U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, considered by many to be a rising star in the Republican Party, is expected to file for divorce today from his wife of 17 years, Diane Rogers.
They have two children.
Neither the congressman nor his wife would comment, other than to issue the following joint statement: "After working on our marriage for years, including marriage counseling, we have decided to separate. We do so with mutual respect and a commitment to friendship in the best interests of our children. We ask for respect of our family's privacy during this difficult time. We will have no further comment on this matter."
It's not clear whether a divorce would dampen Mike Rogers' future in politics. Several Republican candidates for president have been divorced.
In fact, the only top-tier Republican presidential candidate who hasn't been divorced is the Mormon, Mitt Romney... but that's another matter.
In 2005, Mike Rogers supported the interests of the FRC 92% of the time; 92% in 2004; and 92% in 2003. It's clear that Mike Rogers is an avid supporter of the so-called "family agenda," but what exactly does that mean?
Here's a little more background on the Family Research Council:
"The Family Research Council (FRC) champions marriage and family as the foundation of civilization, the seedbed of virtue, and the wellspring of society. FRC shapes public debate and formulate public policy that values human life and upholds the institutions of marriage and the family."
Here's what the FRC has to say about divorce:
Today, 40 to 50 percent of marriages are likely to end in divorce, with second and subsequent marriages having an even higher likelihood of divorce than first marriages...
Divorce has long-lasting emotional consequences on children, often negatively impacting them into adulthood. Divorced men and women also suffer tremendously from divorce, often experiencing depression and financial loss.
Speaking as a child of divorce, I know that Mike Rogers' family must be going through some tough times right now. So, I'm willing to cut the guy some slack.
After all, it's not hypocritical to get a divorce if you only support "family values" issues -- like banning gay marriage, blocking stem cell research, supporting abstinence-only sex education, etc. -- 92% of the time.
2 comments:
The concerning element here, is the method of the announcement. Mike's wife took her two kids and left the state during the week, and he came home to an empty house.
Mike was alone and released a 'joint statement' on Monday. I find that difficult to believe. Although Mike would like to keep it a private matter, there are only a few reasons women take their kids and unexpectedly flee their home in secret.
I think if you parade your Wife and kids in front of the camera during elections, then you have put them into the public light. Mike should offer a better explanation of the circumstances, and why his wife 'fled' in secret.
And his campaign Treasurer, Valerie Tillstrom lives with Lee Albright? So he's divorced and his treasurer is shacked up with a petition consultant. So much for "Family values".
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