Controversial Ties Surface in Maine Governor’s Race
The race for Maine governor has been influenced by the past controversies surrounding notable Republican figures, Dennis Hastert and Mark Foley. These associations have come to light as Republican hopeful Bobby Charles faces scrutiny.
An op-ed in the Portland Press Herald dated September 9, authored by Anita Charles, the sister of gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles, sharply criticized her brother for his past ties with former House Speaker Dennis Hastert. Anita endorsed Hannah Pingree, Charles’ Democratic competitor, citing her brother’s past relationship with Hastert.
In her op-ed, Anita wrote, “Bobby was a close friend and colleague of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert from 1995 to 1999.” She detailed how her brother benefited from Hastert’s influence in Washington, despite Hastert later admitting to the sexual abuse of children and his conviction for illegal payments to silence the victims. Anita noted that Bobby Charles had never publicly distanced himself from Hastert.
Revelations of another op-ed penned by Charles have surfaced, in which he defended Hastert’s actions concerning Florida Rep. Mark Foley. Foley resigned from Congress in 2006 amid allegations of sending inappropriate emails to underage male pages, a scandal that drew significant attention at the time.
Bobby Charles, Hastert, and Foley’s careers intersected during the 1990s through various political roles. Charles served as a congressional staffer while Hastert was House Republican Chief Deputy Whip, later holding the position of Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs while Hastert was Speaker. Foley was elected in 1994.
The Foley scandal prompted an investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which concluded that top Republican officials, including Hastert’s staff, were aware of Foley’s actions but failed to respond adequately. Although Hastert denied any misconduct, Ohio Rep. John Boehner reported Foley’s behavior to Hastert in 2006, expecting it to be addressed. However, no action was taken until the media exposed the scandal.
During the ensuing controversy, Bobby Charles defended Hastert in a Washington Times op-ed, highlighting Hastert’s dedication to education and drug prevention as evidence of his character. Charles praised Hastert’s teaching background and his coaching tenure, despite the fact that Hastert’s alleged victims were students he coached in wrestling.
In response to his sister’s op-ed, Charles held an emotional press conference, firmly denying knowledge 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 declared.
Charles’ campaign spokesperson echoed this sentiment but refrained from addressing the Foley affair or the content of the earlier op-ed. Campaign manager Dale Crafts, Jr. stated, “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.”
There is no evidence of continued association between Charles and Hastert after 2014, with Hastert’s misconduct emerging publicly in 2015.
Polling data from YouGov earlier this month indicates that Hannah Pingree holds an 11-point lead over Bobby Charles in the gubernatorial race.
