Mark Souder has been, for almost 16 years now, one of the staunchest “family values” Republicans in Congress:

The Indiana Republican … has made the “fight to uphold traditional values” the centerpiece of his professional life. His official website declares, “The family plays a fundamental role in our society…. I am committed to preserving traditional marriage, the union of one man and one woman… I am committed to fighting the assault on American values.” Souder has been especially active in fighting against gay rights and for abstinence-only funding.

And now, he’s just confessed to porking a part-time employee:

Indiana Rep. Mark Souder (R) will resign his congressional seat after an affair with a staffer came to light, he said in a statement this morning.

“It is with great regret I announce that I am resigning from the U.S. House of Representatives as well as resigning as the Republican nominee for Congress in this fall’s election,” said Souder.

“I sinned against my God, my wife and my family by having a mutual relationship with a part time member of my staff,” added Souder. “I am so shamed (sic) to have hurt those I love.”

Funny how they start to feel ashamed only after their sexual shenanigans accidentally come to light. Till then, they just glory in the sheer unbridled joy of adultery.

What I specially love is that mea culpa. Even as he confesses his multitudinous sins, he’s trying to pick up brownie points for the relationship being consensual? Let’s hope his God, his wife and his family all got a good laugh out of that one.