I suggest a preemptive outing of all these guys (and gals?) by those who have known of their peccadilloes for a long time, supported by hidden video to document the facts.

Another sexually repress republican hypocrite…

There is no reason for this man to resign. Men's sexual fantasies are programmed into them while they are teenagers, and they don't have much choice about what kinds of sex-play they desire. We might be surprised to learn how many of our lawmakers and other officials are wearing lingerie beneath their business suits and uniforms.

Many men with non-standard sexual desires are drawn to Conservatism and fundamentalist moral codes because they are thereby provided with cover (who would suspect them?) and their guilt is offset by the good deeds they do.

What bothers me the most is the accusation that he offered a young man a thousand bucks for access to his charms and then stiffed the boy. That kind if fiscal irresponsiblity and dishonesty is something we have come to expect from Conservatives. If that is the truth, then the least he can do is to cough up the cash. After all, what is more sacred than a contract?

With so many repressed homosexual Republicans coming out of the closet, perhaps the Republican Party will consider supporting equal rights for their closeted contingent?

Do you think these closet cases can out run their gayness by voting against equal rights for gay people?

Wouldn't it be healthier for them to quit cowering, and step out of the closet with confidence?

They may just find that their constituents don't really care that they are gay.

Doesn't everybody know someone who is gay (family, friend, co-worker)?

I hope Americans (Republicans included) have come to realize that gay people are just as boring as they are.

I'm surprised that moralizing Republicans getting caught in gay sex scandals is still considered news.

If I want to marry my sister or mother or dog, can I then say I don't have equal rights too? Isn't that a civil rights issue??

I agree with Terry from El Paso, TX,
…What bothers me the most is the accusation that he offered a young man a thousand bucks for access to his charms and then stiffed the boy. That kind if fiscal irresponsiblity and dishonesty is something we have come to expect from Conservatives. If that is the truth, then the least he can do is to cough up the cash. After all, what is more sacred than a contract?

This is funny as hell, first the guy is a dirtbag, fine, over and done.

This guy is a nobody in any political circle and many of you are going to hammer this nobody as he is a Republican, fine, HE deserves it.

But I do find it odd that when about a month ago the DEMOCRATIC Mayor of Atlantic city runs away for two weeks and is in hiding, it never made the ticker.

Around the same time TWELVE DEMOCRATS from New Jersey were charged with bribery, payoffs, extortion etc, etc and again it NEVER made the ticker.

Just making a point, you can start the ALL Republicans are hypocrites frenzy even though you know nothing about this loser.

Can I then make the "leap" that ALL Democrats are nutbags who believe that their own government blew up buildings and ALL Democrats believe in UFO's?

Who cares what his sexual preferences are! People have the right to do whatever they want behind closed doors. And who are we to judge other people based on their desires?
Yeah, it all sounds good. Now if only we could make the GOP live by those words, especially now, seeing that a good number of them are themselves of an "alternative" sexual orientation. Leave him alone, and maybe he'll start being a little more open minded…

I'd just like to say that Ga Voter, who wants to marry his dog, must be from Tiger Ridge. The rest of us don't act that way. You got the hots for Mom, that's your problem, but ya know why it ain't a big problem for the rest of us? We got no interest in marrying Sis or Fido like you do. If there were a million of you, all in love with Bowser and Rex, I'd say the law should begin to consider your petition.

. . . but right now you're just some guy in Tiger Ridge, givin' yer dog a real long slow speculative look. The rest of us are turning away in horror.

Unlike the dems, reps encourage this type reporting. It effectively weeds out the perverts in hawks clothing..

Im taking Hillarys' stance "this is a vast left wing consipracy", seriously who is this guy, and why all of a sudden do the tolerant left all of a suddent develope a case of homophobia. If he is gay who cares what legislation he votes for, isnt it his right to both like men, and then vote against gays, who cares if he is a hypocrit, alot of parents did drugs as kids, then tell their kids not to do drugs are they hypocrits?

"But I do find it odd that when about a month ago the DEMOCRATIC Mayor of Atlantic city runs away for two weeks and is in hiding, it never made the ticker.

Around the same time TWELVE DEMOCRATS from New Jersey were charged with bribery, payoffs, extortion etc, etc and again it NEVER made the ticker.".
— — —
Regardless of party, if the 12 New Jersey officials are guilty, they need to be sent to prison. However, to correct the record, there was one Republican in the 12. It should also be mentioned that the mayor supposedly disappeared to check himself into a facility for substance abuse and mental problems.

The reason that these cases of homosexuality by Republicans becomes an ongoing news story is not the sexual preference, but the unending hypocrisy. If Republicans didn't make such big issues out of condemning homosexuals and praising their own supposed "family values", the exposure of their lack of true belief in what they were preaching would not be so newsworthy. If many of them were honest about themselves and humanity this wouldn't be an issue.

Republican, hypocrite two words same meaning. The leader of The Nation lies everytime he moves his lips. What can we expect of his fallowers.
There is always "The Bount Hunter"

The Party of "family" values strikes again! What will O'Reilly say about this?

While I think that the guy is entitled to hold public office whether he is gay or straight, this is a sex scandal, and if it tarnishes his ability to lead in an honorable, respectful way, then he should step down.

It's really pathetic to me that Republicans (and conservatives in general) detest gays so much that so many among their ranks have to hide their true feelings just to get by.

As Richard from WPB wrote:
The reason that these cases of homosexuality by Republicans becomes an ongoing news story is not the sexual preference, but the unending hypocrisy. If Republicans didn't make such big issues out of condemning homosexuals and praising their own supposed "family values", the exposure of their lack of true belief in what they were preaching would not be so newsworthy. If many of them were honest about themselves and humanity this wouldn't be an issue.

