Mark Souder Resigns After Sex Scandal

Mark Souder's extramarital affair is nothing short of shocking and hypercritical. The representative has built a career characterized by family values, conservatism, and morality. According to On The Issues, The Rep. of Indiana's 3^rd congressional district has taken staunch conservative stances on issues like abortion and online gambling. During his term he has clearly stated his opposition on both controversial issues.

Ironically, he was one of Politician Larry Craig's harshest critics during his gay sex scandal /debacle. He immediately called for resignation. Now, it appears that Mark Souder has a lot more in common with Larry Craig then it initially appeared. He has also opposed other Republican politicians who have faced scandal. The hypocritical Souder distances himself from scandal for his own political advantage. He claims to be a moral, religious politician who holds others accountable for their actions; however he fails tremendously with his own actions.

As an Indiana voter, I have never voted for Mark Souder. I am not part of Indiana's 3rd district. Prior to this sudden scandal, Souder was a very conservative representative for Indiana. He has had the most impact on Indiana's young people. His provisions to federal student aid place severe restrictions on drug use to students who receive financial aid. Federal aid is taken away from a college student who has been convicted on drug charges. He also has an interesting obsession with marijuana. It's unclear why. The judgmental politician makes outrageous claims about marijuana without any substantial evidence.

Overall, many of Souder's political stances are strongly conservative, and considered "morally correct" by the right. Unfortunately all of his beliefs and values are no longer backed up by his actions. He has destroyed his political career. It is over. Politicians rarely overcome scandal, especially when it destroys their public image. Mark Souder no longer looks like a moral Indiana born politician. He is now just another lying Washington politician. Souder had an excellent chance at winning the election in the fall, but he has completely blown it.

Souder's political scandal could potentially be detrimental to the Republican Party in Indiana. He betrayed the trust o his state's residents. Souder's actions wouldn't be nearly as alarming if he didn't make such black and white statements on complex moral and societal issues. Republicans will always appear to be hypocritical when they become involved in scandals like this. Republicans needs to distance their party from moral issues for this very reason.