He survived a bitter primary two weeks ago, but now the Indiana Republican reportedly plans to resign amid allegations of an affair. According to Fox News, Rep. Mark Souder will announce his resignation today after it was revealed he had an affair with a female who worked on his district office staff. The extent of the affair would likely have landed him in front of the House Ethics Committee.
"I wish I could have been a better example," Souder reportedly will say, according to a statement obtained by Fox News. "In this poisonous environment of Washington, D.C., any personal failing is seized upon, often twisted, for political gain. I am resigning rather than to put my family through that painful, drawn-out process."
The eight-term Congressman reportedly believes he "sinned against God, my wife and my family by having a mutual relationship with a part-time member of my staff."
Souder has been absent from Washington, D.C. most of last week, Fox News reported, missing several votes. He has denied having an affair in the past. He has been a vocal supporter of "traditional family values," and first took office in 1994.
"I believe that Congress must fight to uphold the traditional values that undergird the strength of our nation," he says on his Web site. "I am committed to preserving traditional marriage, the union of one man and one woman."
Indiana's Gov. Mitch Daniels, a Republican, will be required to select a replacement for Souder, which will likely spark a fierce political battle among Democrats and the GOP.
New York's Rep. Eric Massa similarly resigned his House seat earlier this year after accusations he sexually harassed a male staffer.
