Full Version: Jack Ryan
In the news Jack Ryan is running for the US Senate in Illinois. His is divorced. His ex- wife Jeri Ryan has acussed him of making her go to sex clubs when they were married and having sex in pubilc.
People want his divorce records made public.
He states he will not step down from running for office. They allegations are false.
Should the divorce papers be publized and does it really matter if they allgegations are true?
Should he step down from running for office?
People want his divorce records made public.
He states he will not step down from running for office. They allegations are false.
Should the divorce papers be publized and does it really matter if they allgegations are true?
Should he step down from running for office?
Living in Illinois, I've been following this race.
The divorce papers have been unsealed, and it looks as if the allegations are true. At least, Jack Ryan isn't denying them.
The problem, as usual, is not that Ryan propositioned his wife in a public sex club. Nothing illegal there, at all, as far as I can tell. The problem of course, is that he tried to cover it up. He had his divorce records sealed. He told the Republican leadership early on, that there was nothing in these records that could possibly derail his Senate run. He said the same thing to reporters when rumors started to come out, and they questioned him about it. Can you say "oops"? (I knew you could).
In a poll conducted two days ago, respondents were asked if sex clubs, when attended by consenting adults, were "morally wrong". 53 percent of Republicans said "yes" while 35 percent of Democrats said they were. Ryan knew this would be an issue with his base, and tried to hide it from them.
Overall, though, I think this is really a non-issue. Ryan was already 24 percentage points behind his opponent, Barak Obama, before this issue blew up in Ryan's face. The Republican's only real hope now, is to find a viable replacement for Ryan. Some of those being considered by the states Republican leadership are former Governors Jim Edgar and Jim Thompson.
The divorce papers have been unsealed, and it looks as if the allegations are true. At least, Jack Ryan isn't denying them.
The problem, as usual, is not that Ryan propositioned his wife in a public sex club. Nothing illegal there, at all, as far as I can tell. The problem of course, is that he tried to cover it up. He had his divorce records sealed. He told the Republican leadership early on, that there was nothing in these records that could possibly derail his Senate run. He said the same thing to reporters when rumors started to come out, and they questioned him about it. Can you say "oops"? (I knew you could).
In a poll conducted two days ago, respondents were asked if sex clubs, when attended by consenting adults, were "morally wrong". 53 percent of Republicans said "yes" while 35 percent of Democrats said they were. Ryan knew this would be an issue with his base, and tried to hide it from them.
Overall, though, I think this is really a non-issue. Ryan was already 24 percentage points behind his opponent, Barak Obama, before this issue blew up in Ryan's face. The Republican's only real hope now, is to find a viable replacement for Ryan. Some of those being considered by the states Republican leadership are former Governors Jim Edgar and Jim Thompson.
Moved to the Election 2004 Forum
Alleged, unconfirmed charges that he wanted to do something kinky with his lawfully wedded wife. While it won't play well downstate, it could blow over by the election. He should have released these facts the day after he won the primary.
As Niteguy points out though, he probably has no chance either way, unless something comes up between now and Nov 2.
As Niteguy points out though, he probably has no chance either way, unless something comes up between now and Nov 2.
He should most certainly run. According to Tom Clancy, Jack Ryan eventually becomes president of the United States.
OK, but seriously, the importance of the controvercy will be decided by the voters, he should not necessarily step down because of such a scandal (which in no way affects his actual ability to do his job) but he must be aware that such a scandal may lose him the eventual election.
Also, though this is not my field of expertise, it seems to me that opening divorce documents to the public in a case like this sets an utterly appauling and dagerous precident...
OK, but seriously, the importance of the controvercy will be decided by the voters, he should not necessarily step down because of such a scandal (which in no way affects his actual ability to do his job) but he must be aware that such a scandal may lose him the eventual election.
Also, though this is not my field of expertise, it seems to me that opening divorce documents to the public in a case like this sets an utterly appauling and dagerous precident...
If I were a voter in Illinois, the allegations would "matter" to me in that it would be a consideration of mine as to whether or not I would vote for him. But first, I would have to see his ex-wife at a press conference. 
