Accusations that Republican Rep. John Boehner is in bed with lobbyists are nothing new, but this looks a bit more personal. For the record, there is no confirmation of the alleged affair, both Boehner and Lyons refused comment when asked about an affair by blogger Mike Stark. There are additional rumors that The New York Times may be working on a related story. The story appears now to have enough traction to warrant interest.

House Minority Leader John Boehner and House GOP leaders on Capitol Hill, 05/25/10. (photo: Getty Images)

Rumors of Boehner Affair With Woman Lobbyist Amplify

By Mike Stark, Mike Stark's Diary/Daily Kos

23 September 10

Lobbyist on rumored affair w/Boehner: "I have no comment."

t was Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) who told abstinence education advocate Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) that he had to resign from Congress after having an affair with a staffer. It was also Boehner that told members of his caucus that they had to stop using the "party house" to entertain young Republican female lobbyists.

While everyone knows that John Boehner enjoys the good life of luxury travel and golf junkets, many are convinced that enjoys a mistress, too.

I began hearing this from several sources last month with increasing amounts of detail, including the name of the lobbyists Boehner is supposedly having a relationship with - Lisbeth Lyons, Vice President for Government Affairs for the American Printers Association.

I decided I'd look into the story, but I hadn't decided how to pose the question directly to Boehner. Last night, I learned the location of the House Republican Leadership's "Pledge to America," event.

I was able to catch up with Boehner just as he was leaving the event. His silence (which does not equal an admission, of course) in the face of the repeated question does not, it seem to me, to be one you'd expect from a happily married man confronted with an accusation of being unfaithful. Note the complete lack of outrage at being asked about allegations that are unfounded or untrue. There wasn't even a simple "no," to put the issue to rest.

Here's the video. You be the judge of his response:

So far as I'm concerned, if someone asked me if I was cheating on my wife, it would be very easy for me to simply say, "Absolutely not. No truth to that whatsoever." John Boehner couldn't bring himself to mouth those words.

Of course, he didn't admit to the affair either, so I decided to take the next step. I called Lisbeth Lyons for comment. Hers to is not the reaction I'd expect of someone who had was hearing an unfounded personal allegation like this. Here's the audio:

Again, there isn't any reaction I'd expect, such as calling me crazy, threatening to sue, or saying "absolutely not."

Simply put, that wouldn't be the natural response given by any woman that I know that wasn't sleeping with the most powerful Republican in Washington.

The bottom line is this: At an event John Boehner offered numerous pledges to America, he wouldn't comment on whether or not he was keeping a fundamental pledge he made to his wife. John Boehner forced Mark Souder to resign for adultery. Shouldn't he at least have to say what the truth is?

Update [2010-9-23 14:58:58 by Mike Stark]: If y'all want to defend Boehner, feel free. But these odd reactions are worth scrutiny. All it takes is for Boehner to say, "I, as the person who asked Mark Souder to resign, have always been faithful to my wife."

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+45 # Guest 2010-09-24 20:08

I for one, can't believe Boehner is a hypocrite. As far as I know, he's never wavered from his position that the GOP should do everything possible to ensure that the rich get richer, and the poorer get poorer. He's been giving it to the rich and putting it to the poor. He clearly is a man of words AND action on this issue! :-/

+43 # Guest 2010-09-24 20:27

Why would we be surprised at anything Bone-er or any of these other "frauds" would do? For the most part, it seems our government has become a scam and the American Sheeple keep voting them into office.

+61 # Guest 2010-09-25 07:33

Alas, Friends, Romans, Repuglicans.A copper skinned charlatan, a prognosticator of sooth, Boehner's had a "boner" in ye olde tanning booth. He's "outraged" by Obamacare, and champions the rich and when not lining his pockets, he's doing his bitch. It should come as no surprise, heading into the fall, that the speaker of the House, doth indeed have some balls. But at the next "values summit" please someone, do try, to look very squarely in the Congressman's eye and invite him to stand 'neath shadow of steeple and lie once again to the American people.

0 # Edie Montague 2010-12-14 06:46

How wonderfully you express the totality of John Boehner!

+5 # George Wall 2010-09-27 07:34

Quote:

Why would we be surprised at anything Bone-er or any of these other "frauds" would do? For the most part, it seems our government has become a scam and the American Sheeple keep voting them into office.

Rep.Boehner is it true or just a rumor you are having an affair are you a hypocrite?

+8 # Mike K 2010-09-27 18:33

He is a conservative Republican congressman, so by definition he is a hypocrite. The question is if he is being a hypocrite about this.

+6 # George Wall 2010-09-27 07:36

Can Rep.Boehner face the facts if he is having an affair.

+2 # Guest 2010-09-24 20:31

She's not worth it!

+7 # Foxtrottango 2010-09-27 12:13

Oh, but she will! Once she get the courage and the legal advice.

Just to prove how the "family values, Christian values, Moral values" Party of hypocrites operate politically.

+8 # Guest 2010-09-24 20:45

I find this really amusing, coming from Nevada where that whole silly affair of Ensign's made us all shake our heads in disbelief. Having been a lobbyist for preservation and conservation issues....I found Boehner such a jolly fellow, although very Christian, fundamental, as was Ensign. Both, always so supportive of sustainable forestry. Now I understand what Boehner, with that perpetual tan, was all about. He was supporting the print industry. So, in his favor, he likes books, printed material?

