Another Gay Republican Sex Scandal

One fellow legislator, Richard DeBolt, says "troubling details" continue to emerge.

Richard Curtis

(OLYMPIA, Wash.) - Another Republican legislator has resigned his office amid reports of hidden homosexuality and a sex scandal. This time it is State Representative Richard Curtis from the neighboring state of Washington. He is the latest elected member from the GOP to watch his career go down in flames. See this article for more information on some of the others: Republican Sex Scandals Dwarf Those of Democrats.

Washington's House Republican Leader Representative Richard DeBolt, expressed a sentiment that is shared among other legislators. As anyone can imagine, it's the last thing they wanted to see happen.

"I am very disappointed by the news reports of the conduct by Rep. Curtis last week in Spokane. After discussing this matter with House Republican leaders, he has submitted his resignation, which we feel is best for everyone involved."

DeBolt referenced "the troubling details" that continue to emerge. He says it has to spell the end of for Curtis' time in office.

"And it has become clear that he can no longer effectively represent the constituents who elected him. We pray that Richard and his family have the strength and support they need to meet the personal challenges they face."

News sources report that Curtis had sex with a man he met at a pornographic video store. It is alleged to have happened while he was in Spokane on a party retreat.

When the news hit, Curtis wasted no time in hitting the road.

"Today I submitted my letter of resignation to Governor Gregoire effective immediately. While I believe we've done some good and helped a lot of people during the time I served in the Legislature, events that have recently come to light have hurt a lot of people. I sincerely apologize for any pain my actions may have caused."

The most awkward part is likely the fact that just days ago, Richard Curtis insisted to a local newspaper reporter that he wasn't gay. He also said sex was not involved in what he called, "an extortion attempt by a man last week." The man's name is Cody Castagna.

But in police reports detailing the event, Curtis states that he was being extorted by a man he had sex with in a Spokane hotel room. The other man reportedly contends that Representative Curtis backed out of a promise to pay $1,000 for the sexual encounter.

As anyone would imagine, this new revelation is taking a toll on this public servant and his family.

"This has been damaging to my family, and I don't want to subject them to any additional pain that might result from carrying out this matter under the scrutiny that comes with holding public office."