GOP Congressional Aide Kirk Fordham Resigns (suppressed Foley emails?)

[sabra]

http://abcnews.go.com/

Breaking News GOP CONGRESSIONAL AIDE KIRK FORDHAM RESIGNS AMID QUESTIONS OVER WHETHER HE SUPPRESSED INFORMATION ABOUT FOLEY EMAILS

more:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2006/10/top_gop_staffer.html

Top GOP Staffer Reportedly Fired for Role in Page Scandal

The chief of staff for Republican Congressman Tom Reynolds, Kirk Fordham, was reportedly fired today for his role in the handling of the congressional page scandal, according to Republican sources on Capitol Hill.

Fordham, a former chief of staff for Congressman Mark Foley, reportedly urged Republican leaders not to raise questionable Foley e-mails with the full Congressional Page Board, made up of two Republicans and a Democrat.

"He begged them not to tell the page board," said one of the Republican sources.

People familiar with Fordham's side of the story, however, said Fordham was being used as a scapegoat by Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.

They said Fordham had repeatedly warned Hastert's staff about Foley's "problem" with pages, but little was done.

[Greeby]

1. May he be the first of many

:toast:

[Stand and Fight]

9. Read the article... He's being set up as a scapegoat to deflect blame. n/t

[SnowGoose]

65. Two words: book deal.

What loyalty can they expect from someone they threw under the bus?

[Dr.Phool]

30. Last one thrown under the bus is a rotten egg!

[katty]

69. o yea...the tip of the iceberg melting fast

[BlueOysterCult]

78. I feel like having a party! ....

I dig this shit.. watching these idiots do the dance... oh, and don't forget.. if the Dems take over - we are going to raise taxes! God- can accept any blame - they'll probably blame Clinton for this scandal too

[xultar]

81. Ahh you missed it. He's the fall guy for ASShert.

[tridim]

2. Is he off to "rehab" too?

[calimary]

6. Oh yeah, blame it on the alcohol. And then the Democrats.

:eyes:

Um - how 'bout - just being a frickin' republi-CON mean-spirited, agenda-driven, power-hungry, vindictive, petty, deceitful, lowlife, sneaky-ass SHITHEAD!!!!!!?????

[Stand and Fight]

10. Read the article... He's being set up as a scapegoat to deflect blame. n/t

[hippiechick]

13. 'spending more time with his family' no doubt ...

:puke:

[lumpy]

31. He was fired.

x

[Nickster]

3. Bwaahahaaaa. The gift that keeps on giving. n/t

[allisonthegreat]

5. this is the october surprise....n/t

[Stand and Fight]

14. No... Read the article... n/t

[Stand and Fight]

12. Read the article... He's being set up as a scapegoat to deflect blame. n/t

[Nickster]

18. I'm sure that's what Denny intends, but I feel it will get him in the end.

I view this resignation as just the first of many. I'm hoping it strings out for a few more weeks with a resignation every few days.

[Stand and Fight]

25. I certainly hope so...

I was just appauled that so many DUers will celebrate when they should instead try to spread the truth -- the Republican leadership in Congress is going to try to throw this guy under the bus to save themselves. We cannot allow that falsehood -- that he is solely the one to blame -- to take root in the public mindset. We must hammer away at the Culture of Corruptiion in the Republican Congress up through election day to win. They play hard ball and they win. That's the way we ought to play it unless we want to lose again.

[allisonthegreat]

34. i read the article & Hasert should resign

Whether Hasert's staff gave him the information or not Hasert should resign. There is to much evidenence that Hasert knew about Foley. Off with his head.

[eggplant]

so I think what you are saying is...

...that he's being scapegoated? :shrug:

[Botany]

4. Wonder if he has seen the drunk priest?

[Skinner]

7. This article says he was fired (ABC NEWS - 10 minutes ago)

Top GOP Staffer Reportedly Fired for Role in Page Scandal

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2006/10/top_gop_staffer.html

ON EDIT: Now it says "Top GOP Staffer Forced Out for Role in Page Scandal

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2006/10/top_gop_staffer.html

[Stand and Fight]

15. Thank you, Skinner...

No one seems to read the article and key in on the fact that the guy is basically being setup as a scapegoat to deflect blame from Hastert and the rest of those truly responsible.

