Anti-Gay Rep. Mark Souder Resigns After Affair with Staffer

An eight-term, anti-gay "family values" Republican congressman—who once compared gays to alcoholics—has been forced to resign after his affair with a female staffer. Indiana's Rep. Mark Souder even recorded a video promoting ABSTINENCE with the aide.

The married father of three admits to "sinning" with the married female staffer, reports The Hill.

"'It is with great regret I announce that I am resigning from the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as resigning as the Republican nominee for Congress in this fall's election,' Souder said in a statement. The resignation will be effective Friday. 'I sinned against God, my wife and family by having a mutual relationship with a part-time member of my staff,' he added. The staffer with whom Souder had the affair, Fox News reported, was Tracy Jackson, a part-time communications aide in his district office. Jackson, according to Fox, is in her mid-40s and is married, and reportedly earner $12,541 last year for her work for Souder."

Souder's record serves up a gourmet meal of schadenfreude... 

In January: The anti-gay lawmaker was one of 39 Republican congressmen and senators that filed amicus briefs seeking a ballot initiative in Washington D.C. to "protect traditional marriage." In 2007: Souder suggested former Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), who was embroiled in a sex scandal, should resign from the Senate.

Souder's website: "I believe that Congress must fight to uphold the traditional values that undergird the strength of our nation. The family plays a fundamental role in our society. Studies consistently demonstrate that it is best for a child to have a mother and father, and I am committed to preserving traditional marriage, the union of one man and one woman."

Souder's anti-gay voting record: NO on hate crimes (2009), NO on ENDA (2007), YES on constitutional ban on gay marriage (2006), YES on gay adoption ban (1999).

Souder and his office mistress Trachy Jackson recorded a video praising ABSTINENCE. Watch the video and read Souder's resignation statement WHEN YOU JUMP...

UPDATE: The video has been removed from YouTube.

SOUDER RESIGNATION STATEMENT

It is with great regret i announce that I am resigning from the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as resigning as the Republican nominee for Congress in this fall's election. I believe it is the best decision for my family, the people of northeast Indiana, and our country. I will submit my resignation to Speaker Pelosi effective this friday. I can never fully thank all those who have worked so hard, given so much and supported me through eight contested primaries and eight general elections. Only when you have been the recipient can you really feel the humbling power of such generosity.

It has been a privilege to be a part of the battle for freedom and the values we share. It has been a great honor to fight for the needs, the jobs, and the future of this region where my family has lived for over 160 years. It has been all consuming for me to do this job well, especially in a district with costly, competitive elections every two years I do not have any sort of "normal" life -- for family, for friends, for church, for community. To serve has been a blessing and a responsibility given from God.

I wish I could have been a better example. I sinned against God, my wife and my family by having a mutual relationship with a part-time member of my staff. 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. Diane and my family were more than willing to stand here with me. We are a committed family. But the error is mine and I should bear the responsibility, Not only am I thankful for a loving family but for a loving God. My comfort is that God is a gracious and forgiving God to those who sincerely seek his forgiveness as I do. But I am so ashamed to have hurt those I love. I am so sorry to have let so many friends down, people who have fought so hard for me. The ideas we advocate are still just and right. America will survive and thrive when anchored in those values. Human beings, like me, will fail, but our cause is greater than individuals. It is based upon eternal truths. By stepping aside, my mistake cannot be used as a political football in a partisan attempt to undermine the cause for which i have labored all my adult life. I love this area. This is my home. It has been such an honor to serve you. For sixteen years, my family and i have given our all for this area. The toll has been high. 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. I humbly ask you, for the sake of my family that you respect our privacy in this difficult time. I have no further comments.

Comments

[SouLKid]

Wow - they keep trying to outdo each other with the level of hypocrisy. At this rate, why do we still believe anything that a politician says any more?

[Jim]

The only thing surprising or unusual about this particular conservative is that he actually resigned.

Usually, they just deny or ignore, and their conservative supporters, who are as bereft of morals as they are, have no problem with that.

[Bruh L]

Damn....what the hell did SHE look like????

[LavenderpopGay]

Lol @ Bruh. She looks like a typical Stepford Wife/Fox News anchor. I'm sure they deserved each other. Bye bye to another conservative hypocrite.