Bravo. I couldn't care less about this guy or who he sleeps with. What I do care about is the platform on which Republicans run - morally superior, more religious - and it's the Republicans who always seem to be the ones closeting their true sexual desires. I'm so sick of the whole "we're morally superior" - plenty of Dems/Independents go to church and try to live morally decent lives, and yet somehow, the Republicans have become the "morally superior party." And then instead of seizing on the real issue of the story, people focuse on the fact that he may or may not be gay. Being gay isn't a crime. Being a hypocrite and attaining public office, while not a legal crime, is still a moral crime. The hypocrisy is ridiculous.

As always, the proof is in the pudding. You can't claim you're a good Christian and then behave in a matter completely opposite. Walk your talk, or else shut up. a True Christian does not need to lie, cheat, hide, mislead, cover up, or live their lives hidden behind a title.

To Tom Dedham, don't confuse yourself. Richard has it exactly right. It's not a matter of sexual preference or political affiliation, but rather, it's the GOP hypocrisy that is so disgusting, when all these morally righteous GOP would come out, touting families and marriage between a man and a women and openly attack gay/lesbian.

LOL … CNN!!

I bet you guys are breathing a sigh of relief. Here it looked like you MIGHT have to report on the ground-swell of concern about Hillary and her double talk.

No - NOW you can make the front page: Republican Sex Scandal.

WHEW! That was close.

Stuff like this is going to have to cause Republicans to be depressed and unenthusiastic in 2008.
Just look at today's FLORIDA poll that was just released that has Clinton beating all Republicans.

How about this?

http://tech.msn.com/products/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=5586501

They claim to be the moral majority, what a joke!!

HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAH Republican HHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH I love it!!!! HAAHHAHAHAHA

Here you go fact checker, the Columbian operates out of Vancouver, Washington, not Spokane. Geographicaly speaking, this is because the Columbia river goes through Vancouver and not Spokane.

That he may or may not be gay is irrelevant- the fact that he illegally solicited for sex IS relevant. The first is his own dang business- the second shows a complete disregard for the laws I assume he vowed to uphold when elected to government office. Not nice to break the law while accepting a government paycheck. Heck- even those on Social Security get their alotments cancelled when they commit a crime. (or at least, when they are caught).

This is what happens when you people keep electing CAREER politicans

Talk about not caring about women, children or the poor. This guy offered the kid a thousand to have unprotected sex thereby endangering the impoverished youth, his own wife and putting his children at risk of losing both their parents. Not to mention the risk of an added burden to our healthcare system through irresponsible behavior.

The hypocrisy of the republican party knows no bounds. These GOPs have mastered at the art of deception, whether its family valve, sexual morality or personal ethics. These guys are pure prevaricators, do as they say and not as they do.
Look at the Cheneys with their lesbian daughter telling others about lifestyle choices and the dry drunk Bush and the murderous Laura. Hypocrites galore.

I think its funny to hear people say: "who cares, he has the right to be gay if he wants too" or "if it happens behind closed doors its none of our business." Though, both are very true, this isn't simply a case of a man deciding to feed his homosexual inhibitions; this is about a man who has continuously sided with his party in its anti-homosexual legislation while he himself is a homosexual.

Though I agree what he does behind close doors is his business, it becomes a matter of public interest when he is not only going against the morals that his party has set up and his constituents expect of him; he is also PAYING people for sex. That in its own is a direct violation of our laws. Lets not forget the facts here.

James -

Yes, it's CNN's fault another Republican legislator got caught paying for gay sex.

Don't address the issue - Keep obscuring the facts by pointing at phantom boogeymen like the "liberal" media. That's what you do best.

The story about the mayor of Atlantic city was on the front page of the CNN web site for several days. But your knee-jerk Republican response of replying to every story about Republican corruption with cries of liberal media bias is much appreciated.

To the 'voter' in GA who ask if it's his right to marry his mother or his dog, dude I doubt even the dog would want to lay down next to someone who would even ask such a stupid question. To the religous right and other similar wack jobs, keep up the good work pushing your party into the dark ages. I guess Represenative Curtis forgot to wear his WWJD bracelet. Watching the GOP fall is great entertainment.

It's so sad that these gentleman can't be honest with themselves let alone their families and the constiuency they've duped.

Clearly it is understandable why he would need to pay for sex. However, if I am not mistaken isn't prostitution illegal in Washington? So the issue here besides the fact Curtis is a hypocrite, is he broke the law. The GOP die-hards will spin this as the liberal media at work again but those of us that are rational thinkers realize a lawmaker should perhaps obey the law.

I could care less about who this guy sleeps with but until these losers quit voting against gay rights, the media needs to make noise to show the world how hypocritical they are!!!!

Giuliani perhaps is the only republican who actively marches in gay rights parades and supports same sex marriages. Just curious when he'll come out of the closet and be truthful of his orientations.

Not sure if everyone also saw the article yesterday about 20 men being arrested in Upstate NY as part of a bathroom sex sting. Nineteen are married, one was a priest. None identified as gay.

All of this has everything and nothing to do with the Gay community. All of these men are, in fact, gay, which should be obvious to everyone.

But they have nothing at all to do with those of us comfortable with who we are, in loving, stable, committed relationships, and who would never think of doing the nasty in some of the nastiest places on earth.

We're too busy, you know, grocery shopping and vegging on the couch, like everybody else.

The inevitable GOP backlash against their "immorality" is only a continuation of conservatives' disgusting history of homophobia. What needs a backlash is their antiquated, ignorant policy making which, thankfully, is beginning to fall by the wayside.

We don't want the right to have sex in public; but I do want to marry my boyfriend.

Instead of "red state/blue state", we'll have to start referring to the division between blue states and pink states.

I daresay that most Republican politicians who are so adamantly opposed to gay rights, etc. have gay aides working for them and know it. They have gay friends whom they love. They have gay family members that they love. In short, they are privately more accepting of gay rights than they are in public and thus, where it counts: in their voting. This is because they have to appeal to their base to get reelected and this base is largely conservative Christian. Soooo, the hypocrisy does not end in the bedroom. I wish that straight Republican politicnas who are really more supportive of gay rights than they appear to be in their votes would come out of the closet with their true beliefs. They are allowing a small but dedicated and highly organized tiny minority have too much influence over them.

