A Florida state chairman for McCain was arrested Wednesday.
(CNN) – A day after four of Sen. John McCain's top political strategists stepped down, the Arizona Republican's presidential campaign was dealt another setback when the co-chairman of his Florida campaign was arrested Wednesday for allegedly offering an undercover police officer money for a sex act, Titusville police said.
Florida State Rep. Bob Allen faces charges of solicitation for prostitution after he was arrested in a Titusville city park that had been under surveillance, police said.
He allegedly offered an undercover police officer $20 for the unspecified act.
Allen told CNN affiliate WFTV the incident was "a very big misunderstanding."
"This is a very gross mistake, a very big mistake," he said, adding that this is what the judicial system is for.
Allen said he helped build the park, and was there looking around.
There was no initial comment from the McCain campaign.
In March, the McCain campaign issued a news release on its Florida leadership team, saying, "Allen will serve as a House co-chair for Senator McCain's campaign."
Allen was elected to the Florida House in 2000.
His arrest comes a day after McCain's campaign manager Terry Nelson and chief strategist John Weaver announced their departures in joint statements released by the campaign.
Earlier this week, U.S. Senator David Vitter, the southern regional chairman for Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign, was linked to the so-called DC Madam's escort service.
Vitter, a Louisiana Republican, said in a statement, "This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible. Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and from my wife in confession and marriage counseling."
It was the second blow for Giuliani's campaign. Last month, South Carolina Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, the state chairman for Giuliani's campaign, was indicted on federal cocaine charges.
– CNN Political Desk Managing Editor Steve Brusk
WFTV: Florida lawmaker calls solicitation arrest ‘big misunderstanding’
TIME.com: Behind McCain's Campaign Chaos
From CNN Politics
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Please let this guy be another one of those "family values, sancity of marriage" guys.
It seems that it is impossible for the GOP to live up to its so called concervative values these days. In a nut shell, the GOP has displayed a level of hypocrisy to the entire world not seen in many, many years; damaging our standing as a world power. No wonder the American people and many of our allies want a change to a leadership they can trust. Can the Dems make it happen? Don't know.
I understand Sen. McCain cannot personally be resonsible for the actions of the people he has working for him. But they ARE a reflection of his own integrity and McCain and Guiliani should place a higher emphasis on the character of the people they associate themselves with. The people they have running their campaigns are the same people who would be running our country if they win...
Where was the meeting held when God forgave him?
Republican – your party of values!
Poor John just like George W Surrounded by scum...
Man, I'm really coming around to seeing the allure of these family values these guys are always talking about. Sounds like a lot of fun.
Moreover, can Republicans get sex without buying it?
I sincerely hope that people recognize that this does not reflect on McCain's integrity, rather it reflects on the integrity of those arrested. It is not likely that McCain knew his co-chair was soliciting sexual acts in his spare time; that's not generally a question that one asks in an interview, or even in casual conversation.
McCain is a good senator and a man of strong values. I respect him, and I hope he can get through this.
Of course he was one of those "sanctity of marriage" clowns; and it is widely reported eleswhere that the "unspecified act" was oral sex-from a male police officer. Hypocrites!
McCain...you hypocrite, you're reaping exactly what you deserve.
Hey, Bush is available for more ass kissing, if that's what your chairman was seeking!
Not only Bob Allen is short on moral values, but it seems that he was short on cash also.
His Bio on the Florida House of Representatives website lists his recreational interests as "water sports".
Twenty bucks...that's it? Don't these political types usually go for the high class action?
I wonder why CNN choose to omit from the article the fact that the police officer that was solicited by Rep. Bob Allen was male ? (ref: OrlandoSentinel.com)
Well you do have to admit that Bob was being frugal with McCain's remaining campaign funds. I am sure the going rate for his $20 offer was much higher or perhaps he is a cheap hypocrite, who also happens to be a Republican.
don't you just hate it when those "very big misunderstandings" happen? Especially when you are just there "looking around". It's possible to get something for $20 today?
Allen told CNN affiliate WFTV the incident was “a very big misunderstanding.”
A very big misunderstanding? How can this be misunderstood? Oh, I'm sure you knew that was an undercover cop, you were just testing them right? Did you think Bill Clinton's affair was just a 'misunderstanding?' I bet you didn't.
I bet you were sitting there happy that you hadn't been caught yet and you got a chance to fry a good President.
Rep. Allen is the author of failed Florida House Bill #1475, the "Lewd Or Lascivious Exhibition Act" which would have made public masturbation in the presence of another adult illegal, whether the other adult consented or not. Florida statutes already cover such behavior for when a minor is present and the bill died in committee in two months ago. I'm pretty sure Rep. Allen was violating #1475 when he offered to blow that cop, doncha think? Lucky for him it didn't pass!
Laugh #2: Allen, who is listed as co-chair for John McCain's Florida campaign, was first elected to the Florida House in 2000, is married with one daughter, and lists his recreational interest as "water sports". Hmm, he doesn't look like he skis.
Laugh #3: In 2005, Allen told right-wing Christian site World Net Daily about his "Sexual Predators Elimination Act" which sought mandatory life without parole sentences for those designated as sexual predators. Allen's now-ironic statement to WND: "We can get away from all those expensive law-enforcement time-wasting factors by simply going straight to the root of the problem, and that is the offender, and put them in a locked up place where we know we're safe." The bill was strongly opposed by the Florida ACLU and did not pass.
Maybe Allen thought you had to pay to get a ticket to get into the park. /sarcasm
The problem with the Republican party is very simple. We (the Republican party) have believed the lie that we can win the American people by being strong on national defense, yet liberal socially. This amounts to very little difference between the Republican and Democrat parties.
McCain is not a Conservative Republican. He does not represent Conservative Republicans. Nor does Brownback, Giuliani or Romni.
I do think State Rep. Bob Allen is representative of the character (flaws) of McCain. It is a foolish comment to say, "I sincerely hope that people recognize that this does not reflect on McCain’s integrity, rather it reflects on the integrity of those arrested. It is not likely that McCain knew his co-chair was soliciting sexual acts in his spare time; that’s not generally a question that one asks in an interview, or even in casual conversation." Someone who HAS character can recognize a man that HAS character and a man who does NOT HAVE character. Obviously McCain and Giuliani have a bit of trouble in this area.
As for Ron Paul, he has real discernment issues himself. Do you really think we should be listening to the Islamic fascist terrorists to find out why they attacked us? We disturbed them first? A real LEADER doesn't listen to the propaganda of his enemies. He realizes the true nature of his challenges and addresses them.
If America wants a REAL CHOICE for President in '08 and men with REAL character (in contrast with one of the leading Democrats), then Republicans need to nominate Congressman Tancredo or Congressman Hunter. At least these men are REAL Conservative Republicans and will set a REAL contrast with their Democratic opponent. Otherwise, it's down to who believes we should have troops in Iraq and that's simply NOT the most pressing issue America faces. Let's be honest.
I vote for Tancredo!
We are ought to make prostitution legal in the US ASAP, otherwise all republicans may find themselves in jail by 2008 Presidential Elections.LOL
The full truth is even more sickening (orlandosentinel.com):
"Titusville police were at Veterans Memorial Park on East Broad Street on a burglary detail when they noticed an unshaven man acting suspiciously, going into and out of the restroom three times, Lt. Todd Hutchinson said.
An undercover officer went into one of the bathroom stalls, Hutchinson said. Moments later, Allen knocked on the stall door and offered to perform oral sex on the officer for $20, the police spokesman said.
The officer identified himself and took Allen into custody. Hutchinson said the officers had no idea the suspect was a state lawmaker.
'After he was arrested, he mentioned he was a state legislator,' Hutchinson said of Allen."
This is becoming way too familiar, isn't it? This same political party that has used the religious platform to push for votes and has gone overboard with the term "family values" is showing its true colors. I hope the American people will finally wake up. The Republican Party makes me sick and this administration is full of deceitful criminals who don't care about the concerns of the people.
They don't even mention that it was a MALE officer.
Time for RON PAUL to move up!!
Get over it
This is no reflection on McCain or the actual campaign. Reps and Senators are showboats. Welcome to American Politics.
I think John McCain should ask John Kerry for the telephones numbers of the spineless jerks who organized the Swift Boat campaign against him. Maybe they can do the same for John McCain's Presidential campaign! Or maybe George Bush can give John's candidacy a commutation or full pardon. Someone has to end the needless suffering!
According to the local Orlando Fox Network he was arrested for offering to pay the cop twenty dollars to give him oral sex. Interesting that CNN was very "unspecific" about the details. It will also be interesting if they even allow this comment to be posted.
they gave him a break by leaving out the MALE OFFICER part of it...but can't hide the petty cheapness of the pay my taxes republicans can they????
With all due respect, John- I believe the reason we are in this terrorist mess nowadays is because we have been playing World Police ever since the end of WW2. We've been sticking our fingers in the ant hill for some time(directly or indirectly), and its only recently that we've gotten bit.
You may believe a leader should have solutions for problems, and I agree. But I also think a good leader should have to courage to tell the truth.
Hatred of our "Freedom" and the like is not something you blow yourself up for.
To be expected from McCain and his extreme right-wing ilk.
This is sad and disheartening. However, I find it interesting that there is so much mockery being made of "family values" and "sanctity of marriage." These men have been hypocrites, but does it mean that what they stood for was or is wrong? Because they don't maintain healthy relationships, should we encourage unhealthy ones? It just seems here that perhaps the emphasis has been put in the wrong area – its not values and morals that should be taking the beating, its the men themselves.
The Horror...this is even worse than that idiot Mark Foley.
I'm sorry, my previous post was in response to James from CT.
Pathetic! F!!!!
Hehhe, these guys are starting a little late, if they think they will ever catch up to the sexual exploits of Mr.Clinton, hahahaah, Bill passed a few gals around like they were blow up dolls. OOps, I'm sorry, this story is about bashing republicans....
Might want to correct the last paragraph. McCain is the candidate in question, not Giuliani...
Just one thing, ok? It's the family-values angle that makes it disgusting, not that he's gay. And the bathroom thing, that's disgusting too. Wait, and the fact that he's idiot enough to be coney-caught that way. Three things. No one expects the Titusville Inquisition!
Not to be lurid, but the article does not say if the police officer is male or female. For some unknown reasons, my instincts suggest the former due to historical republican hypocracy.
James from Newington – I give Tancredo points for saying he was too Christian to hate on Bill and Hilary, but I take them away for saying Miami was a 3rd world country, since he meant it as a slur against the Cubans. He's probably ok but I wouldn't want him as a president, since some Americans are Hispanic.
Poor John McCain. No money, no support, and now his Florida campaign manager caught in the toilet.
Of course, after supporting the war AND the immigration bill, this is a sleazy end to his campaign for President of our nation.
He says he built the park. Now we know what why he built it. LOL
I love it. Republicans and their false morality are exposing themselves(no pun intended)for what they really are; Self serving deviants. Hmm, just like Right Wing Religion. Hey America, have you seen enough yet?
This report didn't state it clearly. Allen offered the cop $20 so that Allen himself can perform the act on the "officer". Not the other way around.
Another "family values" Republican bites the dust. I am so sick of the "moral" issues being shoved down our throats. Just be the one who yells "Jesus" the loudest during the campaign and you too can win!!
I've heard of paying $20 for oral sex, This is the first time I've heard of paying to GIVE someone oral sex. This guy is a REAL LOSER!! He's saying it's a big misunderstanding. I'm sure the undercover cop didn't understand the part about Allen paying to GIVE the officer oral sex! The religous right is niether!!!
a $20 blow to his campaign?
The family-values people will continue to disgrace themselves morally. It's the purest example of what Freud called projection, an ego-defense mechanism that involves projecting onto others (in this case, liberals) traits in one's self that one fears. Once you've projected the parts of yourself that you don't like onto other people, you feel justified in persecuting those people, thereby vicarious purging one's self of the forbidden desires.
Meanwhile, the repressed taboos fester until the ooze surfaces in public restrooms and altar boy training sessions.
$20? The campaign is obviously running out of money.
It's amazing how many holier than thou Republicans get caught with their pants down! Bob Allen is just the latest in the string of horny Republicans not getting laid enough because of their 'high moral values'...The interesting tidbit about Bob Allen is the article didn't specify if the officer was a man or woman...I have a hunch it was a man...maybe he can get hooked up with Mark Foley & Charlie Crist, both from Florida as well...
So this bad, conservatives claim to be the party of morals. We all know this.
What disgusts me is the fact that the PO was a MAN!!! That is ridiculous. And the price doesn't make this any better.
And how come on every ticker someone is commenting on Ron Paul!! That is so annoying. They always find a way to sneak his name in.
