In a news conference late this afternoon, Mark Foley's lawyer claimed there was never any inappropriate sexual contact between Foley and a minor. He also said that Foley was molested by a clergyman as a teenager, and said that Foley is gay.
In other Foleygate news today:
ABC: Foley had internet sex with a page while awaiting house vote, invited page to his home to drink alcohol “so we don't get busted.”
Disgusting conservatives responding to Foley with anti-gay smears. Think Progress: “The Foley scandal is not about homosexuality. As ABC News' Maddy Sauer, who broke the Foley story, said today: ‘This is an issue about minors and congressional pages that have gone to the Hill to learn about how our country works and, you know, are aspiring to work there themselves one day. It's just — the story is not about whether the congressman is gay or straight.'”
Hastert's Decision: Stay and face the rising groundswell of angry conservatives, or resign and admit guilt and neglect.
Bush supports Hastert: “I know Denny Hastert. I meet with him a lot. He is a father, teacher, coach who cares about the children of this country.”
Previously
The Talk: Foley, Jon Stewart, Hastert, Bay Buchanan [tr]
Mark Foley Scandal Updates [tr]
Investigations Begin into Cover-up Surrounding Mark Foley: Republican Leaders Knew of Misdeeds for Five Years, Did Nothing [tr]
Political Page Turner: Rep. Mark Foley Resigns Seat Over Inappropriate Emails [tr]
Male Page and Rep Mark Foley in Troubling Email Exchange [tr]
