Ex-U.S. Rep. Foley returns to GOP scene, four years after grounding in scandal

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/ex-u-s-rep-foley-returns-to-gop-1231532.html

By George Bennett Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Posted: 5:14 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011

Former Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, a pariah with many in the GOP after he abruptly resigned in a 2006 Internet sex scandal, is slowly regaining acceptance with some local Republicans.

Foley spoke to a Palm Beach County Young Republicans meeting last week -- his first time headlining a GOP event since his resignation -- and on Tuesday he introduced new U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation, at the grand opening of West's district office in West Palm Beach.

Foley's resignation over sexually charged e-mails to male former congressional pages came less than six weeks before the 2006 midterm elections. Many Republicans said Foley's disgrace contributed to the Democratic wave that swept away GOP control of the House and Senate that year.

There was criticism when the Young Republicans announced via Twitter and Facebook that Foley would be speaking at last week's meeting in West Palm Beach.

"Have you people lost your minds?" one critic tweeted.

[monmouth]

1. He is such a creep. He will do anything he can to get back in the

game and yet, he just doesn't get the message. He does have his followers, he backed Allen West for rep. He got booted out of the race to run for mayor of West Palm. He does have a radio show, at least I think he still has it and I believe he still has his real estate license and his boyfriend is a plastic surgeon. Retire Mark, you're over.

[Kennah]

2. What are you people? On dope?

[Chipper Chat]

3. Allan West "let" Foley introduce him?

That's as unbelievable as Anita Bryant being introduced by Lady Gaga.

[old mark]

4. K&R- Just in time to run for president in 2012!....nt

[emulatorloo]

5. I thought he got in trouble for chatting up "Young Republicans"

So why are they having him headline their event?

[madinmaryland]

6. Welcome back to the National Republican Stage, Mark!1!

Please, you can give Boner some advice!

:rofl: