WP: Foley Acquaintances Question Alcoholism (rarely saw him drink) [View All]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/03/AR2006100301001_pf.html

Foley Acquaintances Question Alcoholism

By BRIAN SKOLOFF
The Associated Press
Tuesday, October 3, 2006; 8:39 PM

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- When disgraced former Rep. Mark Foley announced he was entering rehab for treatment of alcoholism and "other behavioral problems," some of those who have known him for years were shocked and suspicious.

Some friends and acquaintances said they rarely saw him drink.

A former colleague, Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said on Fox News Channel: "I don't buy this at all. I think this is a phony defense. The fact is, I think he's responsible for what he did here and I think it's a gimmick."

(snip)

"Mark acknowledges that he is an alcoholic and as many alcoholics does not publicly display his consumption," Foley's attorney and longtime friend David Roth said.

(snip)

"I have never seen Mark inebriated in public," said Robin Bernstein, who has known Foley for 25 years. "I mean, he was a social drinker like most of us at cocktail parties with a glass of wine, but Mark was always ... the consummate gentleman."

(snip)

link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/03/AR2006100301001_pf.html