Another Alleged Affair Tied to Christian House on Capitol Hill

By Jonathan Allen | July 16, 2009 7:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

A Capitol Hill townhouse that serves as a dormitory and meeting place for a band of conservative Christian lawmakers has been linked to a third episode of marital infidelity, this time in a Mississippi court filing by a former lawmaker's estranged wife.

CStreet.JPG

In an "alienation of affection" lawsuit, former Rep. Charles W. Pickering Jr.'s estranged wife, Leisha, alleges that he carried on an extramarital affair with a onetime college sweetheart while he lived at a house at 133 C Street in Southeast Washington. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., and Gov. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., both of whom admitted to cheating on their wives in recent weeks, are members of the Christian fellowship of lawmakers known as "C Street" for the address of the house where several of the members live at any given time.

Pickering Complaint

Leisha Pickering alleges that some of the "wrongful conduct" on the part of the woman accused of breaking up the Pickering marriage "occurred and accrued" in Washington, D.C., "at the C Street Complex."

A source familiar with the C Street group said it is difficult to envision a resident carrying on relations with a mistress in the townhouse where he lived with other lawmakers.

The extremely tight-knit and secretive group is described by those with knowledge of its practices as a prayer group in which members seek to discuss personal issues and "hold each other accountable."

Pickering was once seen as the natural successor to Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., who retired in the 110th Congress. But the lawsuit alleges that Pickering turned down an offer by Gov. Haley Barbour, R-Miss., to take Lott's seat and instead retired from the House this year because his mistress gave him an ultimatum: either continue in Congress without her or leave Congress to be with her.
More from CQ Politics

* Another "C Street" Affair Uncovered
* Governor Who Rejected Stimulus Funds Now Needs Loan
* Graham in Spotlight During Hearings

Categories: Slice of Congressional Life

Tags: Barbour, CStreet, Ensign, Pickering, Sanford

Comments
1.

Some people might consider these so-called "conservative Christian lawmakers" to be astounding moral hypocrites in light of all these adultery revelations, but I don't think so.

I think it more likely that they were never sincere Christians (as their behavior has revealed) to begin with - they only pretended to be so, knowing that this pose would help insulate them from criticism and help attract the votes of religious conservatives.

It was a good scam for them while it lasted, but sooner or later true character shows through, as it has here. Fortunately for them, there's always the tactic of blaming the media, which I am sure they'll be doing soon.

Posted by: billp Author Profile Page | July 16, 2009 9:55 PM
2.

Perhaps these rightwing Republican zealots should actually live by the words of the Bible and not just quote them during election time.

Posted by: mag_amberson Author Profile Page | July 16, 2009 11:27 PM
3.

"Onward Christian Soldiers..."
Don't forget to bring your condoms.

Posted by: William Joseph Reynolds Author Profile Page | July 17, 2009 8:50 AM
4.

Perhaps spouses should check the CV of the landlady, Miss Belle Watling, when their better halves sign the rental agreement?

Posted by: jw Author Profile Page | July 17, 2009 9:13 AM