These poor, family-minded Republicans. Clearly, they're only being targeted because they're self-hating hypocrites.

So another Rep is outted - are we really surprised? What is funny is that many people who vehemently do things to make a gay person's life as miserable as possible are often doing so to hid their own problems with homosexuality.
What isn't funny is that the US society has demonized homosexuality so much that people like this feel they have to get married & have kids & those spouses & kids are the ones who are truly hurt for no good reason other than society's pressures.
We should be ashamed to further societal standards like those

First of all, prostitution is illegal. Any member of congress breaking any law should be news, end of story. Secondly, the man asked for unprotected sex. Isn't that extremely irresponsible. Forget that he has a wife and children. He was willingly open to putting himself at risk for HIV or other STDs! Aren't we as a country trying to fight these diseases, not contribute to their spread?
I don't care what he was wearing or where he was, but unsafe sex with strangers and prostitution are not things I believe responsible congressmen should be doing.
My sympathy goes to his wife and children.

Re: "Im (sic) taking Hillarys' (sic) stance 'this is a vast left wing consipracy', seriously who is this guy, and why all of a sudden do the tolerant left all of a suddent (sic) develope (sic) a case of homophobia (sic)"

This guy is a Republican who used people's discomfort about gay people to win favor from voters while, at the same time, having sex with other men. Stories about homophobia-encouraging Republicans who are secretly gay themselves SHOULD be reported because they show what a hypocritical, disingenuous bunch the Republicans are.

I say, so what! Who cares! This whole "gay" "lesbian" thing is a fact of life. We've all come around, somewhat reluctantly, to accepting it, so what's one more? Even if the man is a gay politician, does it really matter? Let the man focus on his job and work for the American people like he said he would do…leave all these people alone! Find something a little more constructive, and less destructive, to do with your lives.

GOP = PARTY OF MORAL VALUES

Remember that fact when you go to vote!

Rep. Curtis like anyone deserves to be presumed innocent until PROVEN guilty. Way too often it's assumed someone is guilty first. That plays into political mudslinging and personal attacks, something we don't need and which indicates the immature level of political discourse in
the US. As for hypocrisy, there's enough of that on both sides of the political spectrum.

It saddens me that any lawmaker would vote against providing some Americans the freedoms and liberties other Americans enjoy. Protection under the law and other basic freedoms should not be granted based on one's moral, religious, or family values. People are people and should be treated equally. This is why we shouldn't legislate on the basis of religion, but on the basis of the needs of the people. We have to stop separating people based on their life choices and just treat people like people.

so he gay, so what.

so he's a liar. that's the issue.

"to thine ownself be true"

When a republican is caught in a sex or money scandal, these right wingers try to divert the topic bringing Clinton into the discussion. These hypocrites are so obsessed about Hillary that instead of condemning their "Family Values" congressmen, they try to spin the main issue. Americans are not going to fall into this Rove tactic this time. These hypocrites can only beg their votes on "terror". All other avenues are closed.

This issue is not about being gay, its about these Republicans constantly LYING and being HYPOCRITES, but acting like they are so MORAL. What else can you expect from the GOP?

James -

Yes, it's CNN's fault another Republican legislator got caught paying for gay sex.

Don't address the issue - Keep obscuring the facts by pointing at phantom boogeymen like the "liberal" media. That's what you do best.

Posted By Matt, Chicago : November 1, 2007 12:15 pm

—–

Matt,

When CNN decides to run almost 50 (no exaggeration) articles on Larry Craig - but not ONE article about the Navy Seal that was awarded the Medal of Honor (a very rare and honorable event)… YOU call that objective reporting??

This guy (Richard Curtis) is a political pimple - a Washington State Representative, WOW. But CNN feels it deserves the #1 spot on the Blog and front page of their Headline News *BECAUSE* it's a republican - involving sex.

If you can't see the agenda - critical thinking has escaped you.

Just another compassionate conservative christian pro-life republican neocon nutjob
fading into history.

Seven years of hypocrisy….

UNPROTECTED SEX is the real story..engaging in anonymous sex in bathroom stalls, parks with no talking or even any names known!… the quickie is extremely unhealthy behavior, irresponsible, dangerous, and possibly criminally liable for spreading diseases from staph to hiv and everything inbetween, then that person goes back to the wife …This behavior pattern can change someone else's life forever, forget a political carreer. There are so many myths about what "safe sex" is or isnt. NONE of this type is safe or even is remotely what it means to "be gay, in love, to share lives…". The belief system in these types of individuals are severly warped, and then the fundamental denial is astonishing. anonymous sex spreads disease. where's dateline?!

You are taking this republican thing too seriously.
God's opinion is the only thing that matters.
Who are we to say that sex between two "consenting adults" is wrong. Christians believe that sex before marraige is wrong… What is so bad about homosexuality… I am not condoning or condeming homosexuality because in the end we don't have to answer to the church.
If you don't believe in God then all that matters is what you personally think.
That is why non-believers think we condem their actions.
They can't understand that it is not the Christians saying it is wrong but their belief in what God thinks.
Live and let live. Don't argue; discuss, as much as you can.
I believe we are all on the same team…
Protect those that can't help themselves and make it as fair as possible for everyone else…

To start with I am a political independent. Who this guys sleeps with man or women is none of my business nor yours.

The hypocrisy among self identified Democrats is too much. When Bill Clinton was in office and he slept with a slew of women, Dems claimed Bill's private life was none of our business. I agree totally. But now when accusations are thrown at Repubs, the Dems are pounching. Also is the Dems believe in equality and gay rights. What difference does it matter if he slept with a man or a woman.

The Repubs also are a*holes. When one of their own admits to sleeping with a hooker. There are no repercussions. The Dems don' jump on it. The media barely reports it. But when Senator Craig taps his foot in a bathroom stall, perhaps indicating he is looking for gay sex (I say perhaps because he wasn't convicted of it, only of disorderly conduct)everyone is all over him.

