Posted on 09/01/2004 9:35:20 AM PDT by harrycarey
Blog threat as Schrock quits seat By Jonathan E. Kaplan
The blogger who triggered yesterday’s resignation of Rep. Ed Schrock (R-Va.) by spreading rumors that he is gay promised “there’s more to come.”
The gossip first surfaced two weeks ago on a Washington, D.C.-based Web log, or blog, Blogactive.com. The site links to an audio recording that it claims is Schrock calling into the MegaMates/Megaphone Line, a telephone service that men can use to meet other men.
After the GOP push to ban gay marriages, Blogactive.com began “outing” political aides and has since targeted lawmakers who voted for legislation on the issue. Schrock was one of 233 lawmakers who this year supported the Marriage Protection Act, which would block federal courts from considering constitutional issues arising from gay-marriage cases.
Mike Rogers, the blogger who is promising more embarrassing revelations, said an anonymous source gave him the audiotape. “[We target] people who say they are Republicans and then use sexual orientation to stay in power.”
Schrock, a 63-year-old second-term lawmaker and retired U.S. Navy captain, did not respond to the allegations specifically, and his office could not be reached for comment last night. Schrock, a cancer survivor, is married and has one son.
In a press release, Schrock said: “After much thought and prayer, I have come to the realization that these allegations will not allow my campaign to focus on the real issues facing our nation and region. Therefore … I am stepping aside and will no longer be the Republican nominee for Congress in Virginia’s Second Congressional District.
“Words cannot express the gratitude I have for all of the people who have entrusted me to be their representative and have shown unwavering support. Together, we have accomplished so much for the people of Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.”
While most of Virginia’s political establishment learned about Schrock’s resignation yesterday, Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) told The Hill he and Schrock discussed his pending retirement a month ago.
Attorney General Jerry Kilgore said, “I’m sad for Congressman Schrock. It’s certainly was a surprise to me. I’m glad he’s had the courage to say to Republicans in Virginia to move on.”
Pam Brown, another delegate, said: “It’s a big surprise. I’m flabbergasted, and it’s a shame to lose him.”
Bill Cleveland, a Capitol police officer stationed in the Cannon Building near Schrock’s office, said, “He is a very effective congressman. I hope he would change his mind.”
Not all delegates were disappointed. “I’m a conservative Christian, and the gay lifestyle is the wrong lifestyle,” said Fred Gerald, a delegate from southern Virginia. “It does not set a very good example for our young people, and it lowers the values in America having gay people in government.”
Twelve members of the Virginia Republican committee will meet tonight to consider two candidates who have expressed interest in replacing Schrock in his solidly Republican district. The winner will need the votes of seven of the 12 members, and the results must be certified by Friday to place the winner’s name on the ballot.
Schrock won in 2000 with 52 percent of the vote, and, in 2002, he did not face a serious challenge.
David Ashe, Schrock’s Democratic opponent, was floored by the resignation. He told The Virginian-Pilot: “Wow. I had not heard that. That's really something.”
Has it been proven that he IS gay or is this another lib trick?
Keep in mind that these are the same people who said that Bill Clinton's sex life should be private...
... even though he had his affairs on "company property, company time and with a company employee."
well, the fact that he resigned without giving reason kinda says it all
I don't think that matters, as he has alreay announced his resignation.
This public outing is chicken poo-poo. I don't agree with people being hypocrites IF this is what this Congressman did - but the cowardly act of revealing something that's "anonymous" is no better than terrorists using radio active bombs. If you're not "man" enough to put a face and name with an accuser, they your not worth listening to.
Dropping out of the public eye is not an admission of guilt. Art Bell retired from his radio show over some sexual allegations by a former guest (who was barred from future shows). Art cleared his name and occassionally still hosts.
"then" your....
That's what I was wondering. Allegations have ruined many a good politician. If there's nothing behind it, I'd fight to the end.
Seems to me the hypocrite is the blogger, who believes that all gays must have only one viewpoint. There is nothing at all wrong with a congressman being gay and being a conservative and opposed to gay marriage. I see no hypocrisy there at all.
It is not logically inconsistent to be a homosexual and to oppose governent recognition of "Gay Marriage" in the same sense as traditional Man-Woman marriage.
Amazing how many liberals can understand hyper-nuance as presented by John Kerry, but an example of even SLIGHT nuance as described above leaves them with blank stares.
Politics is hardball now. If you're a congressperson having an affair outside of marriage like this congressman, you're asking for trouble.
When will a DC-connected blogger break the media silence on various affairs of other congressmen and senators and get mainstream media play? Its surely coming soon.
Such a shame.
I'm not sure that's true. He may have resigned because he didn't want this to hurt the party. Who knows. I sure don't.
Yeah, see the hypocrisy.
Yes it is.
I'm thinking extortion charges might be appropriate? Or does that HAVE to be for money?
Great, more liberal blackmail. I seriously wonder when the good, decent people on the right who are subject to this (with extreme prejudice from the media) are going to snap. I seriously fear that there will eventually be more than a little bloodshed over things such as this.
How does the local media treat the allegations? Most news organizations seemed to discount the words of the Swift Vets even though they are all bold enough to put their names out there. This was an anonymous attack (with the threat of further smears).
Right you are about what was said back in Clinton's days. However, the right, the conservatives (whatever the name should be) constantly told x42's followers that it was about character.
It doesn't say much about one's character when your public persona is one thing, but your private life is 180 degrees away from that.
There is nothing at all wrong with a congressman being gay and being a conservative and opposed to gay marriage.
__________
Fair enough.
Maybe there is something wrong with pretending to be hetero at the same time you're doing the above?
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