' thanks to incessant media coverage. He said he also understands how those who still fight for civil rights, including members of his audience, might be offended by his words, especially comments he made to police after his July 11 arrest on the misdemeanor charge. According to recordings, Allen spoke of 'a pretty stocky black guy and there's other black guys around in the park that -- you know. . . I'm about to be a statistic here.' As he has before, Allen on Tuesday apologized for those words, saying he did not mean them to be racist. He said he was just giving police what they asked for: a description of what happened. 'That is not me,' he said of accusations that he is a racist."

Allen told WFTV that his comments were taken out of context: "I don't consider that a racist description. The description was of the people outside the facility and inside the facility with me. They described me as an overweight, disheveled white man. I don't consider that a racist description. The description was of the people outside the facility and inside the facility with me."

Allen is scheduled to make a court appearance in the next few days.

Representative Accused Of Racism, Meets With NAACP [wftv]
Apologetic Allen disputes allegations of racism [florida today] (video)
Allen Apologies For Comments [cf news 13]

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Florida Rep. Bob Allen to Speak to NAACP

Florida Representative Bob Allen, who was arrested for solicitation in after offering an undercover police officer $20 for the opportunity to perform oral sex, is scheduled to speak to the the North Brevard Branch of the NAACP at its August general membership meeting tonight.

Florida Today reports: "According to the NAACP news release, Allen will discuss legislation passed in 2007 as well as property tax reform, PIP auto insurance legislation and the property tax cap amendment."

No word on whether or not Allen will discuss his fear of black men in public parks, the explanation he offered as to why he was hanging out in a public restroom.

Over the weekend, Allen's lawyer requested that the charges against Allen be dismissed because he claims he was never read his Miranda rights. A hearing is scheduled for Friday.

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Bill Richardson will be appearing on Michelangelo Signorile's Sirius radio show today at 4:25 EST to discuss his "choice" comment from last night's forum.

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Jon Stewart on Florida Rep. Bob Allen and his fear of dark people.

Rehab? Life imitates art for Amy Winehouse.

New Jersey court rules that same-sex couples in civil unions cannot file taxes jointly for 2006, but must wait until 2007: "Under New Jersey law, plaintiffs Quarto and Prichason were considered to be in a civil union because they are legally married in Canada. They asked the state if they could file a joint income tax return as a symbolic measure — even though it would mean paying the state an extra $411...In a unanimous ruling, a three-judge appeals panel affirmed the state's position that the benefits—at least regarding tax returns—did not start until Feb. 19, when gay couples were allowed to join in civil unions."

Group in Lima, Peru launches sticker campaign alerting people that they may unknowingly be carrying HIV.

Bulgarian gay group launches "social attack" tomorrow in Sofia: "At the event, which will be held in park between Sofia University and the Parliament, volunteers will provide basic information about gay and lesbian issues to the general public. 'There are many misconceptions about gays and gay rights in the Bulgarian society, and this is a way to ensure people are getting accurate and fair information,' said BGO Gemini Executive Director Aksinia Gencheva. The event will be recorded on video. Interested passers-by will have the opportunity to answer questions about their awareness and opinions on gay issues such as discrimination and civil partnerships. The volunteers are trained to be honest when talking to passers-by."

Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal discuss their return to Rent on Broadway. Pascal: "It was kind of [producer] Jeffrey [Seller's] idea. He had a six-week window in-between actors playing Mark and Roger. Jeffrey and I have been working together on other projects. I think I jokingly said to him in an e-mail, 'Hey, maybe I'll come back to Rent,' because I was going to be in New York at this time anyway. 'Ha, ha, ha.' He called me back a couple weeks later and said, 'Listen, I have this idea. I know you said you were going to be in New York. We have this window, and I want to ask Anthony. Would you be interested in doing the show?' It was the perfect scenario to come back." Josh & Josh share the nostalgia.

Finally: Beckham plays for 20 minutes in L.A. Galaxy debut, still manages to get his top off.

Gay Nicaraguan man faces deportation from Canada after asylum bid fails: "Alvaro Orozco, 21, says he fled Nicaragua, where sodomy laws are in place, at the age of 12 because his father beat him for being gay. He hitchhiked to the U.S. and eventually made it to Canada two years ago. He applied for asylum, but the Immigration and Refugee Board member who heard his case didn't believe he was gay because he wasn't sexually active during his teen years."

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Lawyer: Resignation Not in the Cards for Florida Rep. Bob Allen

Bob Allen's attorney Greg Eisenmenger told reporters on Wednesday that his client, who was arrested in early July in a public men's room after offering to perform oral sex on a male police officer for $20, has no plans to resign.

Said Eisenmenger: "Based on the police officer's own report, this case should be dismissed. The officer did all the soliciting."

He also clarified Allen's ridiculous excuse that he thought he went along with the undercover officer because he was afriad of black men in the park where the men's room is located, and thought he was going to be robbed:

"This was not a question of race; it was the way they looked. These three guys were hanging out together, obviously together, and then one of them asks for money. It was the classic situation in a mugging."

Attorney: Allen won't resign in sex case [orlando sentinel]

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Rep. Bob Allen Cites Fear of Black Men, Weather in Oral Sex Arrest [tr]
Fla Rep. Bob Allen to Fight Solicitation Charges, Plead Not Guilty [tr]
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GOP Florida State Rep. Allen Charged in Gay Oral Sex Solicitation [tr]

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Rep. Bob Allen Cites Fear of Black Men, Weather in Oral Sex Arrest

According to documents released on Friday, Florida Rep. Bob Allen, who was arrested in early July for offering $20 to perform oral sex on an undercover police officer in a public men's room in Titusville, Florida, says he was in the room because he was afraid of black men in the park.

