Rep. Trent Franks resigning from Congress

[Arizona Freedom Alliance]

Arizona Congressman Trent Franks has announced his decision to resign from Congress, according to a statement he released Thursday on the matter.

Trent said he will leave his seat on Jan. 31, 2018 following complaints from two of his employees, with whom he discussed the subject of becoming a surrogate for he and his wife, who he said have had difficulty with fertility.

The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics had previously released a statement announcing an investigation into the congressman regarding possible sexual harassment.

"Pursuant to the Committee's action, the Investigation Subcommittee shall have jurisdiction to determine whether Representative Trent Franks engaged in conduct that constitutes sexual harassment and/or retaliation for opposing sexual harassment, in violation of House Rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct," the statement said.

In Trent's resignation letter said he "absolutely never physically intimidated, coerced, or had, or attempted to have, any sexual contact with any member of my congressional staff."

"However, I do want to take full and personal responsibility for the ways I have broached a topic that, unbeknownst to me until very recently, made certain individuals uncomfortable."

The congressman elaborated on his and his wife's difficulty with fertility and adoption through the years and wanted to have another child, in addition to their twins. He said because of his "familiarity and experience with the process" he "clearly became insensitive" about how discussing surrogacy "might affect others."

Trent said he learned of the committee's intention to open an inquiry into the matter and doesn't believe he'd have a fair investigation "before distorted and sensationalized versions of this story" brought criticism onto those involved.

Foxnews.com

[Jay clagg]

Swamp draining

[Mike White]

I don't think he is one of the obstructive and undermining RINOs.

[Silence A. Dogood]

Why do I get the feeling there is a lot more to this story than asking someone to be a surrogate?

That doesn't seem like something that reasonable people would condemn him for.

[Jack Wilborn]

Unless he wanted a physical insemination bypassing a doctor, if you get my drift... There are many ways he may 'have broached a topic' that could have been a problem.

Senator Franks lost my support when he advised me and my wife when he stated he knew better what I wanted than we did.

Zip support for our Veterans...

Jack :)

[Angie Anderson]

Strange and does not smell right...

[Jack Wilborn]

Do PC's have any part of appointing a replacement?

[John5319]

I hear the footsteps of Robert Graham coming our way ....

[Mike White]

We will see Governor Ducey's true colors (and political links), whatever they really are, after he deals with filling this vacancy.  Is he a GOPe devotee, or is he a Center-Right (or, even better, a Right) Republican?  This may provide a good litmus test as to this true political construct.

[Mike White]

Assuming he did so politely and respectfully, with no hint of a resultant reproach if the lady were to say no, there is nothing remotely approaching harassment in making such a request.  If anything, it is a compliment, in not an outright honor.

[John5319]

You are so right ... a no ... is a no ... unless the politics of personal destruction is at hand by the establishment pundits. Do you want fries with that order ????? No thanks is not harassment. I agree with you that is not harassment unless he kept up continual repeated questioning AFTER the no. 

Harassment: (1) to annoy persistently (2) to create an unpleasant or hostile situation for especially by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct.

We are in a world today where the meaning of the words ARE NOT fully understood by the ignorant, and the useful idiots. 

[Larry Grafanakis]

Uh, just a trial balloon ........ would any woman out there like to carry my child?  Nothing sexual or lasting relationship, of course.

[Mike White]

Surrogacy generally implies IVF rather than sexual intercourse, to the best of my knowledge.