Rep. Ed Schrock, R-Va., hastily ended his bid for reelection with a brief statement released on the afternoon of Aug. 30. It did not refer to the fact that he had been caught seeking to have sex with men. The GOP has until Friday to replace is name on the ballot.
'In recent weeks allegations have surfaced that have called into question my ability to represent the citizens of Virginia's Second Congressional District,' Schrock said in a released statement announcing his withdrawal. 'After much thought and prayer, I have come to the realization that these allegations will not allow my campaign to focus on the real issues facing our nation and region.'
He did not mention the allegations, but on Aug. 19, a posting on blogACTIVE.com said that Schrock 'has made a habit of rendezvousing with gay men via the MegaMates/MegaPhone Line, an interactive telephone service on which men place ads and respond.'
It later added an audio file purported to be Schrock's ad, in which he describes himself as 200 pounds, 6'4' 'very muscular, very buffed up, very tanned. I'd like to get together with a guy just to play ... just get naked and play and see what happens. Nothing real heavy duty but just a fun time ... I'd like the guy to be in good shape, smooth, well-endowed ... I have to be real discrete.'
Schrock, 63, is a former career Navy officer who retired as a captain. He is married and has one adult child. His district includes the largest military complex of bases in the world, as well as being home to the Christian Broadcasting Network and Pat Robertson's Regent University.
He was first elected to Congress in 2000, became president of the freshman class, and serves on the prestigious Armed Services Committee. He is a strong supporter of the Federal Marriage Amendment, has a zero rating from the Human Rights Campaign, and a 92% rating from the Christian Coalition.
Schrock likely could have been reelected as long as he wanted to from the district, had it not been for this element of duplicity. A Republican candidate, even at this late date, would have to be rated a favorite to retain the seat. Two of the names being suggested have decent relations with the Virginia chapter of Log Cabin Republicans.