If this story is true, the little punk kid should get the shots. He steals Curtis's wallet and tries to blackmail him.

Leave it to CNN to put a low level political scandal on their front page. The Clinton News Network wouldn't do it to a Democrat. As for Republicans, we throw our bad apples out of office. The Democrats make them committee chairs.

Just how many self-loathing, law-breaking homosexuals are members of the Republican Party? This idiot needs to resign. I am so glad I've never voted for a Republican!

I think those who are so casually slinging out the "hypocrite" tag need to ask themselves if they truly want politicians to vote on what they personally believe. That sounds a bit tyrannical to me. I would prefer they vote based on what their constituents desire. A representative should represent. This is an issue that the nation is evenly divided on. You can keep all the name-calling coming (hypocrites, gay haters, small-minded) but until you are willing to acknowledge that there is a legitimate debate to be had we will never move forward.

I can hear all the religious right Republicans now: "It's that Bill Clinton. That's it. It's that Bill Clinton's fault!"

Hahahahahahaha … too funny!

This post doesn't even mention Glen Murphy, young republican leader in Indiana..caught performing fellatio on a sleeping male.

Doesn't mention Ted haggard..a guy who had Bush's ear once a week..smoking pole, and crystal meth.

Doesn't mention Jeff Gannon…the gay hooker, using a fake name, and gained access to GWB during news conferences, and spent 7 nights in the White House…on record.

Many of you bash the Republican Party for hypocrisy. That's not really fair. While there are hypocrites in the party, at least the Party takes a stand on moral issues, while the anything-goes Democrats stand for little to nothing of a moral interest.

Are we possibly missing the boat when it comes to sexuality? Part of me feels that we're doing human beings a disservice by trying to lump everyone into little catagores like gay, straight etc..etc… I mean isn't it possible for a man to prefer the company of and a life with a woman yet occassionally desire sex with a man. And isn't it possible for a woman to prefer the company and companionship of a woman, yet desire sexual relations with a man, from time to time? I don't know… I live my life as a gay female, yet I prefer to have sex with a man, once in awhile, and really don't have that much of an interest in having sex with women. Sexuality seems fluid to me.

The whole point of this..is republicans are hypocrites…voting one way (to diminish others' rights) then doing worse behavior behind closed doors.

SHAME ON REPUBLICANS!

And dont' get me started on the "liberal media." The same time Norman Hsu's contributions to Hillary were made public, Mitt Romney's own STAFF campaign co-chair member was indicted TWENTY-THREE TIMES involving millions of dollars; that didnt' get a blip on the radar.

What is hypocritical in this situation is that the Republican themselves have made it difficult for gay public figure, outside those in entertainment, to live their lives. What goes on between consenting adults shouldn’t be the issue. I feel sorry for anyone who feels they have to live their life in a closet of any kind. And even sorrier for those who join the anti-gay team to prove they aren’t gay. Then again people become Republicans for a lot of reasons and other Republicans need to understand that. But of course I have no brains as I am a Democrat.

Oh… by the way CNN… do you happen to know what brand of women's lingerie was involved??? Do tell.

Maybe when he said he wasn't "gay," he meant happy. Seriously, I just love the Republicans' "family values"! What a bunch of liars!

What is going on in America? Seriously, why are there so many homosexuals in today's society? It's not right, read the bible. It's funny how people believe some of the laws of the bible, i.e. do not steal, commit murder, etc., but others are completely dismissed. The devil is truly working his power over America and people will not realize until they die and wake up in hell.

How dare the Republican party attempt to legislate morals and family values in light of these ongoing Same-Sex scandals. The entire party should be ashamed for limiting the marital rights of tax-paying citizens in this country, while they continually lie to the public and their constituency about their own sexual orientation.

I think most people are missing the point. The fact that these Republicans are gay is not the sole issue. The issue is being gay and then voting against gay rights. That is really pathetic and they should resign for their hypocrisy.

Bottom line is he is a liar and a hypocrite. He is a public official and has permitted himself to be place in a situation of illreput regardless of whether the accusations are true or not. I am more in line with believing the basic allegations.

Do I care if he is gay, bi , hetro or something esle all together, heck no. But he is a hypocrite, a liar, next he shall be having a revolation from god saying all is forgiven and that he has found faith and is repentant. Who cares.

Would I want this individual representing me, heck no. I would rather be represented by a openly sexually active, what ever person who at least live his life in the open and was truthful as to who he was and what he believed.

I think this is the kind of behavior that needs to be exposed, especially when you hide behind your fancy titles and deny other people the very freedom you yourself want…the right to love and screw whoever you desire! I could care less who the senator decides to sleep with that is not the problem, it becomes a problem when people selfishly impose the pain and sorrow on their families!!! What about his wife and children?? Did they deserve to be put through this because he wanted to engage in his unburning desire for gay sex? No they did not!! If gay sex is what you want, then fine, but at least have the common decency to allow your family to hear the information from you and proceed with their healing process as oppose to having to hear it in the news and only then do you say your family has suffered enough!!! You are right they have suffered enough, but the sad part is that they are suffering at the hands of the man that essential was supposed to protect them! What a coward!!!!

It would have been easier for the republican to vote in favor of gay marriage,i bet everyone of them would have been married by now

Life is so short. The only sadness to me in this story is that he has lied to his family; giving his wife no choice in whether she wants to be involved with a bi/gay man. This makes him selfish as well. It has nothing to do with your political party, he may be against domestic partners but enjoy gay sex, believe it or not there are Dems who feel this way. We all have a right to our beliefs, and as Christ said, 'Who among us is without sin, cast the first stone.' I am not even a Christian person, but believe none of us are perfect. Sadly lying is ugly no matter what the situation, as it hurts innocent people.

"When CNN decides to run almost 50 (no exaggeration) articles on Larry Craig - but not ONE article about the Navy Seal that was awarded the Medal of Honor (a very rare and honorable event)… YOU call that objective reporting??"
———————–

If there is ANYONE who actually believes that CNN did not cover the story about the Medal of Honor for the Navy SEAL, they can go to: http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/22/murphy.medal.of.honor/index.html

"YOU call that objective reporting??"

"critical thinking has escaped you."

ONLY REALLY STUPID PEOPLE WOULD JUDGE AN ENTIRE POLITICAL PARTY BASED ON A FEW CLOSETED HOMOSEXUALS! This hypocrisy is on both sides of the fence, people! The media just likes to draw on the scandelous stuff. GROW UP!

So, because someone is not moral, they cannot espouse moral values. Since NOBODY is 100% moral, that means we will be giving visitation rights to cats. Gawd I loooove my cat.

The silly thing is that the people who have no compassion for this poor fella are the people who claim to be compassionate.

Why don't we stop fighting over all this stupid crap and fight THE REAL enemy…..CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE.

Richard Curtis has to live his life in hiding and shame because of people like… hmmm… oh yeah, Richard Curtis.

And who says that homosexuality is perfectly just fine????? The liberal left. So who is piling on this man?? The liberal left as well. Nice thing this practice. It surely couldn't be a learned thing. After all, this man is only just barely out of his teens. Must be genetic because he has been this way all of his life? Tragic.

I wonder what the 'Log Cabin' Club has to say about this. At the very least, they should be happy about the groundswell in their membership…

It's funny to see how much liberals really DO care about people's sex lives when they are Republicans. These "gay republican" stories are dripping with hypocrisy.

CNN deleted my earlier comment. I have to reword it:

CNN has to give this on a front blog. As republican has fought earlier elections on the basis that their party is a "Family Value" and follow strict ethical standards. All the time they bring Clinton-Monica scandal, but don't talk about the Bush lies for the scandalous war and so many sex scandals that are happening under their "religious" party. All they can do is to create "terror" to scare people and blame Hillary on everything to beg the votes.

Voters have no way of knowing what a politicians sexual preference may be. I'm sure there are a lot more closet politicians, democrats as well as republicans. But I'll bet when they vote for gay or lesbian rights it's always against and that's one of the sad things about their hypocrisy. Politicians all need a mental evaluation before they speak on moral issues and human rights.

Gay Schmay! Who cares? These are the things we should be concerned about:
1. He is married and asked someone for UNPROTECTED SEX, risking his wife's life and health. 2. He SOLICITED SEX FOR MONEY which is illegal 3. He lied and lied and lied….as we see…to his wife, to the sexual partner, to the police…so, he's a LIAR 4. He's a HYPOCRITE. What makes people like this feel they should keep their jobs that WE pay them to do when they display behavior that would keep them from being hired by a fast food restaurant?

It is so pathetic to see the Reich-Wing Nutjobs on here trying to compare a dirty, bribe-taking Atlantic City Mayor with another Closeted and Gay State Senator who fought for anti-gay laws and rallied his conservative base to pass laws that would hurt gay people and their families.

To read his resignation was quite shocking and ironic. He said his actions have 'hurt his family' and he'wants to prevent any further harm to his loved ones'…What about all the Gay people and families he has worked so hard to discriminate against??

Why can't all these Self-Hating "Conservative" Republicans stop trying to get elected and re-elected by hurting their fellow Americans just because they happen to be 'different' than their White undereducated base?

Conservative Republican is Greek for
Self-Hating Gay A.S.S. Closet Cases!

"There is no reason for this man to resign. Men's sexual fantasies are programmed into them while they are teenagers, and they don't have much choice about what kinds of sex-play they desire."

Really!?!?! Are you Serious?!?!?! I dont know man, I'm pretty sure my fantasies were exactly what i wanted them to be. Even if they were programmed into me as a teenager I doubt that gay sex would be "programmed" into me. I disagree with the statement that they are programmed into you anyways. What I can't figure out is why have a wife and kids if you are gay. are you bi-sexual and scared to tell people? How can somebody hide something like that from their wife and kids and still consider themselves to be a respectable person…oh wait, I forgot we are talking about politicians.

I think it's funny that a bunch of people are saying that he shouldn't have to step down because he's gay. That's not the reason he should have to step down. The reason he should have to step down is that he speaks out against gays, then goes and solicits gay sex (I thought prostitution was illegal, but maybe not), and then won't even pony up the dough. I don't remember all of the republicans saying telling Clinton to stay after his sex scandal, which he didn't pay for, and didn't go against any of his political values.

From the party that promotes homophobia rather than diplomacy — give me a break. Why don't they all just get honest and come on out of that hot crowded closet?

ahh, yet ANOTHER "family-friendly" Republican. the (silly) parade never seems to end…

That's our "family values" party for you!

To Tom in Dedham, Mass., you are hung up on being a Republican.
Both parties are sick and corrupt not just yours. We have a government out of control! It's time to stop being a Republican or Democrat but being an American.
Clean out all the heavy hitters(Republican & Democrat)and get rid of the team sports mentality and do what is in the best interest of America instead of either political party.

I find it funny that people are shocked.

This society has placed sexual behavior in legislator's hands forever.

What do you expect. Just like religious holy rollers who are pedophiles.

The people obsessed with grown-ups behavior are usually the ones that are committing these so-called atrocities.

Grow-up and let us focus on real issues. Like ending this stupid war and helping people in need not sexually active adults.

Family values should be taught at home not legislated.

That way people will not be surprised when the individual does as they say not as they do.

ALWAYS THOUGHT REPUBLICANS ARE GAY.DON'T MEAN HAHA THEY ARE ALL COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET.

