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Subscribe to RSSRepublican Rep. Christopher Lee of New York resigned Wednesday, merely hours after a gossip site reported that the married congressman sent a shirtless photo of himself to a woman he contacted through website Craigslist.com.
On Wednesday afternoon, Gawker.com posted the photo and emails exchanged between Lee, 46, and an unnamed woman who placed an ad on the site’s “Women for Men” personals section.
In the emails to the 34-year-old Maryland woman, Lee - who is married with one son - identified himself as a divorced lobbyist and a “fit fun classy guy,” the site reported. He also said he was 39 years old.
Just hours after the story broke, Lee announced his resignation, effective immediately. A clerk read his letter of resignation on the House floor.
"I regret the harm that my actions have caused my family, my staff and my constituents," Lee said in a statement. "I deeply and sincerely apologize to them all. I have made profound mistakes and I promise to work as hard as I can to seek their forgiveness."
A spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner told NBC News that it was Lee's decision to resign.
His exit triggers a special election, which Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo must call. Lee was first elected in 2008 with 55 percent of the vote, and GOP presidential candidate John McCain won the district - New York's 26th - in 2008 with 52 percent.
NBC's Domenico Montanaro and Shawna Thomas contributed.
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Ya Right.. this scandal has been brewing all day and First Read ignored it till after 6 pm ET.
That is the librul media for you :-).
Well... I guess if there's an 'upside' to this... it was at least a woman he sent the pic to!
The last thing the Teapublicans need right now is another 'toe tapping' Larry Craig incident!
ME thinks there a whole lot more to this than an innocent pic - details at 10:00 possibly?
Good call! Sick and tired of all those elected officials....with no standards, or to horny to think with their big head!
Talk about those republican family values ;)
Just "sighs" at these news stories. What are the men/women thinking when they are doing these kind of things? And they represent the American people who voted for them. Sad whatever side of the isle they are on.
When I read it all I could think was are all republican men gay? OK so it was a woman this time----do all republicans cheat? The republican guy from Ohio is going down next.
Are you referring to the newly elected 'Weeper of the House'? lol
Sexting - I thought only dumb teenagers did this. Was he on any intelligence committees?
Ah for the good old days, when politicians tried to hide their sins behind closed doors, not sail them down main street.
as palin would say: how's that preachy, teachy thing working for ya?
Kallie.....it is not just Republicans....but anyone elected to office, it doesn't matter which party they represent. Get a grip.
Power = above the law = Idiots.
Why didn't he just hire a pro like Spitzer did? I guess money is tight for everybody these days.
Well, score another point for the 'Family Values' crowd!!
New Wavez: what's your point?
Well...at least he resigned, now when can we get Rangel out of office?
Ido: I agree with you, as much as I, do not want to admit it. There have been many, many Democrats and Republicans, who have had the Talley whackers, where they do not belong. And, I also, commend Lee for leaving without the long drawn out farce most politicians are noted.
OMG - has anyone seen the 'after' picture of Representative Lee?
Can YOU say Photo Shop?
The AP didn't report this until almost 7...get a clue.
Kallie and Feisty -- The day they post a picture of Boehner's tan lines is the day I stop checking the news.
Truly, I just heard on the news that he started out as a tool maker (and those jokes will write themselves).
You know, I have a great temptation to be snarky, some comment about "those family values Republicans, who preach purity to the rest of us, but can't walk the walk." And then I think of Lee's family. This must be a great trauma for them, and for that I am truly sorry.
I agree with you, New Day---I feel so bad for his wife and son. What could he have been thinking?
He was thinking he could find someone to TEABAG him. His wife wasn't inexpensively going to do it, and now he's really afraid to ever ask for it at home.
I always feel bad for the families - but the majority of these Stepford Wives usually stay with these scum bags!
I agree with Navy - you want to preach family values then you damn well better practice what you preach!
If the party of 'family values' wasn't always on their moral high horse --nobody would care!
His resignation speaks volumns!..don't know if he will be able to repair the damage to his family, but--oh well!
chilled. . .try taking spelling lessons first.
I love how MSNBC won't point out party when a Democrat does something like this but will lead with GOP when it is a Republican scandal.
Why should they "practice what they preach"? Look at how many have been caught with their pants down (or zipper open), denied it and denied it until proof was provided and then refused to resign. Yet, the family values crowd re-elects them while condemning their political opponents. Such hypocrits!
When was the last time you actually heard ANY republican running on "Family Values".
Seriously...I think they gave that platform up.