Divorce proceedings aren't meant to bring out the most positive things about your spouse, and I'm sure that she's no angel when it comes to the jet set lifestyle. What about her and the things that she may have done in their marriage? And as Dr. Laura would say, she knew what kind of man she married early on. I doubt that she married him and that he awoke the next day and became a freaky-deaky, swingin' kind of guy. I would have to watch her on t.v. to determine for myself through a hunch, as to whether or not she told the truth, or if she is just dragging things out to get her way in court. 
Divorce proceedings aren't meant to bring out the most positive things about your spouse, and I'm sure that she's no angel when it comes to the jet set lifestyle. What about her and the things that she may have done in their marriage? And as Dr. Laura would say, she knew what kind of man she married early on. I doubt that she married him and that he awoke the next day and became a freaky-deaky, swingin' kind of guy. I would have to watch her on t.v. to determine for myself through a hunch, as to whether or not she told the truth, or if she is just dragging things out to get her way in court.
I live in Illinois but the allegations mean nothing to me. So what if he asked her? He had every right to seal his records. It was a personal matter and he did nothing wrong. He didnt abuse her and she said herself that he would make a fine senator. I cannot blame him for not wanting to tell the world that he asked his wife to perform in public sex. This is a whole lot more agreeable then say an Arnold fondling and grabbing women against their will.
He just dropped out according to Foxnews. I do not think any of this matters. For one Obama was beating him by 20 points before the allegations. This is just another case of people poking their heads in someting that isnt their business. He did nothing wrong except offend his wife.
He just dropped out according to Foxnews. I do not think any of this matters. For one Obama was beating him by 20 points before the allegations. This is just another case of people poking their heads in someting that isnt their business. He did nothing wrong except offend his wife.
QUOTE(carlitoswhey @ Jun 25 2004, 09:17 AM)
Alleged, unconfirmed charges that he wanted to do something kinky with his lawfully wedded wife. While it won't play well downstate, it could blow over by the election. He should have released these facts the day after he won the primary.
He didn't release the facts. His wife did. I still think the intimate details were none of the publics' business. Now if he had committed adultery...maybe. But i also think that the personal lives of candidates don't matter! What matters is their views on issues and that is why we elect them. We don't elect them because they go to a sex club or not.
QUOTE(Momof3 @ Jun 24 2004, 09:32 PM)
Should he step down from running for office?
I think he has stepped down, so the point is moot.
Ryan says he's quitting Senate bid
QUOTE
Illinois senatorial candidate Jack Ryan abruptly abandoned his bid for Congress on Friday, succumbing to a furor over sex club allegations that horrified fellow Republicans and made him a target of late-night comedy.
"It's clear to me that a vigorous debate on the issues most likely could not take place if I remain in the race," said the 44-year-old Ryan, who won his party's nomination in a multi-candidate primary earlier this year.
"It's clear to me that a vigorous debate on the issues most likely could not take place if I remain in the race," said the 44-year-old Ryan, who won his party's nomination in a multi-candidate primary earlier this year.
On a different note, I would imagine this will make the race just a tad easier for Democrats.
Awww C'mon JACKY!
Its Illinois.
Going to a sex club aint gonna cost you no points up there Baby!
If anything if you admit you enjoy sex you'll get some Democrat support to replace the Republicans angry over the honesty that you enjoy sex!
People have got to get over the whole sex is dirty thing!
Doesn't everyone have a trapeze in the "Spare" bedroom?
Some hand cuffs lyin around somewhere.
That one bar you can't go back to because of that 9th beer!
C'mon America repeat after me
I
LIKE
To
----
Its Illinois.
Going to a sex club aint gonna cost you no points up there Baby!
If anything if you admit you enjoy sex you'll get some Democrat support to replace the Republicans angry over the honesty that you enjoy sex!
People have got to get over the whole sex is dirty thing!
Doesn't everyone have a trapeze in the "Spare" bedroom?
Some hand cuffs lyin around somewhere.
That one bar you can't go back to because of that 9th beer!
C'mon America repeat after me
I
LIKE
To
----
CLOSED. (That was fast! 
)
It looks like the questions are now moot and the debate is no longer constructive.
Thanks to those who debated
)It looks like the questions are now moot and the debate is no longer constructive.
Thanks to those who debated
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