+17 # Guest 2010-09-24 21:10

I told you his name isn't pronounced "bay-ner."

+2 # JLF 2010-09-29 17:54

HIS NAME IS PRONOUNCED BAYNER. WE LIVE IN HIS DISTRICT. WE WANT HIM OUT!!!

+40 # Guest 2010-09-24 21:11

It'd be fun to watch the orange man turn red . But this type of dude doesn't even have the decency to blush . Get him, Mike

+16 # Guest 2010-09-24 21:20

The article re John Boehner is very interesting. It will be interesting to hear what he'll have to say about these accusations.

+5 # Guest 2010-09-24 21:23

I've been suckered into uttering premature righteous condemnations of alleged Republican perfidy in the past. Will wait until the facts become more clear on this one.

+7 # Guest 2010-09-24 21:26

I like the logic & think it made laugh a little. I'm surprized they don't spray tanned together.

+21 # Guest 2010-09-24 21:35

Let's be maganimous and presume for the moment that Boeher is faithful to his wife. If he hasn't been then he has no choice but to follow his own advice and resign. This should be fully investigated of course and if it is conclusive that he has been unfaithful then some pure Tea Partier can fill the gap. I'm sure that would restore honor to his office, right? Surely there is another Christine McConnell out there who can step up to the plate.
Not to worry though, how much honor does a man like Boner stand to lose any way? I doubt he'd be missing much.

+50 # Guest 2010-09-24 21:40

The Party of Family Values has a long history of members whose sense of family values are from the 1950's: the good wife stays home with the kids and the hubby runs the family...and enjoys a mistress or two on the side. OR an outstretched hand under the stall wall. I really believe it's just that simple: these guys want to take the country back to the 1950's in many ways and they're simply living the way they think things should be again. But they're cherry-picking the stuff that gives them, personally, power or feel-good points, not aspects of the 50's that might benefit all Americans. I've begun to wonder recently if all Republicans live in that fantasy world of white, male, christian dominance; where "What's Good for General Motors is good the the U.S.A." actually meant just that. Is it some form of innocence? Do Repubs really believe that deregulation and no government will see everyone working for the betterment of their fellow Americans, that no one would ever mistreat their fellows? What??

+25 # Guest 2010-09-25 06:40

If they want to go back to the 1950's, let's talk about jobs that pay a living wage and a house in the burbs (that had its ill effects) for everyone. Ike warned us about the military-industrial complex, and he was a Republican.

+17 # Guest 2010-09-25 14:21

TravlinDR, "If they want to go back to the 1950's"...Then let's start with a re-implementation of Federal tax codes as they were in the "happy days" decade. No, what the Republicans are really after is a basic return to "know thy placedness." A rewinding of the clock of "progress" with echoes of "yassir boss" and "would like a martini darling, you look tired" still being fantasized about. A return to the natural order of things as set forth in the Constitution. That's what they want. The fact that the GOP gets women and minorities to "go along for the ride" is testament to the power still imbued in many people's notions of "traditional roles."

+6 # Guest 2010-09-25 20:26

Tell it like they want to hear and the thumbs go up. Tell it like it is and down they go! I meant no offense but let's be honest. A certain portion of Americans would like to return to the days of, at least to them, traditional stereotypes. The Constitution had women and all minorities, even non-land owning whites as basically second class or worse. In many instances you weren't even granted citizenship status. That's the "good old days" they pine away for. It seems some people on these posts are only content when we attack Republicans or sprinkle sunshine on the dirty, ugly past we all share as Americans. Pretending racist terms and modes of thought don't exist is the quickest way to embolden Right wingers who want you to do just that.

+2 # Guest 2010-09-25 23:29

Magnificent!! As a registered Republican, I have been embarrassed for years by Engine Charlie's "What's good for General Motors is good for the U.S.A."

+1 # SanMigMike 2010-09-30 12:02

[quote name=""]The Party of Family Values has a long history of members whose sense of family values are from the 1950's: the good wife stays home with the kids and the hubby runs the family...and enjoys a mistress or two on the side. OR an outstretched hand under the stall wall. I really believe it's just that simple: these guys want to take the country back to the 1950's in...

I think past a certain level of power you have to be a hypocrite to a political figure and to be a Repub takes that and a certain sense, or lack of sense in that you keep spouting the NeoCon mantras about tax, wealth, trade and immigration. I also think that both parties have problems with a certain number of people that think that the rules do not apply to them, they can lie and cheat and steal

+54 # Guest 2010-09-24 21:47

GOP Senator David Vitter.
GOP Senator John Ensign
Both criminal adulterer bribers and liars are still happily on the tax-payer dole happily obstructing and grid-locking the Democrats.
In addition GOP Senator Coburn knew about the Ensign affair for a year before we did, and actually suggested to Ensign the bribery scheme to end it.

And to think all of these serial sexual deviants voted to impeach and convict Clinton...including Boehner...and even GOP Gov Sanborn of SC.

Outrageous hypocrisy!!

+3 # Delilah 2010-09-29 06:01

What's really outrageous is that they haven't been shown the door yet.

-31 # Guest 2010-09-24 21:52

Looks like you've got nothing there.

-34 # Guest 2010-09-24 21:58

Do we really care? People commit adultery for good and bad reasons all the time and, from what I can see, many of the adulterers are progressives or democrats. When Clinton was involved with a staffer, we had an obligation to make sure it wasn't a case of sexual harrassment but, when it became clear that it was not sexual harrassment, we should have dropped the situation and shrugged our shoulders. Since Boehner's alleged affair can't be sexual harrassment, should we even be looking into it?

