Washington - The incoming Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Bob Livingston, has told his Republican colleagues that he had a number of extra-marital affairs which almost cost him his marriage, writes Joe Carroll.
But first reports that he was offering to resign as Speaker-elect were denied. Mr Livingston was elected by the Republican members in the House of Representatives last month to replace Mr Newt Gingrich, who resigned following a poor showing by the party in the mid-term elections.
Mr Livingston, who is to be formally elected Speaker when the new Congress meets in early January, admitted the adulterous affairs after a newspaper which covers Congress called Roll Call revealed this aspect of his past life.
Mr Livingston said he would not be "intimidated" by those people who are "investigating me". He said his wife and family had forgiven him. He pointed out that unlike the case of President Clinton, his affairs had not been with members of his staff and he had not testified about them under oath.
Republicans attending a party meeting last night said Mr Livingston did not offer to resign as Speaker and it was not sought. They drew a distinction between Mr Livingston's affairs and the situation facing President Clinton.
"I have on occasion strayed from my marriage and doing so nearly cost me my marriage and my family," the Louisiana Republican said in a statement. "This chapter was a small but painful part of the past in an otherwise wonderful marriage," he said. Mr Livingston (55) and his wife Bonnie have been married for 33 years and have four children. He said they underwent marriage counselling.
Speaking to reporters, Representative Bob Ney of Ohio said Mr Livingston's admission had no bearing on the impeachment vote and the situation should not be compared to charges that Mr Clinton perjured himself in federal investigations. "There was no offer to resign," Mr Ney said. "He didn't lie under oath. That's the difference between that man and Pennsylvania Avenue."
Mr Livingston has the "complete" support of House Republicans, the House Republican Leader, Mr Richard Armey, said. "I am convinced that Bob will be a great Speaker. He has my complete support and the support of our entire conference," Mr Armey, a Texas Republican, said in a statement.