'4-29-07: Former Deputy-of-Staff Randall Tobias resigned after admitting to having used an escort service now under investigation. He used to head administration efforts to combat AIDS and prostitution worldwide. Tobias was an outspoken proponent of abstinence-based AIDS prevention.
I have nothing against prostitution but hate hypocrisy, especially sexual hypocrisy. Conservatives seem to be full of them these days: Mark Foley, Matt Sanchez/Rod Majors, Ted Haggard, etc.
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'DC Madam' scandal ensnares Tobias
April 30, 2007 11:13 PM
Sandra Chapman/Eyewitness News
Washington, DC - A scandal in Washington, DC forces Indiana's Randall Tobias out of the state department. Now the woman accused of being the "DC Madam" apologizes to Tobias for the incident. She faces charges of running a high-class call girl ring.
Referred to as the "DC Madam," Deborah Jeane Palfrey is now taking legal steps to compel former Bush appointee and Lilly CEO Randall Tobias to testify in her defense.
"Friday's admission by Mr. Tobias that he engaged in legal activity while a customer of my firm supports my position all along that I operated a sexual, albeit legal business," she said.
Palfrey apologized for outing Tobias, but not for what she terms her "high-end erotic fantasy service." In March she was indicted for running a prostitution ring.
Outside of a Washington courthouse Monday she told reporters, "Allow me to say how genuinely sorry I am for Mr. Tobias, his family and his friends. I unfortunately know firsthand the impact such a revelation can have upon one's life."
Tobias resigned his Deputy Secretary of State position a day after he reportedly told ABC News that he used Palfrey's escort service - Pamela Martin and Associates - for massages but not sex.
In his State Department position as the first director over U.S. Foreign Assistance, Tobias was an outspoken proponent of abstinence-based AIDS prevention.
The reason for Tobias' abrupt resignation Friday apparently came as a surprise to his boss, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, said to have known nothing about it before then.
"I think everything that needs to be said about it has been said. It's a difficult time for Randy and his family. We appreciate that," said Sean McCormack, State Department spokesman.
In Indiana, his name is still closely tied to Eli Lilly. which he led to prominence in the late eighties and nineties. He still maintains an office at the Tobias Family Foundation.
Staff at the Tobias Family Foundation at 500 East 96th Street in Indianapolis could not say when their founder would be returning, but they had no comment on the developments in Washington.
DC prosecutors accuse the so-called "Madam" of intimidating witnesses by publicly outing them. But she places at least part of the blame on clients like Tobias.
"I am very dismayed, however, by Mr. Tobias' refusal to come forward," Palfrey concluded. "Had he done so earlier with the many many others who have used my company's services throughout the years, I most likely would not be in my current predicament."
Tobias did not return our calls for comment. He served in his State Department role for just a year. He received the 2006 International Citizen of the Year Award honoring his contributions to Indiana and the world in business and community service. Governor Daniels tells Eyewitness News he hopes Tobias is remembered for his service, not this scandal.
Just a week ago, Tobias was at the White House helping celebrate the Indianapolis Colts, and being cited by President Bush for his service in the world-wide fight against AIDS.
Palfrey is planning to subpoena Tobias to testify in her behalf.
"If there's a bank robbery, you want to see who was at the scene of the crime so they testify to the identity of the bank robber," said Montgomery Blair, Palfrey's attorney.
If Palfrey gets her way, Tobias may not be the only one dragged into court to defend her honor:
http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6448234 '
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