State Rep. Richard Curtis, R- La Center, resigned today. He was the victim in an alleged extortion attempt in Spokane that involved a man he had a tryst with.
David Postman has this, but earlier asked whether Curtis should resign.
What’s odd about this case — among many other things — is it is not clear if there was any wrongdoing on Curtis’ part that would threaten his career. Certainly his activities will embarrass him and his family. And I don’t think anyone can help but feel sorry for his wife and children who have to deal with the fallout of this. But Curtis is not being charged with any crime and could have been a victim himself. With Larry Craig, it was his guilty plea that Republican Senate leaders leaned on in calling for his immediate resignation.
That said, look for Curtis to soon announce he’s quitting the Legislature. His personal life is obviously in turmoil and it is difficult to imagine he can manage to do the public business under these circumstances.
Here are the statements posted on the Washington House Republicans site.
Statement from Rep. Richard Curtis
“Today I submitted my letter of resignation to Governor Gregoire effective immediately. While I believe we’ve done some good and helped a lot of people during the time I served in the Legislature, events that have recently come to light have hurt a lot of people. I sincerely apologize for any pain my actions may have caused.
“This has been damaging to my family, and I don’t want to subject them to any additional pain that might result from carrying out this matter under the scrutiny that comes with holding public office.”
Statement from House Republican Leader Rep. Richard DeBolt
“I am very disappointed by the news reports of the conduct by Rep. Curtis last week in Spokane. After discussing this matter with House Republican leaders, he has submitted his resignation, which we feel is best for everyone involved. The troubling details continue to emerge, however, it has become clear that he can no longer effectively represent the constituents who elected him. We pray that Richard and his family have the strength and support they need to meet the personal challenges they face.”
I find myself feeling a little bit sorry for these closeted “wide stance” Republican men, and for their families, of course.
What an awful life to lead – to have to hire prostitutes and/or to hang out in public restrooms in order to have sex.
Isn’t there some kind of support group for these guys? Can the Log Cabin Republicans help them?
One thing I notice about the democrats , they seem to really enjoy a certain kind of story that exposes personal hypocracy and the hurt it causes within the family , its like they love the sin but hate the sinner .
It is unfortunate we have forgotten what we are, human animal. We should now be asking all the others to be more carefull in there personal life or just tell us what you are. Your voting record will support you, help against your enemies. Each of the ones mention, have voted for the core values of the united states of america that’s power. Your enemies do not care about U.S. only there personal ignorance, do they care about. Our society spends BILLIONS on SEX toys, movies,etc for there own enjoyment. My question to society, just how pure are you?
Alfred E. Booth
I don’t hate them, I think its terribly sad that they can’t be comfortable with their own sexuality.
That they are so full self loathing and scared that they risk everything.. career, family, reputation. They’re the ones hurting themselves here, by pushing anti-minority legislation and oppose minority rights while leading these secret lives.
I couldn’t care less about the sexuality of an elected, whether Democrat or Republican. Though I do feel for family members who must also walk through the fire after their spouse has cheated or what have you. And if the politico decides to resign, so be it. It’s their decision to make.
However, the idea that one might be ashamed or conflicted about being homosexual – or even bisexual – isn’t new or difficult to understand.