A special Media Matters for America report: debunking the Foley myth machine Summary: The scandal surrounding the sexually explicit electronic communications former Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL) allegedly sent to underage former congressional pages -- and the House Republican leadership's alleged cover-up of Foley's behavior -- have produced a wave of misinformation. To aid members of the media in covering the scandal, Media Matters for America has compiled a list of the top myths, falsehoods, and baseless assertions surrounding the controversy.
Table of Contents
* Democrats and their allies orchestrated the Foley scandal as a political dirty trick
*Hastert did not learn about Foley's alleged behavior until September 29
* Alleged Foley emails that House Republicans possessed were merely "overly friendly"
* Foley scandal has not affected voters or Congressional races
* Hastert and the GOP leadership forced Foley to resign after they learned of the lurid instant messages
* Gay Men are More Likely Than Heterosexual Men to Sexually Abuse Children
* Kirk Fordham's Claim that Hastert's Office Told About Foley Before 2005 is Uncorroborated
* Hastert "Took Responsibility" for the Foley Scandal
* Conservative Evangelical Voters are Particularly Outraged by Foley Scandal
* Upon Learning of Emails, GOP Leadership or Rep. Shimkus Told Foley to End All Contact with Pages
* CREW Withheld Emails and Other Information From FBI, Congressional Leaders
* A "Velvet Mafia" on Capitol Hill Knew of Foley's Alleged Behavior and Protected Him from Public Exposure