Don't feel sorry, I am sure she will divorce him and take more than half...lol
moderate thinker,
I don't think you're any moderate by your statement. MSNBC has reported on Democrats in scandals as well. It's just that there are a lot more pervs in the other party. Look at all the closeted gays in the Republican party who like to persecute gays. It's the stinking hypocrisy of the GOPers that really grates.
If a Democrat did this there would be no mention of his political affiliation.
chilled. . .try taking spelling lessons first...ModerateThinker----
Should I try out for a Bee or what?
Not much thought on your part, and certainly not moderate!
If Fox holds true to what they've done in the past with Republicans in a scandal, they'll put his picture up and label him a Democrat.
Kevster, that's just bs..
the republicans get caught messing around and the democrats get caught stealing with either party we get sc##rd!
Oh, for crying in church! The media ALWAYs report any scandal, regardless of party politics, and MSNBC is no exception. AND, no matter if it's a democrat or republican who has been found out, the party affiliation is definitely noted.
This time it was a republican; the next time, who knows? At least he didn't drag it out, but resigned immediately.
I do agree -- what is it about politicians that leads them to think they won't get caught? I'm not even going to ask why so many decide to cheat, because I'll never understand it. But really -- how can someone think that an extra-marital exchange on CraigsList could possibly remain private?
You ever notice chilled - that when they have ZERO rebuttal they resort to putting on their spelling 'police' badge? lol
One of the oldest tricks in the right wing nit wit play book! ;o)
Moderate MY a@@!
To those 'claiming' that the 'liberal controlled media' seldom points out the party affiliation of Dems caught doing wrong all i can say is that you either suffer from a poor memory, or you recollections are clouded by your over sensitivity towards you fellow Republicans or, and this is more likely the case, you are just plain old fashioned liars.
I'm sorry if that was a little too much honesty for you Repubs, let's just say that you guys perpetually try to mimic the rewrites that FAUX News does of history in order to be prepared for a a job interview with FAUX News.
Ron, the answer's to the questions in your first paragraph are all "yes".
NDD:
Kinda agree with you but this party has consistently held themselves above everybody else playing to be morally superior. I feel sad for the family but not for him. Not at all. When is Boehner going to make a similar speech???
I agree with you Navy, and that is the trouble they get themselves into. Can't live up to the standard they set for others, but then I think about the child involved.....
newday, it's really curious that in general, conservatives seem SO interested in legislating OTHER people's personal lives and moralities, when so often their OWN lives are amoral. The hypocrisy of it all is astounding, and THIS is why revelations like this are so stunning.
Ther's an old adage that goes like this: "Do what I say, not what I do." Again and again it appears to be the conservative motto.....sadly.
Yeah, Big tobacco Boner, 'er Boehner. Passing out checks on the floor of the House for God's sake. Bought and paid for like the good little hooker that he is.
That is so true DoobieDo.
This dude retired because he sent a shirtless pic to a woman....Geez man the hell up. It is not like you slept with the woman.
I can't believe someone would give up a position in the congress because of what some people will say about him. That is a weak azz dude.
Scandal?????? You call this a scandal. He should resign if he will let little BS like this get to him.
He's on Graigslist advertising for extra-marital activity while lying that he is already divorced. Dude's finished. By the way, when was the last time your wife TEABAGGED you?
She didn't have to that spookzilla you're married to handled it just fine.
Vitter and Ensign and a few others should follow his example (resigning)!
So you're not gettin any, are you............thought so.
@PAUL
if you think women teabag men, you clearly don't understand what the act entails. Unless your "woman" has some extra gear.
It takes two to teabag.
i agree it has to be more to the story but they are human and we all make mistakes
Republicans are all weak-assed dudes. I think there's a problem with their p**** size over there as they always seem to be compensating for something.
Actually affable100 - ITM is one weak KNEEed dude! Tends tp happen when you spend as much time on then as he does...
Aint' that right there ITM?
Now open WIDE! ;o)
Fiesty:
You should know nutt sukker. Seems you spend a lot of time with a mouthfull.
Now if this was only a little venial man to woman stuff and not man to man or woman to woman it might be alright with Iowa Republicans. Howeverserious sinnin' . . . well a bill introduced in the Iowa House of Representative by Rep. Richard Anderson (R-Clarinda, IA), titled “Religious Conscience Protection Act,” would ensure that Iowa licensed business establishments could deny services to same-gender married people.
If this is a good idea, shouldn’t such people also be required to wear something like a yellow star so that a God-fearing proprietor can readily recognize them as a misfit, and will the places be posted with signs like NINA, or Whites Only, or Indians Use Rear Door, or We Serve Only Gentiles.
And maybe those green curtains should be put back up in the rear of buses, and water fountains and restrooms segregated, but not concentration camps.