Lee Nason
New Bedford, Massachusetts

+21 # Guest 2010-09-25 06:46

Lee Nason
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Do we really care? . . . . . Since Boehner's alleged affair can't be sexual harrassment, should we even be looking into it?

Hey! American voyeurs will always be interested in whom Boehner (or any other pol) is boehnering, but that is far from the point - which is that inter-mural cat-and-mouse games over Washington's ubiquitous, clandestine sexual peccadillos are a fact of life. Nobody much cares who is doing whom. Getting caught - especially when the perp is as powerful and (better still) self righteous as Boehner - invariably and justifiably sets off a media feeding frenzy that will continue until all of the bones are picked clean. The woman involved in the affair no more than a vehicle - a throw-away item.

+9 # Guest 2010-09-26 10:24

This "two"-party system has reduced serious public discourse to simple meaningless snipes at members of the 'other' party. Corruption and hypocrisy and illicit fornification run wild in DC, so there is plenty to take up time that might otherwise be devoted to POLITICAL debate.

What we really need is a serious 3rd-party movement that would keep the other 2 parties honest. Progressives should be coming together and starting to organize.

+3 # Tedd 2010-09-28 13:55

Yes, there are many problems in our government, but grouping the 2 parties together overlooks that one is focused on helping big oil and billionaires get more and the other is focused on helping build the middle class and small businesses. Let's please not accept what the right wingers want us to believe - that all government is bad and that there are few differences between right and left. That is the farthest thing from reality.

+38 # Guest 2010-09-25 07:00

We care because he is a values guy who has brought others down for this reason!

+15 # Nancy Granny NY 2010-09-26 21:47

See, the thing is...it's the HYPOCRISY stupid. Espouse family values as the underpinning of your platform & you REALLY shouldn't be having out-of-marriage affairs. End of story.
These men need to grow up. Keep it in your pants, boys.

+11 # Mike K 2010-09-27 18:37

Yes but Bill never held him self up as a paragon of Virtue, he never went on and on about Family values. The Republicans Cultural Conservatism is a lot like there fiscal conservatism, some thing they want to impose on other people not something they actual practice much.

+13 # Jeff 2010-09-27 19:13

The ONLY reason to look at Boehner or anyone else's private sexual involvements is if they make claims of moral superiority in this these matters. Boehner has done so repeatedly across many years (and BTW Clinton did not).

It is not the fornication that is the issue, it is the hypocritical use of someone else's peccadilloes to gain political advantage that is the issue.

As far as I'm concerned, if someone is hypocritical in such a public way when they could have just kept silent, we would be stupid not to question every other public pronouncement they may make on any subject.

+4 # Tedd 2010-09-28 13:50

Wow, Lee you seem to be able to convince yourself of just about anything. Please wake up. Boehner forced one of his colleagues out of office for committing adultery and you don't think he should live by his own rules. Have you no sense of right and wrong? You need a little more practice in sound reasoning.

0 # fletch 2010-09-30 12:17

"we should have dropped the situation"

Who are we? I recall a campaign by kenny Star and Newt Gingrich to have Clinton castrated. Wake up and smell the coffee. These hypocrites must be exposed at every possible juncture for what they did to Clinton.

-26 # Guest 2010-09-24 22:26

Don't like this kind of news reporting.
Trading in gossip & rumor is ugly & demeaning & one of the reasons that people in the country are unhappy with the press & journalists.

+26 # Guest 2010-09-25 09:48

Sweeney, We're you saying this when Democrats are the ones involved in "gossip and Rumor" mill. We're you defending Clinton and Edwards? Republicans have labeled themselves the "party of values." If you're going to set yourselves up as such be prepared to "face the music" when you f**k up! People are also tired of hypocrisy!

+4 # Sweeney 2010-09-27 23:12

I'm a registered Democrat & a journalist, so it's odd that I was mistaken for being a Republic hypocrite.
Don't like the Boehner story, though, because it debases us all. We're talking about politics, which should be about making the trains run on time. My hero Molly Ivins always said we should stick to the issues. As long as we're focusing on human failings, which are non-partisan, we'll never have a conversation about the economy, energy & the environment, poverty & unemployment, trade deficits, union busting, ending inequality, etc.

+2 # Sweeney 2010-09-27 23:29

Please let me add: John Edwards practically forced the story on the public by featuring his cancer-wracked wife almost as his running mate, getting his mistress pregnant & recruiting his top aide, Andrew Young, to be the fall guy, having his campaign treasurer, Fred Baron, spirit his mistress off to California, constructing an arabesque web of falsehoods for his wife & campaign staff & the public to the point that he was spending 100 percent of his time managing a massive moral meltdown. As Senator Edwards has admitted, he was overcome with narcissism & celebrity as he drank deeply of the heady wine of a presidential run. As that became increasingly clear, his own staff was fearful that he might win election. That's your story & it's going to star Tom Cruise....

+16 # Guest 2010-09-25 10:13

Excuse me, but we're unhappy because we are getting this kind of journalism instead of real investigative journalism. The people in this country have been force fed infotainment ad nauseum for the past 20 years and it only gets worse as time goes by. We haven't a clue how the rest of the world works and how they feel about our government and it's push for imperial power. They feel sorry for us because we keep buying what the pundits and the politicos deliver. And yes Boner is SUCH a hypocrite that it's impossible to let this go by without a comment on it!

