Associated Press
10-02-06
On Stop In Iowa, Massachusetts Senator Sounds Off On Scandal
Kerry Upset By Congressional E-Mail Scandal
AMES, Iowa -- Former presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry said the House
Republican leadership failed to protect children when it hid an e-mail scandal.
The White House and Democratic leaders in Congress called on Monday for a
criminal probe into former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley's sexually suggestive electronic
messages to teenage boys working as pages in the House of Representatives.
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Kerry and his wife were in Iowa on Monday to campaign on behalf of several
Democratic candidates. During a visit to Iowa State University, Kerry said that
Congress failed to protect children in the case.
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"If that were in the private sector, somebody would be fired," Kerry said. "If that
were in the school and the principal, they'd be gone. Congress has to live by the
same standards as the rest of the country."
Kerry is just one of many Democrats demanding answers and accountability.
Kerry said he was appalled by the Republican leadership's attempt to cover up
the e-mails.
"As a former prosecutor, I will tell you I'm really angry that those in positions of
responsibility saw fit to care more about power and politics and a person running
for re-election than they did about protecting children," the Massachusetts
senator said.
Kerry wouldn't comment on how this might affect the Republican Party in the
November election, but he said it should send a strong message to voters as to
the need for change.
"If people are responsible for doing something, and they let down children, and
they let down parents, and they don't live up to values, I think you got to hold
them accountable," Kerry said.
Iowa Sen. Charles Grassely issued a statement in response to the allegations
that said: "Foley's actions were deplorable, and he should face the
consequences. We simply cannot expect parents from across the country to
send their kids to the nation's capital to participate in one of the most rewarding
experiences they will ever have, and have this cloud hanging in the air. Parents
need to know that their kids are entering a safe environment."
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