Foley (R-Fla.) drops out of U.S. Senate race

[Nambe]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP)

U.S. Rep. Mark Foley said last Friday he would drop out of the race for the Republican Senate nomination from Florida, telling supporters that his father’s battle with cancer would prevent him from pursuing the campaign.

He had no comment on a report first made in an alternative newspaper that he is gay.

Foley, first elected to Congress in 1994, said he will seek re-election to his West Palm Beach-area House seat. His decision leaves four Republican contenders vying for the seat held by Democratic presidential hopeful Bob Graham, who hasn’t said whether he will seek another term. ---

Ride Don’t Drive It’s Global Cool

[Rainbowreflect]

1. I am sorry to hear about his father.

I hope he will be ok. I am glad Foley will be able to spend time with him.

[Mountainman]

2. I guess he couldn't win on his anti-teen nudist camp thingie

Isn't he the one who spend all that time attacking the nudist teen summer camps? Maybe the people of FL know a real issue when they see one.

Let's see, A decent education for FL teens? naw,

A good future with real economic opportunity for our young people?, naw

I know! No teen nudie camps!!!!!!!!!!!!! that will get me elected?

[David__77]

3. My mixed feelings.

Rep. Foley being homosexual (I reserve "gay" for someone who recognizes their sexual orientation) made it difficult for him in the GOP primary. On the one hand, it's too bad one of the two parties is so bigoted that it matters. On the other hand, I cannot respect his signing on to an anti-gay agenda, especially since he himself is a homosexual. On balance, we doesn't deserve much respect. He didn't confront the bigotry (he could have done so without revealing his sexual orientation). He acceeded to the bigotry. Too bad... A lesson in cowardice to all lesbians and gay men in this country.

[NewJerseyDem]

4. How do you know he is homosexual?

I know that there were rumors in a newspaper in Florida but it is possible that those rumors were wrong. I just wouldn't jump to the conclusion that those rumors are true but I don't know what the evidence is. It really doesn't matter and if he doesn't want to talk about his sexuality then that is fine. Did he ever even deny it? Or did he just say that it was none of anyone's business.

Also, he has fought for gay rights during his tenure in the House. He is a lot better on that issue than most republicans or a hell of a lot of democrats.

[Orangepeel]

5. it wasn't just rumors in a paper

it was a fairly open secret in Florida political circles for years. I don't have any evidence or first hand knowledge, but I know people who claim to know.

It wasn't ever a problem for him when he was running against Democrats for congress, because no one ever made an issue of it. It wasn't until he started making noises about running in the republican primary for senate that other republicans (read: Bill McCullum) used it against him (and then, of course, blamed Democrats).

[otohara]

6. Locking - Dupe

Also, this was reported a few days ago. Please continue discussion here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=98280