+2 # Guest 2010-09-25 11:36

DJean, So you point is....Never mind I'll see if I can pin it down. We're "clueless" because, as Americans, we fall victim to ceaseless attacks by both parties, perpetuated by a capitalistic driven media, that is more concerned with Lindsey Lohan than informing us of what's really happening in the world and how it will inevitably affect all of us. Political chicanery draws flies to a stinking pile of crap better than actual facts, which might improve our worldview so that we could ultimately make more and better informed decisions. On the other hand....this is just too juicy to pass up. Exactly where does this leave us.

0 # fletch 2010-09-30 12:27

Like FOX are any mainstream TV would ever run a story like this on BoeHner? take it for what it is. FOX attacks anyone they term as "liberals" like this every single day. I am happy the rumor is out there because it is HIGHLY BELIEVABLE from this total swine. he may be the most disgusting human on the planet since Osama bin Laden is rumored to be dead for quite some time now.

+11 # Guest 2010-09-25 20:29

The news is not about the sex---it is about the hypocrisy. Sex is old news. This is "man bites dog."

0 # Tedd 2010-09-28 13:59

If this were a democrat and the story was on Fox, the headline would read like he was proven guilty and demand his resignation. With details continuing to come out about what happened it is healthy for our democracy for the citizens to be kept apprised of the situation.

-1 # fletch 2010-09-30 12:23

Anything on this arch-fascist criminal is a green light to go for me. As we have recently seen with the Gulf disaster, Boner would sell his own mother down the river....

+26 # Guest 2010-09-24 22:35

Mr. Stark, I would like to thank you for the guts you showed by confronting Boehner on his probable infidelity in his marriage. Not only is he unfaithful to his wife, he has also broken his promises to the citizens of Ohio.

+43 # Guest 2010-09-24 23:11

Another Republican making America safe for hypocrisy.

+19 # www.democratz.org 2010-09-24 23:12

The party of family values apparently has leaders and members who don't live up to their lectures on family values.

The party of fiscal responsibility apparently has leaders and members who do not live up to their lectures on fiscal responsibility.

The party of welfare and poor bashing apparently favors the wealthy and puts on a deceptive act to fool middle class people into believing that the GOPranos really care about them.

"Help me change America"

Search for the above phrase in quotes on any search engine and go to the first or second link.

-1 # Guest 2010-09-24 23:17

I am a true progressive and as such would love to see Boehner, the man preaching water, get caught drinking wine, but your reporting seems to be still based on hearsay and not yet worthy of print. Please, let't not get caught up in smear campaigns without absolute evidence. We could be hurting innocent people here. Go out there and secure firm evidence, and if you really can prove your case nail the hypocrites. There are enough of them in all parties !! One more thing, Mr. Stark, you need to take an English course. For a reporter your writing is amateur at best and in some cases wrong TOO.

+5 # jfksaonbda 2010-09-27 06:48

I agree. Mr. Stark, thank you for your courage and attempting to obtain comments from those involved, but please investigate the facts and gather evidence. Arm yourself with some short phrases to get their attention and ask your questions in front of everyone, all of the other reporters. It's scary to put yourself out there, but worth the risk of feeling foolish. Attentive readers want the truth and need go-getters such as yourself.

-3 # Guest 2010-09-24 23:56

A Republican hypocrite? I'm shocked, shocked, shocked!
Let's try and stay focused on the problems we have to solve, not this bullshit about a sex affair.

+6 # Guest 2010-09-25 09:43

"Sex" affairs, Paul, is what this adualtress country is all about. Everything is secondary.

"Staying focused" on sexual affairs is "American as apple pie!"

This the reason why America has sunk to a new low.

0 # Mike K 2010-09-27 18:39

It not so much about the affair it's self but that that it's with a lobbyist.

+21 # Guest 2010-09-25 00:11

I would like nothing better than to see Boehner have to resign! He, along with several other Repugs, such as McConnell, DeMint, Sessions, Graham, all need to be cast out into the street! Keep up the good work! I will laugh like hell if alleged affair proves to be true!

+2 # Maryelizmc 2010-09-25 01:01

I do find the silence to be questionable. However it sounded like the "no comment" was conveyed through a phone conversation. But I did not hear words to the effect that the person being interviewed was informed or aware the phone conversation wasg taped. I thought such action was illegal. Somebody tell me yes or no, please, about my understanding of the phone conversation being taped law.

+1 # Guest 2010-09-25 06:07

Every state is different when it comes to taping phone calls. And usually reporters start off the call letting the person know they are being taped for an interview. That is standered. But if she wasnt informed, if he lives in a state that consent isn't required, it is a non issue.

+5 # Guest 2010-09-25 07:07

Quoting

I did not hear words to the effect that the person being interviewed was informed or aware the phone conversation was taped. I thought such action was illegal.

In 38 states, either party to a phone conversation may choose to tape, without informing or obtaining the consent of the other party. Only 12 states have laws that require that both (or all) parties to give their consent; they are California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington. Federal law also permits taping, as long one-party consents.

