Louisiana's 'Kissing Congressman' changes mind, asks voters to take him back after affair
Vance McAllister, the married Republican congressman who announced he would not seek re-election after being caught on camera kissing a female aide, has had a change of heart and will run to hold his seat this November.
In an exclusive interview with The News-Star, McAllister said he would hold a press conference to formally announce his decision this afternoon.
Surrounded by his family, McAllister said “I wanted to make sure everything was good with our family. Our family is stronger than ever, so I think the people should decide whether or not I continue to represent them.”
McAllister's wife Kelly said, “I’m behind him 100 percent. We made this decision as a family.”
McAllister had dropped out of the running after videotape was released of him kissing staff member Melissa Anne Hixon Peacock, wife of close personal friend and business associate Heath Peacock. The betrayed husband told the press that McAllister "wrecked my life," and promptly filed for divorce from his wife.
Following the revelations, McAllister fired Melissa Peacock who had served as his scheduler.
Asked about the scandal, McAllister, who ran as a Christian conservative, said he will no longer talk about it.
"I’ve publicly apologized to the people in the 5th District and more importantly worked through it with my family,” he said. “I’ve said all I’m going to say about it. Now it’s up to the voters.”
McAllister said he will now start raising money and would once again self-fund his campaign if necessary.
At the time of his announcement that he would not run, McAllister only had $8,425 in cash on hand and was having trouble attracting contributors.