Congressman resigns after scandal

A married Republican Congressman from New York, who solicited a romantic encounter over the Internet, has resigned, saying he regretted actions that had hurt his family, staff and constituents.

A married Republican Congressman from New York, who solicited a romantic encounter over the internet, has resigned, saying he regretted actions that had hurt his family, staff and constituents.

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Congressman Chris Lee sent in his resignation letter hours after a website -- Gawker.com – in a news report said that he solicited a romantic encounter over the Internet, even sending a shirtless photo of himself to the woman.

46-year-old Lee is married and has one son.

"I regret the harm that my actions have caused my family, my staff and my constituents. I deeply and sincerely apologize to them all. I have made profound mistakes and I promise to work as hard as I can to seek their forgiveness," Lee said in a statement.

According to Gawker report, Lee responded to an ad on the Craigslist's "women seeking men" forum.

In the ad, the woman said she was looking for "financially & emotionally secure" men who don't "look like toads."

That same day, she allegedly received a response from a person who said his name was Christopher Lee, describing himself as a 39-year-old lobbyist, "a very fit fun classy guy. Live in Cap Hill area. 6ft 190lbs blond/blue," The Washington Post said.

According to The Hill, the scandal is a setback for House Republican leaders, who cited ethics, among other issues, in their successful effort to win back the lower chamber last year.

Lee was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2008. A few month ago, he gained a seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.