-20 # Guest 2010-09-25 01:48

I think this reporting is below any decent journalist and certainly Reader Supported News. What you would or wouldn't say, and what arrangements you do or don't have, with your wife are just that, your private business. I'm not interested in them, nor in what is happening in this man's private life about which you have assumed so much even to say that what he might be doing is cheating. it's called the 4th estate for a reason. Stop muckraking and peeking into people's beds and try reporting on something that actually concerns the best interests of the American people. Disgustedly, Dr Leslie Cannold

+22 # Guest 2010-09-25 08:56

I agree with Dr. Cannold....BUT....in cases where the individual in question has made such an issue regarding the sexual affairs of other people, then it does seem appropriate to call them out on their hypocrisy. A case in point: those that impeached Pres. Clinton and were doing some of the same things themselves.

+15 # Guest 2010-09-25 09:37

I am not interested in who John Boehner may be having an affair with, and I agree that it isn't my business. However, if it is true, then he would be a hypocrite, preaching family values while flouting them. That is relevant. False in one, false in all, and in these critical times, we can't afford dishonest politicians. That's why his infidelity, if proven, would be the business of all Americans.

+17 # Guest 2010-09-25 09:42

Quoting

I think this reporting is below any decent journalist and certainly Reader Supported News. What you would or wouldn't say, and what arrangements you do or don't have, with your wife are just that, your private business. I'm not interested in them, nor in what is happening in this man's private life about which you have assumed so much even to say that what he might be doing is cheating. it's called the 4th estate for a reason. Stop muckraking and peeking into people's beds and try reporting on something that actually concerns the best interests of the American people. Disgustedly, Dr Leslie Cannold

If you preach and run on "family values" then your values are fair game, period.

+11 # Guest 2010-09-25 09:43

If you preach and run on "family values" then it IS fair game.

+8 # Guest 2010-09-25 21:26

Leslie, I do think hypocrisy from our leaders (sic) in the White House does actually concern the best interests of the American people. If Boehner indeed had an affair with this woman (which has not been proven, yet) then he is a hypocrite...if he is a hypocrite on this than what else is he hypocritical about!

+3 # Guest 2010-09-25 02:04

And the pathetic little troll probably did it "for his country,"

Think of England.

+2 # Guest 2010-09-25 02:50

Keep me posted.

+13 # Guest 2010-09-25 02:58

I, as well as many other observers casn't wait for more of Flip Flop, Phony Republick-can'ts.. {CAN'T tell the Truth}, "Don't Ask Don't Tell" the wifey-poo, backstabbing, blowhard , Bush Boyz, they love to dish it out, but NEVER take it!
Just Like Sanford, Vitter, The Nevada Skirt chaser, Newt and other GOP (Girls On Partytime), I hope old John "Boner" ,made those haunting statements about Bill Clinton/Monica, that will soon be all over the Non-Faux Noise News.
"Do as I say, not as I do", can only be the fitting tribute to this "Drill Baby Drill" Boy! Just what 'baby' Boner was drilling ,I am sure his wifey-poo will explain, tearfully, in a side by side News conference, undergo counseling, and "I am not gonna resign", speech we must see coming on the Whor-risen!
By the way, be sure to vote for us GOP "Uhmeruhkuhnz", as We "Take our country back"..
Teabaggin' Talk ,Johnny Boy???

+11 # Guest 2010-09-25 04:04

Adios Mr John

-12 # Guest 2010-09-25 04:07

This has become such a common method of smearing an individual that folks will stop caring. There isn't even serious evidence of an affair but the accusation is being published anyway.

It simply adds to endless "news" reporting and speculation and once again illustrates how vicious politics is.

I'd rather hear the ranting over Steven Colbert if there must be garbage in the "news". At least Colbert knows is mind and understands his own schtick.

+3 # Guest 2010-09-25 04:13

As much as I don't like "John of Orange," his party and what he/they stand for, whether or not he's having an affair is grossly unimportant. Let's not get down into the dirt in order to defeat Boehner and the GOP. Rather, do it based on their record -- or lack thereof. Is he having an affair? Quite possibly. With guys like Boehner, the rules just don't apply like they do for everyone else. And besides, he knows that if he's caught and then profers a tearful apology -- ala David Vitter -- he will be forgiven by all those whose only real concern is cutting taxes and regulations. Check out my article on the GOP's "Pledge to America" at: www.kurtfstone.typepad.com

+6 # Guest 2010-09-25 09:40

Perhaps the idiot doesn't know that too much applied orange or reddish skin color liquids plus clubhouse couch rays just too look like a drug store cigar indian will cancerized his marshmellow skin.

The guy is a fake from the leg up!

Perhaps his dumb wife will find it "acceptable" to serve divorce papers when he is in the hospital with face cancer.

After all, one bad turn deserves another.

+11 # Guest 2010-09-25 04:24

A Boehner boner for a lobbyist. How appropriate.

+14 # Guest 2010-09-25 04:25

LOL, no wonder he gets his tan.I don't have any faith in any politicans any more, not that I liked Boehner at all, he alway's looked like his mind was else where. But not trusting any politians, I would never vote Republican as they seem to be more dishonest and cruel.

+20 # Guest 2010-09-25 04:32

WOW! Sounds like Boehner has caught the Newt Gingrich disease!! :-(

+11 # Guest 2010-09-25 07:59

Well, almost. But the "Boner" has yet to deliver "divorce" papers to his wife while she was in the hospital with cancer. That is sure to come later when the boner's wife will have his say. Or maybe she is just the typical right wing fundamentalist republican wife, she will just turn the other face.

