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. (Read complete story.) 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. Click here to find out more! "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." Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.