If you are one of those people I hope you’re not apart of his campaign staff, spending your time advertising on CNN's political ticker. Pathetic
TO: James, Newington, CT
You obviously have no clue about past foreign policy. Don't you know we have had realtions with Saddam. We gave him weapons to attack Iran and we gave Iran weapons to attack Iraq. Did you know that we funded Osama bin Laden in the Kosovo war and when the soviets invaded afghanistan, we provided stinger rockets to take down there helicopters? What we you were invaded or had another country here, what would you do? For pete sake, use logic. RON PAUL is the only one who see this. DId you know RON PAUL is on the foreign realtions committee and the finance one! Why don't you do a little research before you make ignorant comments like that about RON PAUL!
Last Paragraph Correct
When they say the "second blow", they are talking about Ravenel and Vitter.
TO: James, Newington, CT
You obviously have no clue about past foreign policy. Don’t you know we have had realtions with Saddam. We gave him weapons to attack Iran and we gave Iran weapons to attack Iraq. Did you know that we funded Osama bin Laden in the Kosovo war and when the soviets invaded afghanistan, we provided stinger rockets to take down there helicopters? What would you do if we were invaded or had another country here? For pete's sake, use logic. RON PAUL is the only one who says this. DId you know RON PAUL is on the foreign realtions committee and the finance one! Why don’t you do a little research before you make ignorant comments like that about RON PAUL!
"As for Ron Paul, he has real discernment issues himself. Do you really think we should be listening to the Islamic fascist terrorists to find out why they attacked us? We disturbed them first?"
Yes, we did disturb them first. We don't know that from their propoganda; we know that from our own intelligence agency. And are you suggesting we shouldn't figure out why they attacked us? Simply understanding their reasoning does not mean you agree with them or condone their actions. But it is the first step in finding a solution.
"A real LEADER doesn’t listen to the propaganda of his enemies."
A real LEADER doesn't stay insulated and assumes he knows everything. Being a leader means responding to a situation appropriately, and one can only do that with correct information.
"He realizes the true nature of his challenges and addresses them."
And the truth is that our foreign policies have angered a lot of people, driving some to fly planes into buildings full of civilians. Paul, among others, has realized this truth, and thinks we can do more than invade countries to rectify the problem.
As for the story at-hand... this certainly isn't going to help McCain. Other factors are causing much more damage, though.
I'm sure it's all a big misunderstanding. He was on his knees praying to Jesus and invited the officer to stand next to him and pray together.
Obviously, the campaign is running out of money or he might have been able to offer $50, instead of a paltry $20. I'd say its time to stick the fork in St McCain.
Well at least he will have more time to shop in the Iraq marketplace that is so much like an Indiana Fleamarket.
Vitter must be a real genius to call a hooker from his home phone. It is so nice that his wife and his God have forgiven him. Too bad they don't pay his salary. Maybe he should apply for a job with them and quit the one he has.
Looks like the holy and thou people, have a bunch of hypocrites among them. Starting with Guiliani, a candidate for President. Maybe next time he be more forgiving instead of saying how awful it was that Bill Clinton, had oral sex with Monica, in the meantime behind his wife's back, he was inviting Judith to the house for an on going affair that led to a divorce. The right wing republicans should all stop talking about family values, because none of them have any, they are all disgusting liers and phonies. At least the Democrats don't claim to be pure. Let those among us without sin cast the first stone.
McCain is immoral in a different way, I don't care if he was a prisoner of war, that means he should be more sympathic to the men and families who have lost their lives in a worthless war,that benefits no one except the rich, that includes Mr.Beer heir( McCain).
Oh trust me, the "act" was specified in the police report.
You guys need to get better at reporting married Republicans who cheat on their wives with men in a public restroom.
Why is it that if a few people who tout family values are caught doing things counter to what they profess, suddenly all people who tout them are hipocrites? You cant blame the actions of a few on the many.
Whats even funnier is that the left on here who seem to love gay rights are willing to rake a man over the coals for wishing to act on gay urges, now thats hipocrisy..
Why is it, I wonder, that the detail of the police officer being a man, is conspicuously missing from the article? Could it be that CNN is omitting certain facts to lighten the load of the republicans ever so slightly? Shame CNN.....you USED to be the first name in news. Now? notsomuch.