Representative retires amid rumors

(BP) - U.S. Rep. Edward L. Schrock, R.-Va., has announced his retirement amid rumors he is a homosexual. Schrock has been an outspoken opponent of gays in the military and a supporter of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex "marriage."

Schrock, 63, cited unspecified allegations in a statement released Aug. 30 signaling he will not seek a third term in Congress. Claims that the congressman is a homosexual were posted on a Web log Aug. 19 by Michael Rogers, who said his goal is to expose "hypocrites" in Congress.

In his statement, Schrock said the claims "have called into question my ability to represent the citizens of Virginia's Second Congressional District."

A retired Navy officer and Vietnam veteran, Schrock and his wife are members of Atlantic Shores Baptist Church, an independent Baptist congregation in Virginia Beach.

Thelma Drake, a member of the Virginia state House's conservative GOP majority, has been tapped to replace Schrock on the November ballot.