Bob Allen Resigns Over Gay Sex Solicitation

That sex solicitation guilty verdict knocked some sense into Floridian Republican Bob Allen. The legislator and champion of family values resigned late Friday after being sentenced to community service, std class and fines for offering an undercover cop $20 and a blowjob:

Allen’s letter to House Speaker Mario Rubio said he would resign on Feb. 15, 2008, or earlier if a replacement election can be held.
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In his letter, Allen citied “the requirements of my family and my private life, and in order to seek justice in the upcoming appeal process” as reasons for his decision.

Jim Greer, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, released this statement after Allen’s resignation announcement: “Last week I encouraged Representative Allen to resign his position in the Florida House, and I am pleased that he has decided to do so. Floridians in House District 32 deserve a strong voice to represent them in the Florida House, and I am encouraged that they will now have that opportunity.”

Allen had no comment, of course. Nor did his staff: they’ve been replaced by an answering redirecting calls to hell. Okay, that last bit’s not true, but there are machines telling callers the line isn’t accepting messages.