[allisonthegreat]

55. agreed...

so of course he was fired because hasert and company were scared he or others would come forward.

[Stand and Fight]

8. Did anyone read the damn article?

It says that this is an attempt by FatBastard -- I mean Hastert -- to deflect blame from himself. Don't take the bait so easily... He's being set up as a bloody dammed patsy.

[MadMaddie]

22. No you were right the first time...Hastert is "Fat Bastard"

[Stand and Fight]

27. Yeah, he's a nasty looking turd....

I keep expecting him to be talking and to go the way of the head doctor in "Office Space." :rofl:

[hootinholler]

37. GET IN ME BELLY! n/t

[dave29]

11. now says "forced out"

interesting

[Stand and Fight]

16. Scapegoat... This is far from over. n/t

[yellowcanine]

17. That's two (counting Foley). I figure at least three more congress

critters need to go - Hastert, Boner, and Reynolds. There may be some more aides also. And AG Gonzales for not following up the leads in July.

[hedda_foil]

21. Don't forget Shimkus, for heavens sake!

[MadMaddie]

19. Fordam is blaming the Democrats for his resignation...

[TheCowsCameHome]

26. Great - We'll happily take credit any way we can get it.

Just as long as they GO.

[Dhalgren]

64. You know, I read that and it looked more like something he said

to mollify his ex-bosses than an actual finger pointing at Dems. I mean, he says very plainly that he in no way impeded an investigation into this matter by House leaders. He says flat out that anyone who says he did is lying (in essence). Then he says the Dems are trying to use this against his boss and most of the country says, "Oh really, and who is your boss, again, and what is his connection to this mess?" Making that statement drags his boss, Reynolds(?), under the bus with him - and he says he in no way obstructed or counseled against an investigation. This is not a good thing for the Pukes...

[Nickster]

20. Mr Fordham, this is your cue....please step up to the mike and let us all

know what you knew and when you knew it.

[kestrel91316]

63. I'm sure the FBI will want to have a little chat with him.

[Old and In the Way]

23. Kirk, anything you want to tell us?

Now would be a great time to get it off your chest. Looks like they are trying to make you the fall guy.

You have to love the "Party of Personal Reponsibility".

[Stand and Fight]

28. My thoughts exactly...

So many fake facets to the Republican Party, and so little time to examine them all...

[TheCowsCameHome]

24. Tip of the iceberg, me thinks.

[bluestateguy]

29. Guess they have to throw somebody overboard to protect the party

nt

[Supersedeas]

32. looks like Rove found a willing 'patsy'

[skypilot]

33. Resigned, Fired, Forced Out?

Whichever one it is I just hope that now that he's out maybe he'll sing--especially if he feels that he is being made a scapegoat. No one wants their name associated with pedophilia or anything of the sort. If this guy feels that he is being made to look like an accomplice in Foley's indiscretions (to say the least) I think he'll blab.

[ShortnFiery]

57. No, methinks there was money handed to him under the table plus

promises of future employment within the RNC. :(

[BootinUp]

35. Don't be distracted sensationalist media whores! hes the small fish.

[YDogg]

36. Not enough.

[ShortnFiery]

38. It's blame the privates' (staffers') time! What Values and Accountability?

:puke: The GOP leadership is also making overtures that they may shut down the entire Page Program. Oh that's a brilliant idea they think will make the present Pages "dummy up." :eyes:

These Leaders do register 10 on the *SMARMY* Scale. :P

[Divernan]

39. Forced Out Staffer Issues Statement

www.blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2006/10/forced_out_staf.html

Kirk Fordham today issued the following statement:

"I have resigned today from Congressman Tom Reynolds' office. It is clear the Democrats are intent on making me a political issue in my boss's race, and I will not let them do so.

I want to clarify a few things: When I sought to help Congressman Foley and his family when his shocking secrets were being revealed, I did so as a friend of my former boss, not as Congressman Reynolds' Chief of Staff. I reached out to the Foley family, as any good friend would, because I was worried about their emotional well-being.

