Sex scandal increases chances Democrats will take control of House

Retaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives keeps looking less likely for Republicans.

Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., abruptly resigned today after being questioned by ABC News about sexually explicit instant messages he allegedly sent to underage male pages who worked for him. Once a champion of tough laws regarding child predators, Foley might now be prosecuted under some of those laws, ABC News reported.

Foley was chairman of the House caucus on missing and exploited children.

His departure sends Republicans scrambling to find a replacement just weeks before the election, according to the Associated Press. His re-election had not been in question before this.

Democrats need to win 15 Republicans seats to take control of the House. Many believe they will do that.

This makes the hot 1^st Congressional District race in New Mexico even more critical for both parties. The sex scandal might further spread anti-Republican sentiment and put other races into question that were previously considered to be likely Republican victories.

The Albuquerque Journal is publishing its next round of polls starting on Sunday, including those of congressional races. I’ll have exclusive analysis of the 2^nd Congressional District race between Republican incumbent Steve Pearce and Democratic challenger Al Kissling from pollster Brian Sanderoff, who conducted the polls. Assuming the Journal’s poll runs Sunday, I’ll have the analysis on Monday.