Spokane scandal
From the "Wolf Blitzer Reports" staff
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- City Hall in Spokane, Washington, is being rocked by a scandal that's making headlines nationwide.
It centers on the city's mayor, who has been accused of child molestation.
"I'm a law abiding citizen and I believe my public record of service stands on its own merit," Spokane Mayor Jim West said last week as he reacted to an expose by the Spokesman-Review newspaper.
After a three-year investigation, the paper reported that West allegedly used his positions as mayor, sheriff's deputy and Boy Scout leader to develop sexual relationships with boys and young men.
The expose included allegations by two men with criminal records who claim West molested them two decades ago -- an accusation the mayor says is false.
"I categorically deny any allegations about incidents that supposedly occurred 24 years ago, as alleged by two convicted felons and about which I have no knowledge," West said.
But West, a conservative Republican and former legislator with a staunch anti-gay voting record, did not deny having sex with men.
"The newspaper also reported that I visited a gay Internet chat line and had relations with adult men. I don't deny that," West said.
Today the Spokesman-Review reported that West called the paper's editor at home early Sunday morning to discuss coverage of the scandal.
The paper describes West as emotional and rambling at times during the 30-minute conversation. He is quoted as saying, "I'm being destroyed because I am a gay man, which is fine. I've been in public life, I can accept that. Because I am a gay man, because of this double life, it has been hell."
Also raising eyebrows in this case is the way the Spokesman-Review uncovered the story.
To investigate an allegation by an 18-year-old gay man, the paper hired a computer expert to trace West's participation in a gay chat room and to pose as 17 and 18-year-old young men.
The paper reported that during the online chats, West variously offered gifts, favors and even a city hall internship.
Some call the sting unethical, but the Spokesman-Review editor says extreme measures were necessary to authenticate and verify the story.
