Missouri Republicans were rocked today as Speaker John Diehl, who is viewed as the Republican voice on the floor in Jefferson City was caught engaged in an affair with a college aged intern.
http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/...
"I take full responsibility for my actions and am truly sorry to those I let down. I apologize for the poor judgment I displayed that put me and those closest to me in this situation. I also regret that the woman has been dragged into this situation. The buck stops here. I ask for forgiveness. I will begin immediately working to restore the trust of those closest to me, and getting back to the important work that is required in the final days of session."
Diehl, while admitting the affair is unprepared to step down, as his affair is unlikely to be seen as a hindrance to his work in the statehouse - which of course involves his active role in protecting the sanctity of straight only marriage.
Speaker Diehl has a long history of work on legislation to stop the education about and the existence of LGBT members in Missouri.
http://www.stltoday.com/...
House Speaker Steve Tilley, R-Perryville, Majority Leader Tim Jones, R-Eureka, and Rules Committee Chairman John Diehl, R-Town and Country, are co-sponsors of House Bill 2051, which contains just one sentence:
"Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no instruction, material, or extracurricular activity sponsored by a public school that discusses sexual orientation other than in scientific instruction concerning human reproduction shall be provided in any public school."
The purpose of the bill, which mimics others that have been passed and overturned by courts elsewhere, is to ban Gay-Straight Alliances from forming.
Diehl has been a key advocate in working to stop gay marriage in Missouri, praised by the American Family Association who have honored him once this year.
The content of his sexting escapades appeared in the papers today:
Her: "You better take care of me."
Diehl: "Like how?"
Her: "I'll bet you'll figure it out."
Diehl: "I dunno. You have always been disappointed;)"
Her: "I just have high expectations, I guess. Thus far, you've done pretty well (an emoji blows a kiss)"
Diehl: ":). I kinda want to hear what you are expecting"
Then, shortly after, he types: "You will be in good hands :)"
Members of the house body are at this moment circulating letters urging Diehl to resign:
I've been informed by house members there is very little chance that Diehl resigns despite the scandal, unless additional information is provided.
Diehl remains committed to his family, and of course asks for privacy in this difficult time as he tries to honor the bounds of traditional marriage.