Patty Wetterling

Candidate for Congress

Minnesota (MN-6)

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Wetterling Demands Tough, Thorough Investigation of House Leadership

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, October 03, 2006

ANOKA, Minn. - Child safety advocate and 6th District congressional candidate Patty Wetterling called for a tough and thorough investigation of the House leadership's knowledge of Rep. Mark Foley's (R-FL) conduct with a 16-year-old House page, at a state Capitol press conference on Monday.

"Allowing a child predator to walk the halls of Congress is the most despicable disregard for the values of decency and family," Wetterling said. "I am disgusted that House leaders knew for a year about Representative Foley's inappropriate conduct with a child and did nothing."

"This matter demands a full investigation that involves both sides of the aisle," said Wetterling. "The House needs to appoint a special investigator - not just the Ethics Committee - who has full access to emails, records and correspondence and who has subpoena power over members, leadership and staff."

"We need to determine if other kids have been victimized," she said. "The page program needs policies and procedures that safeguard our children. If we cannot guarantee the safety of these kids, we cannot be in the business of bringing them to Washington."

"Anyone who knew about this situation and protected a sexual predator, should not be a member of Congress," said Wetterling.

"My prayers are with all the families involved in this matter. I salute the 16-year-old for his bravery to come forward," she said. "I know about the pain and the sleepless nights. The fear of predators violating the sacred bond within our families is more than anyone should have to endure. We need to stop the sexual exploitation of children and hold accountable those who participated in allowing this victimization to continue by doing nothing."

"When it comes to sexual exploitation of children, you've heard me say over and over again, somebody knows something," added Wetterling. "In this case, many people knew and did nothing. That's criminal."