What you see here are politicians playing to thier base. You can't get elected in a state like Idaho if you're openly gay or if you support gay rights. A closeted gay Republican voting against gay marriage is not all that different than a wealthy Democrat voting to raise taxes on the rich. Think about the times you heard an office holder talk about cracking down on drugs and alcohol, then finding out that they, themselves, had a problem. It's no different than in our own lives. Sometimes you have to separate yourself from your job and be, in public, something very different than what you are in private. It's called survival.

Why does anyone even care, outside of his constituency?
I can't even believe that I am wasting time commenting on this NON-story….

ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz…..

The story about the mayor of Atlantic city was on the front page of the CNN web site for several days. But your knee-jerk Republican response of replying to every story about Republican corruption with cries of liberal media bias is much appreciated.

Posted By Jack, Syracuse, NY : November 1, 2007 12:16 pm

The schools in NY still don't teach reading is fundamental I see Jack.

My point was that it may have been shown as a story briefly, but it NEVER made it to the TICKER for us to discuss.

Neither story was on the TICKER for us to discuss.

The ticker that you are blogging on right now.

I'll write slowly for you geniuses, the guy is a d-bag and HE ALONE deserves all the heat he gets, I agree, but you can't lump a whole group together because of the actions of a few.

I could say that you all believe 9-11 was an inside job, because SOME of you do.

To also use your rational, the New Jersey stories should also have been HUGE stories as didn't YOUR ENTIRE PARTY FROM THE TOP DOWN all run on cleaning up CORRUPTION?

Sing with me sheep, can I get me a "HYPOCRITE"?

Both parties have dirtbags, but only one party admits it.

The Republican Party is so HYPOCRITICAL! They PREACH morality yet they PRACTICE immorality. This particular individual is just one of many Republican lawmakers whose involved in immoral behaviour. If this is what we call LEADERSHIP in this country, then this country is in TROUBLE!

for those of you who question the reason this story posted on cnn.. please see all of the coverage bill clinton received on monica.
sex draws interest people. especially when it comes from hypocritical republicans. and as a supporter of gay marriage rights, let me say this:
Na na na na na.

TERRY– your right. however he is married w/ children & shouldn't be cheating. whether w/ a man or woman.

Mary says, "What is going on in America? Seriously, why are there so many homosexuals in today's society? It's not right, read the bible. It's funny how people believe some of the laws of the bible, i.e. do not steal, commit murder, etc., but others are completely dismissed."

Well Mary, if you are a Christian you follow the New Testament which states that we have a NEW covenant with God (the old covenant being the 10 commandments) which is to love others as Jesus loved us. When you think about it that rule applies to all of the 10 commantments, i.e. If you love others you wouldn't steal from them or murder them etc. And I don't know anywhere in the bible it says jesus loved everybody… except homosexuals.

Pretty much what happened in the Bible in Genesis 38:

http://net.bible.org/bible.php?book=Gen&chapter=38#n55

Do you think it's a sign of intelligence to judge an entire political party based on a few hypocritical closeted homosexuals? That would be like judging the entire Democratic party on Ted Kennedy's "drowning" incident and Bill Clinton's sex scandal. Ridiculous! The media just pulls out the scandalous stuff.

James in Phoenix,

Just FYI,

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/22/murphy.medal.of.honor/index.html

Is the story on the SEAL awarded the MOH. It was the main front page story the day it was awarded, I read it then. Please stop relying on nobody checking your (false) assertions.

James from Phoenix -

Here's the link to the article about Lt. Murphy being awarded the Medal of Honor, since you claim CNN didn't report on it. http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/22/murphy.medal.of.honor/index.html?iref=newssearch
Get your facts straight, focus on the laws broken here (soliciting sex) and stop blaming the media for digging the whole that the Republican party has dug for themselves. Thanks!!

To James in AZ, Go back and check the archives. CNN did run a story about the navy seal who was awarded the medal of honor. Get the facts straight before you start ranting.

Hey, Russ from Columbia-you are so ignorant to think that just because Giuliani supports same-sex marriage he must be gay. Your thinking is passe and convoluted. Read a book.

It's not news that another Republican with an anti-gay voting history is caught soliciting gay sex.

It's news that this time, the guy had the guts to step down from office, at least partly out of concern for his family.

Kudos for the latter, if not the former.

It ain't the sex but the hypocrasy that's the problem with the Republican party.

As as WIFE - I am disgusted and I don't care what sex either person is, but having unprotected sex with a prostitute, on the sly, that should be a CRIME.

Today, why anyone would take this risk and then bring it into their own home, shame on them and this person has demonstrated a lack of moral character that goes well beyond any question of is he gay or not. Who cares? He had unprotected sex with a sex worker and exposed the people in his life that he is supposed to protect, to a DEATH SENTANCE.

I don't care what your political affilication, but are you so clueless that you don't see what is happening all over the world with AIDS? Heterosexual men having unprotected sex with prostitutes and then bringing it home to their wives and children is leaving millions of children orphaned all over the world.

So if you are so stupid, so completely lacking in morale judgement that you would do this to your own family - YEAH get the heck out of congress and I hope your wife divorces you and takes you for a lot of money.

Tom Dedham, Mass: Come out of the closet.

WAKE UP AMERICA!

If we are to ever get our country back on track as the most advanced and enlightened model of Democracy, we need to stop voting for the GOP.

While the Democrats are not perfect (far from it!), we know that they are the only party with the ability to change the direction of our country's failed Right Wing Policies.

The Hypocrisy must end NOW.

Stop the campaign against Gay Americans and their right to marry the man or woman that they love.

So many other countries have moved past this hateful rhetoric and the sky hasn't fallen on them.

Please reach out to the Gay people you know and tell them you are sorry for the pain and suffering the Republicans have caused them and their families.

Please reach out to your closeted friends and tell them it's OK to come out and be honest about themselves.

