WALSH STATEMENT ON FOLEY RESIGNATION

(Syracuse, NY)- "Congressman Mark Foley's resignation from Congress surrounding his attempt to establish a relationship with a former House page makes me both very angry and sad. 

"Angry that a Member of Congress would betray a trust and use his position to prey upon a young person, and sad that this young man who went to Washington to participate in the page program with a sense of idealism and respect for the institution will now be forever affected by this experience.  His look at Congress and our government will be tainted by the aggressions of one individual.

"This situation requires an immediate and complete look at the Congressional page program to ensure that its young participants are protected.  The Speaker has called for a full investigation by the Department of Justice, and an FBI investigation has begun.  Secondly, the Speaker has asked the Governor of Florida to determine whether any Florida laws have been broken.  That's good.

"We need a complete and thorough accounting of the situation.  Anyone - and I stress anyone - who had knowledge of the situation and failed to act must be held accountable. 

"This is but another sad example that we can never do enough to protect our kids from child predators.  They exist in every walk of life.  That fact is extremely unsettling."

To read a 10/3 story in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle on Mr. Walsh's position, click here http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006610030351

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