No one, not even "Boner", the anti-Christ (with his reddish-ash skin color to go with it)can compete with the newt when it come to being uncompassionate .

As guess what, republicans love him for it!

-4 # Guest 2010-09-25 04:55

What a well-sourced (not)piece of journalism. More work on this "story" would be appropriate before publishing unless "rumor mongering hack" is how you want to be viewed. I'm no fan of Boehner and if he's the hypocrite you suggest he is, great! But at least come close to proving it.

+8 # Guest 2010-09-25 05:04

I judge their reactions to how I would if someone asked if I was being unfaithful to my spouse. But Boehner has well established himself as a hypocrite on many issues -- adding his marriage in the mix should should surprise no one.

+10 # Guest 2010-09-25 05:05

Mike, Follow this story to the end. As always, follow the money used to "pay."

+13 # Guest 2010-09-25 05:25

HA!!!!!!!THOSE "RIGHTEOUS REPUBLIC HYPOCRITES".

THEY TALK BUT DO NOT WALK.....EVERYONE WHO APPEARS TO BE HOLIER THAN THOUGH????????
IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THEY ARE EXPOSED FOR WHAT THEY REALY ARE....PEOPLE WITHOUT SCRUPLES LEGISLATING WHAT THEY DO NOT PRACTICE!

+8 # Guest 2010-09-25 05:44

Well, they don't call him BONER for nothing.

It's ok to use his nickname Democrats, REALLY, IT'S OK!

+5 # Guest 2010-09-25 05:51

There is no "American Printers Association" -- or, if there is, it has not presence on the web, a doubtful anonymity for an organization that hires lobbyists. Mr. Stark may be referencing Printing Industries of America. Fact-checking is Journalism 101. It doesn't help the credibility of an investigative story if the simple stuff is wrong.

+3 # Guest 2010-09-25 07:52

Yup, Lisbeth Lyons the Vice President of Government Affairs (a suddenly awkward job title) for the Printing Industries of America's Washington office (http://www.printing.org/staff). That took me about two minutes. This is the problem with immediate journalism; the need to be first conflicts with the need to be accurate.

+4 # Guest 2010-09-25 05:51

By the way, it's ALSO ok for Democrats to use the old line that, "SILENCE IS AN ADMISSION OF GUILT".

Common Democrats. It's ok to take the toy novelty boxing gloves off and fight back against an opponent who's using brass knuckles to kill you.

+4 # Guest 2010-09-25 06:26

I agree with some others here that, so far, you don't seem to have much in the way of evidence -- silence and lack of comment could simply be a way of not dignifying your questions with an answer. However, I do not agree with others that this subject, distasteful and as sordid as it may be, is not an appropriate subject for the news. The issue for me is not whether John Boehner is cheating on his wife, but whether he is a political hypocrite (I know, a redundant term). It is important for voters to know that a politician who has a record of zero tolerance for the weaknesses (or differences) of others is not practicing what he preaches. If he didn't preach, he wouldn't be a justifiable target here.

-15 # Guest 2010-09-25 06:42

From all indications, our government is rife with adulterers. So the Obama people including Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid decided to smear him and the Republican Party in any way they can. These things always come up during an Election year. These days, anyone who works for the American people and supports the U.S. Constitution are walking a fine line, as they are looking for reasons to get him/her out of Washington. Both parties do it. We don't have many people in Washington working for us. Are we going to throw those that are under the bus so that the New World Order people can have their way? I hope not.

+3 # Guest 2010-09-25 07:15

I am interested in the responses.

+1 # Guest 2010-09-25 07:17

This is sad, as all of these affairs are.
They hurt so many people and lack of honesty is at the root. If you cannot
practice what you are preaching, look in
the mirror. Stop what you are doing or
get a divorce.......people do change, but
living a lie is worse. Eventually, the
truth comes out and the ramifications are
always worse than the crime itself.
Honesty has to be the hardest discipline
to keep, especially if you have not been
taught as a youngster. Sadly, I think that our government runs its' business on
a less than honest mode. When our forefathers formed this union, they kept
God in the center of their thoughts. This is sorely missing in this country or
we wouldn't be having so much unrest. With God at the center, men and women think of the common good, not what is good for themselves. It must change.

+13 # Guest 2010-09-25 07:27

so it looks like the Tan Man has joined the very large "Republican Wife Cheaters Club", hmmmm? New nickname, Bone-her. What a hypocrite. Think he will order himself to resign? The GOP, in worse disarray every day!

+4 # Guest 2010-09-25 09:31

Resign? Not when the GOP, the Right wing Conservative "Christians" churches and their likes consider these men cheating on their wifes as "acceptable" pratices.

Almost all men are cheaters, the only problem is, republicans are the only ones who preaches "family values" on others, but they themselves not practice them. The GOP has given the term "hypocrisy" meaningless.

Leave it to the worst religion in the world, folks. The Christian one!

+7 # Guest 2010-09-25 07:48

For Republicans and right wing conservatives, fundamental dogma religions, the poor, the frightened and the weak minded are only tools to be exploited especially during re-election times. And as long Ignorance and arrogance, hatred, racisms exists and accepted in America, these dudes will continue to do just that.

The republicans in the GOP are the ones who have downgraded human decency, honesty, moral fibers and humanity to the level equal of sewers rats, especially in the bible belt and mountianb states in the USA.

As for John "the Boner" he not only has the image of the Anti-Christ but the color (reddish-ashed) as well!