Though balconies of movie theatres were once the appropriate places to confine undesirables---in the pitch black for you know who---but up there in the dark may now be just a bit too much out of sight and . . . ah . . ., well you know!
So its OK with you if you know your congress representative is spending his time contacting women on-line, pretending he is a lobbyist, pretending he is single, pretending he is 10yrs younger, and posting shirtless photos of himself.
Personally, I would prefer it if my representative be a bit more honest. I know most people think politicians are not the most ethical, but I wouldn't want someone so open about it.
You want an honest congressman? Good luck buddy. They're all bought and paid for like a bunch of cheap hookers. Except hookers are more honest than them, they admit to selling themselves.
I'm glad that he resigned so quickly. I wish more politicians would leave when they get caught.
Idiots! All of them!
Meh
He took a photo with his shirt off.
no big deal.
Sure it looks like he was going to cheat...but he didn't yet, and maybe he just wanted some internet attention without an actual affair.
I'm bored by this story.
It's the fact they're stupid enough to do this (and get caught) while in office.
What must be going on in their mind on other issues??
He apparently didn't worry too much about what his wife would think or do. Maybe he belongs in congress with the rest of the nitwits.
To me it doesn't matter what party he is from. He's a hypocrite. Thats what I care about.
He's a holier than thou "family values" RE-peat-the-lie-to-the-PUBLIC-an hypocrite.
That Yellow Star is a great idea, though there wouldn't be enough stars for Portland Oregon.
More evidence that they are the do as I say not as I do party. I do believe for all those "family values" Republicans that Jesus talked about hypocrisy more than anything else. Twenty-seven times by my count.
It's no different than when they claim they want to help the middle class but when if you look at how they vote in congress they screw the middle class and the poor every time and are mainly concerned with protecting and enhancing the already wealthy.
In other words, they lie well, they lie often and they lie so much that people believe them until they get caught or called out on it.
Affable, where you find people defending the lowly acts of the congressman, attack them to your hearts content. But I can tell you that the majority of both parties are decent people who would never defend these actions regardless of party affiliation. As for the rest of the people and those who politicize this, there not worth the time of day anyway.
I agree with you there but the system makes them corrupt when it comes to money. Since the Republican Supreme Court has declared that corporations have the same free speech rights as citizens we're going back to the 1880's when you had the senator from Standard Oil.
The only way to change this is a constitutional amendment that prohibits large sums of money being used to buy congressmen and women.
As it stands now, it's a parliment of whores and the middle class is broke and can't afford them.
In fairness to corporations, they are asked to pay taxes but are not allowed to vote. Since they pass the taxes along to the consumer anyways, it might be a better idea to eliminate corporate taxes and with it the need for lobbyists. It's a hidden tax that the consumer is already paying anyway and if they were to pay it directly as a tax, instead of indirectly through higher prices at the cash register, they may be a little bit more concerned about the taxing and spending going on. For the record, the 5 jurists on the supreme court that I assume you are referring to tend to identify themselves as constitutionalists while the remaining 4 members are more inclined to identify themselves as progressives. You can make a legitimate argument that progressive policies are preferable, but ultimately the justices are sworn to uphold the constitution.
The owners, employees and customers of the corporations are entitled to vote provided they are US citizens. I believe corporate interests are more than adequately represented even without giving the corporation a separate vote. I'm pretty certain that nearly all corporate owners (often meaning public shareholders) are already well tuned to the impact of corporate income taxes on their profits, so I'd hardly call corporate income tax 'hidden'. It would certainly be feasible to redesign the tax code to eliminate corporate taxes and distribute the impact to individuals, and might be a big step forward from the standpoint of simplifying the tax code, but politically it's a non starter since it would necessitate a return to pre-Reagan tax levels on high wage earners in order not to be massively regressive.
Owners can vote but their vote is not consistent with the economic activity provided by the company. Regarding customers, many customers are hostile (insurance, oil, banks, medical, etc) and would therefore be of no voting benefit. Employees with the possible exception of unions tend to be indifferent to politics affecting there work place. Your point about prohibitively high taxes and politically a no starter are probably accurate, but that does not make it right. People are paying higher taxes than they are aware of and any revision of the tax code that would shine a light on real tax rates would have to be beneficial. Keep in mind people would not really be paying higher taxes, they would just feel like they were because it would be readily apparent.
So nice to see the Moral Majority back in charge, but face it both sides of the isle does this kind of crap, are they kidding, with all the elctronic media now days do these people really think they won't get caught?
AILSE halfwit, they ain't on some island.
