Washington (CNN) - Republican Rep. Christopher Lee of New York resigned his House seat Wednesday following a report that the married congressman had tried to meet a woman on Craigslist.
"It has been a tremendous honor to serve the people of Western New York," said a statement by Lee posted on his website. "I regret the harm that my actions have caused my family, my staff and my constituents. I deeply and sincerely apologize to them all. I have made profound mistakes and I promise to work as hard as I can to seek their forgiveness."
The statement said that "the challenges we face in Western New York and across the country are too serious for me to allow this distraction to continue, and so I am announcing that I have resigned my seat in Congress effective immediately."
Just before 6 p.m., an announcement read on the House floor said Lee had resigned as of 5 p.m. Wednesday and the number of the House members decreased by one from 435 to 434.
Lee, who is married and has a son, resigned after the website Gawker published an item reporting he corresponded with a woman who posted a Craigslist ad and allegedly sent her a bare-chested photo of himself.
The speed of Lee's resignation indicated a culture of zero tolerance by House Republicans for potentially controversial behavior so soon after winning control of the chamber for the first time since 2007.
Lee was first elected to Congress in 2008 from New York's 26th district in the western part of the state, which includes suburbs of both Buffalo and Rochester. He won re-election last November.
From CNN Politics
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If he had poor enough judgment to try to cheat on his wife in such a public and recordable forum, it's probably best he's no longer helping to run the country
Typical republicans. Can't stick to their values.
Why resign? So he committed adultery. At least he paid his taxes and did not hide bribe money in a freezer.
What a tool!!. You can win a house seat but can't seem to remember that SOOOOOOOOO many people get busted doing exactly what you've done. When will these fools learn?
So much for family values.
Another Republican bites the dust and exposes the so called "morals" they purport to uphold. Is there no ends to their depravity?
Ahhh, some more of the "famly values" that the GOP is so intent on portraying! LMAO!
Republicans will say "Whats the big deal"...but when it was Clinton they spent 3 years talking about it and even impeached him!
ha ha ha... how embarrassing. Another one bites the dust.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Stop electing Republicans!!!
It is ridiculous for him to feel pressured to resign. What he does in his bedroom is his business.
That is the funniest thing I've read all day.
Who cares what he is doing in his personal life?! That is a matter that should be left between him and his wife.
Besides... At least he looks good on camera!
I hope he immediately checked himself into a psych ward!
What a Nut. DumbNut.
Sooo funny. He's not even smart enough to be a politician.
Oh ...what the hey... Republicans are all politically dumb and morally bankrupt... why pick on him?
Another GOP family values guy. Yeah, right.
what an idiot...........
BTW – is the shirtless picture really necessary – what are you the National Enquirer? Actually – no you are not – they DID their job with John Edwards.
The only difference between Lee and many other members of Congress is that they haven't been caught yet.
lol you can't make this stuff up!!!!!!!!
Family value baby!
What a fool LOL
Is this part of the GOP purity test?
wow!! Hes soo dumb