But why the surprise about his adultery?
All republicans are hypocrites to the core. So what else is new? But his mistress should sue the hell out of him, because that is why these things to politicians happen over and over again and again.

+6 # Guest 2010-09-25 08:02

As it is, this is not worth publishing. Now, if there was evidence of the Speaker Wannabe has oiled the gears for the lobby that the woman represents, if there was evidence of some unseemly or illicit quid pro quo, that would be worth reporting.

That they are hypocrites when it comes to family values or caring about the country or the vets or national security or the Constitution or liberty has been proven over and over. It oozes from every pore and stinks on each breath.

-3 # Guest 2010-09-25 08:08

I do not know what young people are doing today, but in the late 1960s and early 1970s many of my peers signed open relationship pledges. Maybe that is the question we need to ask Mr. Boehner. Personally, I have no problem with the open relationship contract. Why would anyone impose their standards on another
if they are comfortable with their choices? It never mattered to me how many affairs Bill Clinton so long as he did not violate his oath of office as President of the United States of America
and his agreement with Hillary Rodham, whaterver that was. Our world has many variations of rules that govern relationships. There is no ONE rule. If Mr. Boehner and Ms. Lyons like their coffee in bed, so be it.

+5 # Guest 2010-09-25 10:23

Because he is a repuglican and, as such, has a very narrow definition of moral "standards" that MUST be "imposed on others". This is just evidence that he, himself may not be able to live up to those standards.

+4 # Guest 2010-09-25 08:56

Ah, alas!
Poor John, hoisted on his on Boehner!

-5 # Guest 2010-09-25 09:21

Can you please get it together and talk about substantive issues? I'm not a bible thumper, but Judge not, lest you be judged. Who really cares what Boehner does with his personal time except the peeping toms always trying to inject smear tactics for their own benefit of ratings and readership? Affairs have been going in all parties forever, and it will always be. It has nothing to do with governance, so Why don't you bloggers, etc. take a pledge not to report on affairs? Keep us informed on what really matters, economy, jobs, etc.
Don't you ever feel ridiculous asking such personal questions? Makes me want to take a shower! Grow up, we are all adults.

+4 # Guest 2010-09-25 10:31

This is as big of a news story as any other in the today.

In case you haven't been paying attention for the past few decades, we are in the middle of a CULTURE WAR. The right wing (represented by people like BONER himself), feel the need to legislate morality and impose their brand of it on the rest of us. They will continue to force their beliefs down our throats until we are living in a country oppressed by something akin to the taliban. They do NOT believe in the separation of church and state and have a FIRM (PUN INTENDED) conviction that our side of the argument is morally INFERIOR and must be REMOVED FROM THE DEBATE IF NOT EXTERMINATED ALTOGETHER.

+5 # Guest 2010-09-25 10:32

So, finding out that one of the most outspoken of these CULTURE WARRIORS is a moral FRAUD is ABSOLUTELY NEWSWORTHY.

The only people who should have a problem with this being published and discussed are the very people who'd like us to believe the right is somehow "MORALLY SUPERIOR". This is YET MORE PROOF THAT THEY ARE NOT.

+8 # Guest 2010-09-25 10:02

Just another do as I say not as I do guy. True to the Tea Party's creed: What I do is my business and not yours. What you do is my businees as well. What a bunch of hipocrites!!

+6 # Guest 2010-09-25 10:39

He has been doing it to the working man for years. would not surpise me if he was doing it to this gal.

+6 # Guest 2010-09-25 11:09

Could John Boehner possibly be so stupid? And if he isn't, where did this rumor originate?

A word of caution: Remember the "ironclad" document that "proved" Bush had used family pull and influence to avoid military service and what happened to Dan Rather. Remember the Swiftboats. Before anyone seizes on this report, it needs to be vetted thoroughly. If it is proved to be true, it will be a major embarrassment to the Republicans. If it is seized with glee by the Democrats, trumpeted about,and then, only later proved to be groundless, it will only enhance Boehner's perceived virtue and become a major embarrassment to the Democrats and a hard blow to Democratic chances for success in November.

Who would float such a rumor, and why?

-1 # Paul Shea 2010-09-28 18:41

I have information on theBush- Dan Rather affair that has not been published. You may contAct me if you wish.... PJS

-4 # Guest 2010-09-25 13:39

Ya know, I love a good scandal as much as the next guy but really, haven't we spent enough time excavating other people's sex lives? There's enough hypocrisy, sexual and otherwise, to go around. It seems to be a Rethuglican specialty, but few of us are immune, and it's not really any of our business.

What's important is whether Boehner serves the best interests of the most people. I don't think he does, but it's not because he may or may not have a wife and a mistress.

+3 # Guest 2010-09-25 20:35

WE HAVEN'T spent enough time "excavating other people's sex lives" until the other side AGREES that policy is more important.

The trouble is that the repugs are fond of MAKING POLICY based on the idea that their own personal convictions are superior to those of everyone who disagrees with them. All you have to do is pay attention to the current political climate leading up to this election. Check out the words of Bachman, or O'Donnell, not to mention Palin and Boner himself if you disagree.

As long as their hypocrisy claims REAL victims on our side of the fence and as long as they refuse to stand for anything substantive, I think we need to spend as much time as is necessary "excavating the sex lives" of the VERY hypocrites who are holding the rest of OUR nation hostage until we convert to their narrow religious vision, and show it for the SHAM that it is.