Said Allen: "I certainly wasn't there to have sex with anybody and certainly wasn't there to exchange money for it. This (undercover officer) is a pretty stocky black guy, and there's other black guys around in the park that—you know! I said they're around here, you ought to know about that."

Another claim made by Allen shortly after his arrest was that he wanted to take shelter from bad weather, Fox reports:

"I said the building is safer than staying out here, so I went back in and I sat down."

Allen claims that he went along with what the officer said because he wanted to get out of a scary situation safely:

"I went ahhh -- I'm about to be a statistic. You catch all kinds of people, so a legislator is like whoa! You know, especially one that's the (police union) guy of the year...this is too ironic!"

However, anyone who reads the affadivit and arrest report will note that Allen hardly seems unnerved by the situation.

On the right, a photo I dug up of arresting officer Kavanaugh putting the cuffs on a crack cocaine dealer.

Rep. Allen says he feared black men in park [fox]
State Rep. Allen explains sex case: Fear made me play along [orlando sentinel]
Taped Evidence Released in Case Against Arrested Legislator [wftv]

Background...
Fla Rep. Bob Allen to Fight Solicitation Charges, Plead Not Guilty [tr]
Florida Rep. Bob Allen to Discuss Men's Room Activities [tr]
GOP Florida State Rep. Allen Charged in Gay Oral Sex Solicitation [tr]

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Fla Rep. Bob Allen to Fight Solicitation Charges, Plead Not Guilty

Florida State Representative Bob Allen (R-Merritt Island) said at a news conference that he's not guilty of solicitation charges stemming from an encounter with a male undercover cop in a men's restroom in Titusville, Florida. He vowed to fight the charges, Local6.com reports. (video)

I've transcribed Allen's statement:

"The political process and the legal process has different communication styles and requirements. As a person in the political arena that is a representative of people, I tend to want to talk about each and every detail, to give a response to each and every item, and let it be known the truth will be coming out. But I have to follow the legal process because I've been put into a legal process...

...I wish this situation to no one or any family. My wife, Beth and I, and my daughter have grown closer in the last 48 hours than we thought imaginable. She is doing the right thing with my daughter in getting her ready for college, and luckily, has sent her support and she will be giving her own statements later. But she wanted to say thank you, thank you, and I say thank you to the numerous supporters that we have had call from around the state. My colleagues in office - senators, congressmen, legislators, and members and citizens across the whole state that I've gotten calls from - especially my district. Their thoughts and prayers have been extended and I tell ya that's the power that it takes to win and fight this battle...

...I am filing a not guilty plea. I am vigorously going to fight this. I am not resigning my office because the people who elected me want me to do a good job and I am going to do a good job for them in finishing this term. Any others, or political shenanigans they try to tell you...other things about this is not. This is an ugly and unpleasant situation that has been thrust on me and my family. It is not true. It is unaccurate, and it is therefore not guilty...and I will be standing strongly for that. And for people who have been standing with me and my family, (tears up) it is appreciated. You've done a good job in trying to get the news out...

...People tend to take the fast news and make fast conclusions. I would ask people not to jump to any conclusions on this. To be fair, and slow down, and look at it. The legal process is slow and makes you look at each individual piece. That's why I cannot answer details today as much as I would like to. And there are many details that they will lose the burden of proof. Thank you."

Allen, the Republican co-chair of John McCain's Florida Presidential campaign, was also the author of failed Florida House Bill #1475, the 'Lewd and Lascivious Behavior Act' which "would have tightened the state's prohibition of public sex."

One more thing: If you're interested in reading the arrest report, here it is.

Previously
GOP Florida State Rep. Allen Charged in Gay Oral Sex Solicitation [tr]
Florida Rep. Bob Allen to Discuss Men's Room Activities [tr]

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Florida Rep. Bob Allen to Discuss Men's Room Activities

Republican Florida Representative Bob Allen says he'll hold a press conference later today to discuss his arrest and the charges he solicited oral sex from a male police officer in a public men's room for $20.

So, expect a lot of the Straight Talk Express later today because it was also revealed today that Allen is co-chair of John McCain's campaign for President in Florida. Perhaps Allen should just blame it on the 'gay polo' he was wearing.

The revelations come just days after it was revealed that the "pro-family" chair of Rudy Giuliani's Southern campaign, David Vitter, was a client of the "D.C. Madam".

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GOP Florida State Rep. Allen Charged in Gay Oral Sex Solicitation

Florida State Representative Bob Allen (R-Merritt Island) was arrested on Wednesday after offering to perform oral sex on a male police officer for $20.

Local6 reports: "Investigators said Allen was acting suspicious and went in and out of the men's restroom at Veteran's Memorial Park, located on East Broad Street...Minutes later, authorities said, Allen solicited the male officer inside the restroom, offering to perform oral sex for $20. Allen was then arrested. Officers realized he was a public figure after the arrest, a news release said. Allen, who is from Merritt Island, was scheduled to be booked into the Brevard County Jail Wednesday night."

Allen is married and has a child.

The Miami Herald reports that Allen told a Central Florida television station the incident was ''a very big misunderstanding'' and a "gross mistake." Said Allen: ''I'm not in anyway associated with that they are saying, this is disgusting."

He also has some interesting recreational interests, according to his House profile.

UPDATE: Joe.My.god has a wealth of information on this guy, including the fact that he's "the author of failed Florida House Bill #1475, the 'Lewd and Lacivious Behavior Act' which would have made public masturbation in the presence of another adult illegal, whether the other adult consented or not."

(top image source)

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