The Shadow of Past Scandals in Maine’s Gubernatorial Race
As the Maine governor’s race intensifies, past Republican controversies are resurfacing, casting a shadow over candidate Bobby Charles. His connections with figures embroiled in scandal, such as Dennis Hastert and Mark Foley, have become focal points.
Recently, the Portland Press Herald published an opinion piece by Anita Charles, Bobby Charles’ sister, criticizing her brother’s association with Hastert and endorsing his Democratic opponent, Hannah Pingree.
“Bobby was a close friend and colleague of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert from 1995 to 1999,” Anita wrote. She highlighted the relationship’s benefits to Bobby’s career, despite Hastert’s later convictions related to child abuse. Anita noted that Bobby has not publicly distanced himself from Hastert.
An old op-ed has also resurfaced, revealing Charles’ defense of Hastert’s handling of the Mark Foley scandal. Foley, a former Florida representative, was forced to resign after sending inappropriate emails to underage pages.
The careers of Charles, Hastert, and Foley are intertwined. Charles worked as a congressional staffer during the 1990s while Hastert was Deputy Whip. Later, as Assistant Secretary of State from 2003 to 2005, Charles overlapped with Hastert’s tenure as House Speaker. Foley entered Congress in 1994.
Following Foley’s resignation, an investigation by the House Ethics Committee revealed that Hastert’s staff was aware of Foley’s misconduct, but no action was taken. Then-House Speaker Dennis Hastert denied any wrongdoing despite these findings.
Ohio Rep. John Boehner told the Washington Post he had informed Hastert about Foley’s actions, yet no measures were taken until the media exposed the situation months later.
Amidst calls for Hastert’s resignation, Charles defended him in a Washington Times op-ed, highlighting Hastert’s dedication to education and youth through his past teaching and coaching roles.
“His wife is a teacher, his brother is a teacher and he has devoted more time to saving kids and families from the scourge of illegal drugs than any member of Congress,” Charles wrote, praising Hastert’s past contributions.
In response to the recent scrutiny, Bobby Charles held a press conference, emotionally denying any awareness of Hastert’s misconduct and condemning child sex offenders.
“I think it’s monstrous, and I think people against whom these charges are proven need to go to prison and stay there forever,” Charles stated.
A spokesperson for Charles reiterated his stance, focusing on his denunciation of child abuse while not addressing the Foley matter or his past op-ed.
“Bobby has previously said publicly that he was never aware of any wrongdoing regarding Hastert and he stands by what he’s said that his conduct was monstrous,” commented campaign manager Dale Crafts, Jr.
There are no records of Charles and Hastert maintaining contact after 2014. Hastert’s misconduct was disclosed in 2015.
Polling data from YouGov earlier this month indicates Pingree leading Charles by 11 percentage points.
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