+6 # Guest 2010-09-25 14:31

No wonder the Republicans are so worried about Sharia law coming to the US.

+5 # Guest 2010-09-25 16:32

I can hear the repugnicans now, they will be saying, well at least it wasn't a homosexual affair.

+6 # Guest 2010-09-25 16:39

When looking at John Boehner, it should come as no surprise that such a vain fellow indulges himself in many ways. He wants to stay in power, not to serve the people, but to serve John. Power and money attract a certain kind of woman. His salary and benefits are far from meager. He gets constant media attention, LOTS and LOTS of perks from his position, and has come to feel invincible. He can make the most outlandish statements, spin and lie, and the Lamestream Media eat it up. Why should he worry about marital commitment, or any other matter of ethics, when millions hang on his every tidbit of misinformation as though it were the word of God? He sees himself as so far above the average man, that Mt. Olympus wouldn't be good enough for him. This is the Republican Party, folks: Arrogant, deceptive, greedy, and HYPOCRITICAL. If Boehner is a Fundamentalist Christian, so much the better to deceive people, while he panders to the lowest denominator and embraces it himself.

+7 # Guest 2010-09-25 20:36

I can't wait to hear what Stephen Colbert does with this on Monday!

And how will RUSH and FOX defend him? My heart skips a beat at the thoughts!

+4 # Guest 2010-09-25 21:55

Ethical behavior is no longer considered proper. Lying and cheating is acceptable, hypocrisy is acceptable. Greed rules. Are these family values? No wonder this country is collapsing. Hmmmm.

+8 # Guest 2010-09-26 02:04

Oh, he is just following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Newt Gingrich.

+2 # bys 2010-09-26 22:44

Well its fairly irrelevant. The whole damn place is run by thieves and they lie like any sociopath. Who cares who he is screwing besides the fact that he is screwing all of us.

0 # JJ 2010-09-28 05:53

DailyKos, eh? I once enjoyed reading and participating there but I was unceremoniously drummed out when I questioned publication of poorly substantiated rumors and hearsay accusations similar this one about Boehner.

I hope the same feeding frenzy mentality doesn't take hold at rsn.

-1 # JEROME J MARTIN 2010-09-29 13:57

It is disappointing to see the number of comments that accept the rumor as if it were substantiated, and an equal number that seem to absolve Boehner in advance. So much for partisanship. The only comments that are meaningful come from those who point out that even if the rumor is proven true, it is politically relevant only because Boehner has based his entire platform on "family values,"
which makes him a hypocrite, and not worthy of a position of trust. Had he based his platform on a free-thinking morality, it wouldn't matter how many affairs he had had. But in that case, he wouldn't have been electable, and certainly not as a Republican.

0 # Darlene Mckee 2010-09-29 22:03

I hope his wife is as strong as Edwards' was. Divorcee the SOB.The rules apply to everyone Mr.Boehner. He shouldn't have pointed out the bad guys, and not expect to get any different treatment.I think some of these guys are truely stupid. Did he not think he is watched 24/7.

-1 # Ron Whiteman 2010-10-01 15:01

The fact is, as the party of nothing but good "Christians" and "true patriots," the GOP has proven itself to be neither, and to expect that as the party of "Family Values," you'd see them actually living up to what they claim would either peg you as a fool or an idiot, you pick which. When poor and middle-class Americans support the party of NO it pegs them as the same thing. For some reason, they must believe that the GOP really values them and that someday, they too will be as rich as the Koch brothers and Rupert Murdoch. If they are the "good" Christians they claim, they'd see that being rich isn't the way to the heaven they think is their rightful endpoint...remember, paraphrasing, that the Bible says it's easier to pass a camel through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to pass through the pearly gates, so maybe it'd be wiser for them to stay poor and go straight to Heaven.

-1 # ALinSTL 2010-10-02 23:15

the way the REPUGs hear it is," A GOVT OF "US" PEOPLE, BY "US" PEOPLE, & FOR "US" PEOPLE..." Whereas THEY are the self reproducing privileged & we are the endentured servents & workers they are forced to contend with...only thing good REPUGS ever did was the 13TH amendment, which the majority of them today would LOVE to repeal. if possible...BOENER is the head of these moral lepers & must be treated as such...

-1 # C. Bauer 2010-10-07 15:46

Let's get this straight. The Repubs can impeach our Prez for lying about having sex outside of marriage but various Repubs can behave in their private lives just as badly. Worse, actually, as they who condemned Clinton were themselves indulging in illicit relationships of every kind as it turns out. Remember those young pages and the airport bathroom incident not to mention one former Speaker's amazing capacity for adultery??? This is why this particular liberal HAS NO RESPECT FOR ANYONE IN THE GOP AND NOW IN THE TEA PARTY TOO. Where is our FBI by the way. Someone like Christine O'Donnell with classified information? Why isn't the FBI investigating this? Or are they all Republicans too???

-1 # Reynolds Jones 2010-10-12 08:30

I would not be at all surprised. Kind of fits the comedy button on our liberallaffs shoppe on line.

Discounted Democrats made Boehner's opponent, Justin Coussoule one of our candidates of choice (not that we can help him win, we are tiny - but hey) some time ago. This so clearly demonstrates why.

Not denying almost guarantees that indeed, he is having an affair.

Reynolds Jones
http://www.discounteddemocrats.com

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