At the same time, I want it to be perfectly clear that I never attempted to prevent any inquiries or investigation of Foley's conduct by House officials or any other authorities.

Like so many, I feel betrayed by Mark Foley's indefensible behavior. Again, I will not allow the Democrats to make me a political issue in my boss's race, and I will fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation."

(End of statement)

My query: Who comprises Mark Foley's "family", other than his lover, the society dermatologist in Palm Springs? Are we about to see a couple of elderly parents wheeled out? If he has any nephews, one hopes the "family" kept them out of harm's way.

[Stand and Fight]

40. "It's the most wonderful time of the year..."

Ain't it though?

They're done.

[skypilot]

41. What have I missed?

How are the Democrats making him the issue?

[Stand and Fight]

46. He's trying to fall on his sword and deflect the hail of bullets...

By blaming the Democratic Party of course. It's a wonderful strawman argument, but it's not going to work. When he says "Democrats" in his statement think "Republican." It's projection, only somewhat external. ;)

[skypilot]

50. I had high hopes for this guy.

I thought that in order to get the taint off of him that will be left after being made a scapegoat, he would speak up about who all were really responsible. But alas, he's doing the whiny "the Dems were out to get me" crap.

[Stand and Fight]

58. I read it differently...

I interpret his statement as one that he is going to spill the beans if pressured. Here's my thread on the matter:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2310783&mesg_id=2310783

[skypilot]

66. I hope that's the case...

...but I get the feeling that the "liberal media" will focus on the portion of his statement that blames the Democrats. We'll see how it plays out. Quite frankly, I think he is already "pressured". To lose a job with this particular cloud hanging over your head seems like pressure to me. No one wants to be known as someone who covered for a pedophile. I would be spilling my guts right now if I were in such a situation.

[EST]

62. Amazing, huh? Enemies behind every bush.

I keep hearing from voice after voice from the "take personal responsibility by blaming the devil, demon drink, and democrats" party, saying they are surrounded by demon dems with torches and pitchforks yet the only thing I'm hearing from democrats is an unexpected firmness and refusal to do the usual "humma, humma, mea don no who culpa" crapola.

I suppose there are a few, here and there, who are taking a proactive approach and stunning a few publiclowns by yelling and refusing to be their batter bitches. I happen to think it's appropriate and it sure is surprising to the faux "family values" crowd!

[Stand and Fight]

42. That idiot Fordham just handed Democrats just what we need:

"At the same time, I want it to be perfectly clear that I never attempted to prevent any inquiries or investigation of Foley's conduct by House officials or any other authorities."

Fool.

[sam sarrha]

43. they are jumping ship and running scaird... doubt anyone has targeted them

except the FBI...:rofl: :woohoo: :applause: :bounce: :wow: :nopity:

[MsKandice01]

44. In other words....

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh...it's all the Democrats fault...waaaaaa waaaa waaaaaahhh

[Mabus]

45. So, now it's "Foley's family" and not just Mark

Nice little subliminal message there don't you think?

[yellowcanine]

47. The Fucker is still lying. I would bet he was the "fixer" on the 100

grand. Foley didn't just fork over that dough to Reynolds without there at least being some winks and nudges.

[jaysunb]

48. What do "Democrats" have to do with this ???

These people truly ARE nuts ! :evilfrown:

[kurth]

49. "I will not allow the Democrats to make a political issue"

Yeah, whatever, asshole. Go hang yourself.

[dave29]

51. once again it's the DEM's fault

just like Iraq
just like Katrina
just like the economy
just like the entire colossal failure of the last six years of Republican's "Ownership" of the Government.

yuh-huh.

[hippiechick]

52. whine ... whine .... whine ...

:puke: Asshat.

[DURHAM D]

53. All I can say is that I hope Kirk is not gay. The last thing

I want to hear from Pat Buchanan is that "Kirk is part of the gay cabal on the Hill and they all protect each other so they can happily and secretly live their gay lifestyle while abusing children".

I pray - Please, please don't let Kirk Fordham be gay.

[killbotfactory]

56. Big meanie democrats

trying to get to the bottom a politician chasing underage tail and his enablers.

mean mean meanies.

[lebkuchen]

71. This is how the GOP plans to recruit more voters? by passing the blame?

to a group that has nothing remotely to do with the problem?

Soon the GOP will have to PAY OFF voters to align with its party, a policy similar to that of the Army Recruitment Office.

It's going to take more than an offer of $40,000 to get me to vote for a republican.

[Supersedeas]

75. could it be a Dem's fault that he 'threatened' a victim--or alcoholism too

[civildisoBDence]

83. It's the Democrats' fault, of course

Just like if (when) we lose in Iraq, it'll be because Democrats wanted to cut and run.

Newsprism

[The Stranger]

54. Now there is blood in the water.

If the FBI ever had an axe to grind, I hope they bury it in the back of the GOP.

[Garbo 2004]

59. IIRC, ABC said Fordham would give them "exclusive" of Foley's resignation

IF they didn't quote material from the sexually explicit IM's. ABC published the IM's and also made the proposed "deal" public.

[lapfog_1]

60. Isn't Reynolds the recipient of the $100K "contribution"

from Foley?

It sounded like hush money or extortion to me.

Maybe this staffer is the one that set that up.

[MaineDem]

67. Reynolds is head of the RCCC

...or whatever the GOP calls its election committee. I think they got the contribution but Reynolds has his hands in it.

[lapfog_1]

72. It's the same...

See, if I control a large fund that I can use to promote issue X or person Y, that's enormous
power. So, do I have a motivation in having a wayward member of my party contribute a large
sum of money to the fund I control... YOU BET YOUR SWEET PAGE'S VIRGINAL BUTT I DO!

So the primary question is "Did Reynolds, having found out about foleys follies,
make a not so veiled suggestion that Foley contribute a substantial amount to the RCCC in return
for not forcing Foley to resign in shame??? And if he did, isn't Reynolds guilty of a number
of crimes?

And did this staffer have a role in that extortion?

[MaineDem]

82. Excellent...and valid...questions.

I hope we see answers to them.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

61. This sounds more and more like a "sex ring" in charge of a boarding school!

[Trouser Trout]

68. Just give Fordham a little time

If he doesn't get rubbed out, he'll eventually squeal like a pig and rat out the rest of this scum.

[The Backlash Cometh]

70. I hope he has more t o say.

[K8-EEE]

73. GOP, The Buck Stops At Misc "Top Staffer."

This is bullshit.

[Hosnon]

74. The subject line says he "[r]esign[ed]" but the body of the article says

he was "fired".

Which is it?

[mirandapriestly]

76. So , it looks like Kirk Fordham is gay

I wonder how that plays into the GOP's decision to scapegoat him. Fordham was the finance director for mel martinez, an anti-gay right wing GOP senator.

"The moral corruption of the gay-bashing stunt was underscored by extensive coverage in the Washington Blade, a gay weekly in the capital, of two top advisers to Martinez who the newspaper says are homosexual. Kirk Fordham, Martinez's finance director, and former Christian Coalition of Florida head John Dowless, have not denied the reports of their sexual orientation. In July, Dowless declined to discuss the matter with the Blade, telling reporter Mubarak Dahir, "I'm just not going to address that with you." But Dahir reported that an unidentified Blade editor had met Dowless at a gay bar in Orlando in April..."

http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feature/2004/10/08/florida_senate_race/print.html?pn=3

strangely, martinez is also involved with a lot of catholic charities and was brought from Cuba as a child in the Catholic church's "Operation Peter Pan", which was rumored to be a CIA operation.

[NVMojo]

77. smells like Scapegoat Fever in the GOP!!

[KikiDisme]

79. I just heard he was FIRED...

He should totally spill the beans even more than he has.

[lpbk2713]

80. This is really starting to SNOWBALL.

"What did you know and when did you know it?"



The rethugs have always liked investigations, let them start one about five weeks from now. This is good, I love it.

[DeBunk]

84. Soooo, who thinks this guy made a deal with Boehner

Quit Reynolds, throw Hastert under the bus, and I'll hire you.