Newsmaker

US Congressman to resign after affair tip-off

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-05-19 09:36

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee member Rep. Mark Souder, R-Ind. is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, in this photo taken Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010. [Agencies]

Souder, 59, has been married to Diane since 1974, according to the biography on his office website. They have three adult children and two grandchildren.

Souder was seeking a ninth term after winning the May 4 Republican primary with 48 percent of the vote. His GOP opponent, car dealer Bob Thomas, spent much of his own money on television commercials portraying Souder as a career politician who wasn't a true fiscal conservative. Souder countered by emphasizing his A-plus marks from the National Rifle Association and 100 percent rating from the National Right to Life Committee.

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In November, Souder was to face Democrat Tom Hayhurst, a former Fort Wayne city councilman who got 46 percent of the vote against Souder in 2006, the toughest challenge since Souder was first elected in 1994.

Hayhurst said in statement that his thoughts and prayers were with Souder and his family.

"I'm not running for Congress to run against anyone, but I'm running because I think I can help change Washington and that will not change not matter who is in the race," Hayhurst said.

Republicans hope the GOP tendencies will prevail in November in the district that John McCain carried by more than 10 points in the 2008 presidential election.

One possible Republican replacement for Souder is state Sen. Marlin Stutzman of Howe, who finished second to former Sen. Dan Coats in this month's GOP primary for the US Senate.

Souder's resignation continues a significant turnover among Indiana's congressional delegation this year.

Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh announced in February he wouldn't seek re-election, saying he had tired of Congress. Democratic Rep. Brad Ellsworth is leaving his southern Indiana seat to run for Bayh's position.

Republican Rep. Steve Buyer, who had been under fire over a foundation he'd set up to award college scholarships, said he January he wouldn't seek a 10th term in the House after his wife was diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease.