Scandal Rocks Washington: Rep. Henry Hyde Embroiled in Affair with Former Lawmaker's Wife

Congressman Henry Hyde's reputation is being called into question following a report by Salon, an online magazine, which alleges that he had an affair with the wife of a former Chicago salesman, Fred Snodgrass. Hyde, who is presiding over impeachment hearings against President Clinton, admitted to the affair, stating that it was a "youthful indiscretion" that took place in the 1960s.

The affair allegedly occurred between 1965 and 1969, when Hyde was married and the father of four sons. His wife, Jeanne, died of breast cancer in 1992 after a 45-year marriage. Snodgrass' wife, Cherie, was also married with three children at the time of the affair. Hyde claimed that he ended the affair when his wife discovered it, but Snodgrass has stated that the affair continued in secret.

The revelation has sparked outrage among conservatives, with some speculating that Hyde's affair may be used as leverage against him in the impeachment proceedings. Salon has denied that the story was planted by those with ulterior motives, stating that it received the information from a friend of Snodgrass and corroborated it through interviews with Snodgrass, his family, and Hyde himself.

Key Takeaways:

• Rep. Henry Hyde admitted to having an affair with the wife of a former Chicago salesman, Fred Snodgrass, between 1965 and 1969.
• The affair took place while Hyde was married and the father of four sons.
• Snodgrass' wife, Cherie, was also married with three children at the time of the affair.
• Hyde claimed that he ended the affair when his wife discovered it, but Snodgrass stated that the affair continued in secret.
• Several conservative Republicans have acknowledged extramarital affairs in the past two weeks, fueling speculation that the Monica Lewinsky scandal has disintegrated into mudslinging.
• Salon denied that the story was planted by those with ulterior motives, stating that it received the information from a friend of Snodgrass and corroborated it through interviews.
• The revelation has sparked outrage among conservatives and may be used as leverage against Hyde in the impeachment proceedings.

Statistics:

• Rep. Henry Hyde was 41 years old when the affair took place.
• The affair lasted for approximately 4 years.
• Hyde has been married 45 years to his late wife, Jeanne.
• Snodgrass and his wife had three children at the time of the affair.
• Cherie, Hyde's alleged lover, was 29 years old at the time of the affair.

Sources:

• Salon, "Scandal Rocks Washington: Rep. Henry Hyde Embroiled in Affair with Former Lawmaker's Wife"
• Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services, "ARCHIVE PHOTOS on PressLink Online"