UPDATE: Blogger "Outs" Craig
Craig denies accusations that he has engaged in same-sex relations
by Shea AndersenArticle Tools
Please see update below
The hullabaloo over former Congressman Mark Foley, a Republican, apparently hasn't fazed U.S. Sen. Larry Craig. Just as Washington, D.C. is abuzz with news about Foley's sexually explicit e-mails to high-school pages that served in the House, Craig put out word last week that his office is accepting applications for new pages to serve on Capitol Hill.
"The Senate Page program offers high school students the opportunity to work side by side with U.S. Senators," Craig said in a prepared statement. "They gain valuable experience and have a chance to be directly involved in their government."
He does add a note for parents: "I have worked closely with the Senate Page program for the past nine years and have continued to be impressed by their professionalism and care for the pages. I am confident the pages are safe, but I encourage parents to contact my office if they have any concerns."
Idaho Democrats briefly seized upon the Foley matter earlier this month, but despite some mentions, Democrats got little traction in the state's media.
Now Doug Nilson, an Idaho State University political science professor, thinks Democrats might be onto something. Disgust over the Foley scandal, Nilson said, could turn off Christian conservatives on Election Day--something that could threaten the prospects of Republican Bill Sali's run for Congress. "I think there's a lot of people that will just stay home on election day," Nilson said.
Update: Just as Boise Weekly went to press, a gay activist announced on a nationally-syndicated radio program that U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, a Republican, has engaged in same-sex relations for several years.
Mike Rogers, who contributes to www.blogactive.com, said after two years of research that he was "100 percent solid" with his information, and that he had spoken with men who had been sex partners with Craig.
The accusations, which were based on anonymous sources, were met with scorn and immediate denial by Craig spokesman Sid Smith in Boise.
"Mr. Rogers' claims are completely ridiculous and not based in fact," Smith said. "They're just ridiculous."
Rogers made his claims on "The Ed Schultz Show," a liberal talk show that is not broadcast in the Treasure Valley but that can be heard online.
Rogers has made it his niche in the gay activist realm to "out" conservative Republicans who, like Craig, have voted against gay rights issues. In June, Craig voted to approve a Constitutional ban on gay marriage. He is married to the former Suzanne Thompson. They have three children.
"I won't say he's gay," Rogers said. "Maybe he's bisexual. I will say he has sexual encounters with men" and then votes against their issues, Rogers said.
Schultz, the radio host, called the allegations "a pretty inflammatory report on a man's reputation." Rogers said he was confident in his information, and that he was prepared for any legal action Craig might take.
But Smith said he doubted Craig would take action. "The thinking around here is, that would give this more credibility than it really deserves."
The story was reported today by the Spokane Spokesman-Review and the Idaho State Journal in Pocatello. The Idaho Statesman has not covered the story to date.
Susan Wheeler, spokeswoman for U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, declined to comment.
Brian Fischer, the director of the Idaho Values Alliance and whom Rogers referred to in his interview, said in an e-mailed statement to supporters that, "because his "evidence" comes from sources who have refused to come forward and identify themselves, but instead have chosen to remain anonymous, it should be given no weight."
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Senator Larry Craig's response should insult the intelligence of all citizens from Idaho. He isn't kidding anyone. Hiding behind his wife reminds me of Congressman Ed Schrock when he got caught in his "bisexual flings." This week is supposedly "National Character week." Senator Craig needs to show some character and finally be honest about his hidden sexual exploits with same sex partners.
Anyone who dismisses Mike Roger’s report out of hand is either naďve or has his own agenda. It would do skeptics well to consider the following facts: When Michael Rogers reported on Foley’s homosexuality over a year ago, Foley denied it, just as Craig has through his spokesman. Of course, we know now that Rogers was right. Former Congressman Ed Schrock also denied the report about his gay sexcapades that Rogers posted about him. Curiously, though, Schrock withdrew from his reelection campaign at the last minute. Why? Because Rogers had incontrovertible proof. Rep. Kolbe, who is now implicated in yet another page scandal being investigated by the FBI, denied for years that he was gay until the Advocate magazine threatened to out him. He chose to come out himself. Rep. David Dreier’s name is now just beginning to be mentioned in the mainstream press as a member of the Republican “gay cabal.” His homosexuality has been an open secret in Washington. Why was he passed over as majority leader, even after his name was announced as the successor to Tom DeLay? Because the religious right knew he was gay, and they would not tolerate a gay man as Republican majority leader. Why is Craig not speaking to the allegation directly? Because he does not want to go on the record denying what he fears will ultimately be confirmed. Why does his spokesman say he will not sue? Because truth is an absolute defense to slander. Why is Brian Fischer, the director of the Idaho Values Alliance, so quick to dismiss the report? Because Craig does Fischer’s bidding. Do not be deceived by the “values” in the organization’s name. Any organization who claims to represent “values,” really represents a very narrow agenda, usually based on repressing gays. As long as Craig promises to be committed to voting against gay rights, organizations like the Idaho Values Alliance will turn a blind eye to his private sexual life. The Republican Party and the religious right have a vested interest in keeping its politicians in the closet, as long as those politicians vote against gay causes. Anyone else, the radical right is happy and eager to smear and accuse of being, as witnessed by Sec. of State Blackwell’s accusation against his Democratic opponent in the Ohio gubernatorial race. Finally, watch the videos posted on Roger’s blog, www.blogactive.com, that show a very nervous Larry Craig denying similar charges in 1982. It was immediately after he was tied to a homosexual sex scandal in 1982 that he married an employee and adopted her children in order to create a cover. The only other “natural’ move to deflect suspicion would be to become rabidly homophobic, which his voting record proves he did.
Everyone in Idaho has for years heard the rumors that Craig is gay. Finally, the rumor is out--the disappointment is that the Statesman is too cowardly to report on this Who cares whether Craig is gay or not--the fact is that he denies what appears to be reality and is so hypocritical to vote again gay issues again and again.
>>>Rogers has made it his niche in the gay activist realm to "out" conservative Republicans who, like Craig, have voted against gay rights issues.<<< At least one Senate Democrat is on his hit list. It's not party, it's about hypocracy...
Sure wish we could get the truth about Florida, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate, CHARLIE CRIST! IN THE CLOSET, PARTIER AND FORMER ROOMMATE OF MARK FOLEY!!!!!!!
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