There are millions of LGBT role models who lead incredibly successful lives while contributing to our remarkable American society.

heh, maybe this state representative should call up Obama… he knows some minister who used to have these same type urges and he claims that God saved him from ever doing this…. perhaps he can help guide him…..and Obama can use it to show what a good leader he is…bringing together all kinds of people to make the world better….. heheheheheh

I love it. THE GOP IS GAY. Here is a political party that has gone after the Gay communitie so much and have mis-treated them to the point of making them look sub-human and now we find out that the GOP is More Gay then ever….LOL…..This makes me wonder if the GOP is Taliban to. I wonder how many Taliban supporters the GOP has or if thier not in bed with Osoma creatign this stuff up…..Ummmm…..

Gay Taliban Republican……LOL

The spokane prosecutor wants to charge the guy with extortion? What about charging Curtis with committing a "crime against nature". Now anyone with half a brain knows you don't offer one thousand dollars to have an unprotected oral sex with another male. But offering one thousand dollars is most likely what Curtis felt he needed to intice this young guy into letting him do the other kind of gay sex. But since Curtis is a politician he probably won't be charged with anything.

Perhaps any other closet gays should openly support the Democrats…to allay any suspicion about their sexuality?

I voted teal last spring. (green and blue) Unless Richard Curtis has gone on record with attempting to deprive the public of civil rights, who cares? Bring me up to speed, please - if Richard Curtis has attempted to deprive the public of civil rights!

Why does the Republican party attract so many closeted homosexuals? Because the GOP forces them to remain in the closet, they just can't leave people's personal lives alone!

Not again!

This trend is disturbing.

I mean being continually associated with Conservatives and Republicans is not good for the Gay Community's image.

Ok.. So we're going to see days of coverage of this garbage on all the media outlets… Let's cut to the chase here. We need a new cable channel for round-the-clock coverage of Conservative Gays Who Are Outted. Might I suggest the CGWO network? Hey cable industry… What do you think? If you did this, CNN could focus on real news.

I LOVE the rationalizing going on here.

For years, the GOP and the Religious Right have claimed the moral high ground and barely blushed when discussing and investigating the bedroom habits of citizens in their constituencies.

Unfortunately, pride goeth before the fall. He who is without sin should cast the first stone. All these alleged Christians forgot main points of the Bible in their quest for a permanent conservative majority.

They fought dirty, swiftboating Democrats right, left and center - but now listen to them squeal like pigs when caught repeatedly with their pants down.

NOW they want to claim its private business. NOW they want focus on the job he does, not his character.

Sorry, but NO. YOU guys started this mess, now you must deal with the consequences. Maybe it will make you think twice before judging others and pulling your dirty tricks on the opposition.

But I highly doubt it. That would take a level of insight you simply do not possess.

How does homosexuality and/or heterosexuality affect the way a person makes decisions?
Heterosexual or homosexual ~ decisions are made the same.
I have to agree that the manner in which he tried to correct the criminal aspect was wrong.
Guys and gals ~ use discretion if you don't want anyone to know about your closet lifestyle.
Everyone has a skeleton(s) in their closet.

Liberal democrats once again are stating that if you want to be gay in America YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO VOTE DEMOCRAT. Gay Americans are now in good company with other Americans who don't have the right to choice their own ideology.

It is funny to hear libs preach about how they are for gay rights, then type homophobic remarks like here and all over the web that would make Fred Phelps blush.

I support gays getting married but I also support gays being able to vote any way they want, therefore I have no choice but to vote against Democrats.

Another republican hypocrite. What a surprise.

Could the GOP be any more damaging to the gay community?
Not only do they work tirelessly to block legislation that would give homosexual couples more equal rights under the law, but they also engage in perverse clandestine acts that send the message to the rest of the country that to be gay is to be a closeted manipulative liar. Homosexual relationships are every bit as fulfilling and mutually love filled as heterosexual ones. This sort of conduct is the worst sort of smear.

I’d rather have to count on the support of Americans who just find that Marriage should be man and woman only to get elected, than to have to count on people who think the US government was behind 9/11, Hezbollah is not a terrorist organization, side with communist workers party, and find joy when someone in our military dies or we have a terrorist attack to get elected.

Yeah, find me a republican who has said any comments toward gays that comes close to the homophobic hate from libs against republicans who are gay.

Republicans want to not allow gays to get married but Democrats don't want to allow gays the right to vote for whoever they want, really, which is worse?

Mary: Do you eat milk and meat together? Do you wear more than one type of fabric at the same time? If you answer yes to either one, you're breaking biblical law, too — laws that appear in the same section of the bible as the law against "a man lying with another man as with a woman"… Until you obey all biblical law, don't complain about others who are selective…

Wow is this a news item or a piece from the editorial page? If anybody wonders why people think CNN has a liberal bias I don't think you have to look much further than the writer's completely undisguised glee….

The republican party has been hijacked by the far right evangelicals who are cannot see both sides of any issue because their faith does not permit it. You cannot open a mind when it does not think for itself, and as long as the evangelicals keep spouting their double talk things like this will continue to be news.

Wouldn't it be nice if the evangelicals started their own party and left the true republican base. They sure wouldn't have the power they have now, and this country might get back to a middle ground where things can actually get accomplished and we can move forward.

This doesn't surprise me; and should make people question why these outted congressman are so homophobic to begin with, I think they are just trying to cover up their blatant homosexuality. There is nothing wrong with being gay or anything, but making people think you are against it and are one is hypocritical.

James, Your missing the point - It's the Republican Party Platform that lacks critical thinking and your part of the problem. So just take your lumps or work to reform your party's stance regarding "other people's business" .

It seems that I no longer need do dislike Republicans. (Although as a rule I still do) With their large scale support of anti-gay laws and ballot propositions all over the country it appears Republicans are self-loathing enough on their own.

Hats off to the police, finding the truth is never easy when dealing with a gay and a prostitute..

Wow. I did not know this: All not-outed Gays in office are Republicans? Speaker Pelosi and Senators Boxer and Feinstein are all from the predominately Democrat San Francisco Bay Area. I say do not waste one more minute representing the People of the United States. Instead, let's direct all resourses to "outing" all GOP hypocrites. Heck Iraq, oil prices, health care, immigration, climate change, etc. can wait until this scourge is resolved once and for all. I know I will sleep better.

