I found that very disconcerting.
From the ABC story:
Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-La., who sponsored the page from his district, told reporters that he learned of the e-mails from a reporter some months ago and passed on the information to Rep. Thomas Reynolds, R-N.Y., chairman of the House Republican campaign organization.
Alexander said he did not pursue the matter further because "his parents said they didn't want me to do anything."
Carl Forti, a spokesman for the GOP campaign organization, said Reynolds learned from Alexander that the parents did not want to pursue the matter. Forti said, however, that the matter did go before the House Page Board the three lawmakers and two House officials who oversee the pages.
Shimkus, who avoided reporters for hours, worked out his statement with Speaker Dennis Hastert's office. He said he promptly investigated what he thought were non-explicit message exchanges.
"It has become clear to me today, based on information I only now have learned, that Congressman Foley was not honest about his conduct," Shimkus said.
Shimkus said that in late 2005 he learned through information passed along by Alexander's office about an e-mail exchange that August in which Foley asked about the youngster's well-being after Hurricane Katrina and what he wanted for his birthday and requested a photograph.
"Congressman Foley told the (House) clerk and me that he was simply acting as a mentor … and that nothing inappropriate had occurred," Shimkus said.
Foley was ordered to cease all contact with the former page and assured Shimkus he would do so, the statement said. He also was advised to watch his conduct with current and former House pages, and he gave assurance he would do so, Shimkus said. He added that here were no further complaints.
+++Why would the GOP 'organization' be notified?
The article is unclear. Who is Shimkus?
Carl Forti, who is with the GOP campaign organization, might just be compiling and relaying info learned today. It isn't clear whether he or the organization knew before today, unless Shimkus is part of the organization.
If Reynolds really knew this is the last thing he needed right now. His challenger is within two points in the latest Survey USA poll and that was with the Green party candidate -- now removed from the ballot -- drawing 8 points. Bad bad news.