AISLE halfwit, they ain't on some island.
So - you opt to judge all for the actions of one? You are a class act!
It's not just one. Look at that pedo Foley, Diaper David Vitter, Toe-tappin Larry Craig and the list goes on. Then you've got the ones in the closet like Lyndsey and little Patrick Henry and others who persecute people who are doing the same things they are.
No, if you're a perv the GOP is for you.
Oh yeah, I forgot the serial adulterer Newt Gingrich.
While we are talking about seial adulterers lets not forget JFK and Bobby Kennedy. We really can't forget that William Kennedy Smith was accused of rape TWICE, (he was found not guilty but thats only because of Kennedy money) and then there's Michael Skakel the murderer nephew of JFK. Lets not forget JFK Jr., who was responsible for his wife's death while piloting an aircraft he wasn't qualified to fly, especially while he was suffering a foot injury. He had not been cleared to fly in the wx that was experienced that night. Oh my gosh I almost forgot the biggest adulterer (and some will say murderer) of all TED Kennedy.
So lets quit trying to pretend that the Democrats are some fine example to live by. Don't give me your crap that the Republicans are trying to cram morals down the rest of the country's throat, most republicans don't really care one way or another what you do with your life.
I feel sorry for him and all the people that put trust in him; people that put their real professional lives on hold to get him elected and established. I know a guy that went to the state legislature a preacher and came back unrecogniable even to himself. It's a drug to some people.
I wonder what it must have been like long, long ago when politicians were respected and honest.
What a horrible, public way to humiliate your family.
Republicans are OUTRAGED by this NEWS but when it was CLINTON they had no problems talking about it for 3 years!
Not sure what point you're trying to make here. I think Republicans were outraged over Clinton's behavior, to the point of impeaching him. The difference I see between the two is that one admitted he made a mistake and resigned. While the other went so far as lying under oath to try and protect his cowardly soul!
The point is Clinton was the last President to balance the damn budget which your buddy Bush then blew. But you were so focused on Clinton's penis you didn't notice.
That make perfect "conservative" sense. They call Hillary a lesbian and then try to find fault with Bill getting a humjob from a willing adult female. They'll waste $40 million dollars on investigating something that accomplishes nothing but refuse to allow a subpoena empowered investigation of the mass murder of 2979 American citizens.
Yeah,Yeah! And if he had done his job instead of playing hide the sausage maybe the last decade would have been completely different!
What job didn't he do? Getting a blow is the best way to go.
Imagine that...another sex scandal from the GOP. At least he is straight and not another hypocritical homosexual Right-wing, Teabagger!
At least he was straight? WHAT? That makes it a little better? He is married that is the problem.
This guy is thirtysomething so should be tech savvy. How did he think this would not get out?
FYI: he is 46, but represented himself in the ad as being much younger....
Yes, the families are always hurt in so many ways. Meanwhile, the 26th District voters are left without a voice, much like residents of DC. Do you feel our pain?
Meh, we've all got needs.
Needs to lie and cheat? I don't.
More proof - don't internet under the influence.
Ironically enough, to the appluase of many gopers, Newt the cheater Gingrich will soon be announcing his run for the President's Office in 2012. And, if anyone brings up his two-faced philandering character, it'll be ignored.
The bottom line is -- sex is not a dirty thing -- except, of course, for the holier than thous. All republican men(and women) marry virgins anyway, right? Ha, and if they actually do, then, it is understandable why hey'd look to folk dance around with others.
How many of us out here being critical of this guy are themselves completely innocent? Sex is used in D.C. like a fish-spear to kill off opponents, and raises those eye-bows on so many other scumbags who may not sex around, but, who'd rip their own mother's off in a heartbeat, and think nothing of embezzeling millions in taxpayer money, or play one kick-back scheme after another.
Look at Tom Delay's actions -- another man of Faith -- caught being faithful to his wife, but, screwing all of America, tooth and nail.
No, I'm not trying to excuse this guy's behavior -- but, do the otherwise capable credentials of an intelligent man or woman always find themselves seconded by sex or personal issues that really belong at home between the spouses?
It's one thing if they tout their sprituality, AND OPENLY ARE CRITICAL OF OTHERS, and then get caught with their pants down -- then, they deserve to be called on it..
The way Washington, and dirtrag magazines run with stories like this though, it is no wonder that we don't really have a whole lot of really talented and qualified people running for public office. Who in Hell would want to have their good name splashed all over the place being "exposed", and their professional reputations wrecked, for simply being human?
Delay didn't screw around cause he couldn't get it up.
Well at least this Republican was chasing a woman and not a male page. Thats a improvement!