Just to correct some misconceptions out there .. it is not hypocritical to vote against gay issues and be a gay unless your constituency would be pro on those issues .. we have way too many legislators who are a law unto themselves and ignore their constituent's wishes in their voting .. elected officials are supposed to "represent" not further their own personal agendas

Reps are supposed to make and protect the laws of the United States not break them.. At least he had the good sense to resign unlike our ding bat Rep Larry Craig.

The usual defenders of all things conservative have already come out and blamed this on the "liberal media" or are calling liberals hypocrites for jumping on this.

And as usual, the real hypocrisy escapes their insight. The hypocrisy (as already pointed out wonderfully by a few others) that it is REPUBLICANS that preach morals and get caught doing this crap. Most Democrats think the bedroom should be separate from the job qualifications of an individual.

Where's Ryan from IND with is "all Democrats hate America and should be hung" nonsense? Just a matter of time. Doesn't the ignorance and contradictions make everyone here sick?

Another Republican hypocrite. Big surprise.

I'm reminded of a famous quote by Rodney King (remember him…got beat up by the LAPD several years ago?)

"Can't we all just get along?" I don't see this as a Republican OR Democratic problem. No, it's more of a political problem that has been exasperated by the Right. Personally, I think we should hunt down these types, flush them out of their motel rooms and public restrooms, and make them admit that they are sick, perverted people who cannot control their behavior. That will teach them a lesson. WE all have more to worry about such as why the best college football team on the planet is now ranked #6 in the BCS. GO Sooners, You're the real Champs!!!!

I suggest that these moralizing hypocrites go to Bankok. Makes me think how many of themhave gone there on "government" business on the taxpayers dime.
Its alsmost as bad as Bush and his corrupt FOR PROFIT War.

I find all this fascinating!

People in their 20's, like myself, will be the political power brokers in the years to come. Our cohort is very accepting to gay lifestyles, etc. So, when "we" are making the laws, most of the current decision makers will be retired or in nursing homes.

Careful, or the baby boomer population will be denied their nursing home/retirement benefits when "we" take over!

I consider myself a Republican but don't have an issue with what this guy did. It's a free market society — there are both suppliers and buyers — for everything. I do however have an issue with the Republican evangelisitic approach just about everything — war, abortion, morals, etc. — in fact, next year I will probably vote Democratic if and only if I can identity a candidate that will not take my guns and is not named Hillary.

James,

"…50 (no exaggeration) articles on Larry Craig - but not ONE article about the Navy Seal that was awarded the Medal of Honor (a very rare and honorable event)… YOU call that objective reporting??"

I call it good editing, from a ratings perspective. The former (like this story) is titilating, ironic, and humorous. The latter is none of these and nothing that will get attention, and thusly, ratings. That is what the media today is about, not some vast left-wing conspiracy - utterly insane nonsense given how long we had to hear about Bill Clinton's affair.

"If you can't see the agenda - critical thinking has escaped you."

Critical thinking involves looking at issues from many angles, not simply how they apply to the well-worn talking points. If you cannot see the irony of this situation and why that would make it a hot topic, I suggest it is you who ought to reacquaint yourself with the skill.

Gay marriage was the boogey-man issue of the '04 race. I bet it doesn't come up so much in '08, ya think?

I DON'T WANT A GAY INDIVIDUAL REPRESENTING MY VIEWS. THE PROBLEM WITH BEING GAY IS THAT THEY DON'T HAVE BABIES. THAT MEANS THAT THEY HAVE TO RECRUIT TO ACQUIRE MORE GAY'S FOR THEIR CAUSE. HOW CAN YOU BE A GAY POLITICIAN AND STILL REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE MAJORITY OF THE AMERICAN CULTURE, "WHICH IS NOT GAY". OBVIOUSLY THIS GUY WAS IN THE RECRUITING MOD. THEIR IS NO PLACE IN POLITICS FOR ANYONE THAT WANTS TO REPRESENT THE MAJORITY BY BEING A GAY INDIVIDUAL, EVENTUALLY HE, OR SHE, WILL FALL TO THEIR OWN SET OF RULES AND ATTEMPT TO EMPOWER THEIR OWN CAUSE WHICH IS NOT THE SAME CAUSE OF THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS AT THIS TIME. TRYING TO FORCE CONSTITUENTS TO LIVE A LIFE STYLE THAT THEY FIND REVOLTING IS NOT GOING TO WORK AND WILL ONLY HAMPER THE CAUSE OF THOSE GAYS THAT JUST WANT TO LIVE THEIR LIVES IN PIECE. FRED

Ho hum…. Just another gay republican.

aaaaaaaahahahahahahahaha too bad.

Why is everyone so quick to believe a male prostitute? Did he just proffer this story or is it leverage to get out of a hooking bust?

Can the republican party say "hypocrite"? these are the same people that came down on Clinton that he couldn't keep in his pants, well maybe so but at least Clinton did it with a woman. We have a President that God talks to him, what a joke this administration is.

The only thing DISGUSTING about this is that he requested UNPROTECTED sex.

this is 2007 don't put you parts in anyone without a latex (or sheepskin to those allergic to latex) covering

Homosexual Neo Cons need to go IRAN! When Sharia is implemented in USA, then this will no longer be problem! Allahu Akbar!

wouldn't it be so much better to be out and have the freedom to seek out healthy relationships rather than resorting to prostitution?

Another GOP gay sex scandal! Why am I not suprised?

Bill,Manhattan,I can't wait for your day to come! Start now and get your friends onboard. These regressives need to be put back in the last century where they belong. Don't forget to post your campaign website so we can all help.

Yeah - another gay Republican sex scandal or another Democratic hetero sex scandal. What's the difference, really? You can find hypocrites in every party, saying one thing and doing another. Sex just happens to sell newspapers.