Mr. Malin acknowledged Thursday that he once worked as a prostitute.
"I've made mistakes in my life, and I've stood before my Creator and I've accepted responsibility for my behavior," Mr. Malin said. "I've also accepted his grace and his redemption and his love and his forgiveness, and that's what important."
Web pages that have been used to advertise the sexual services of "Todd Sharpe" say he previously worked in the New York City and Los Angeles areas. His rates ranged from $200 to $600, according to graphically detailed reviews from men whom the pages described as satisfied customers.
Mr. Malin said he no longer works as a prostitute.
And, though the Dallas Morning News, which broke the story, doesn't list the site Malin once worked for under the alias of "Todd Sharpe", a quick bit of Googling with the name Todd Sharpe and "hot uninhibited," a phrase the DMN says was listed in the website, indicates Malin was on the site "Gayescortweb.com." And, though the site has evidently been taken down, Google maintains a cache of it here.
More DMN:
"I knew that if I continued on with that, I would die," Mr. Malin said. "God spoke to me, and I knew I had to make a different choice in life."
Mr. Malin, who was once a member of the Dallas Citizens Police Review Board, said he hoped his mistakes would not cost him a chance to serve in the Texas House. And he said he would remain in the race.
"I don't regret my past, nor do I wish to shut the door on my past," he said. "I think anyone who has made mistakes in their lives can be a viable member of community and society."
Although this is understandable (he should receive some sympathy from the GOP members of the House; about half of them proudly note they are "born again" Christians), it will no doubt cost him some votes.
...
"I know that there are people that can benefit from my experience," he said. "This is not about winning an election; this is about empowerment. There is a higher calling and a higher message involved in this."
All the "Todd Sharpe" Web sites are now defunct. The Dallas Morning News found archived versions online after receiving a tip this week that Mr. Malin might have worked in the sex industry.
The tipster, a fellow gay Democrat who knew the candidate, said he had heard rumors about Mr. Malin's past but had no direct knowledge. He said he feared that if Mr. Malin won a primary race next month and the rumors turned out to be true, their political party would be embarrassed. The tipster asked not to be identified because he didn't want to be dragged into a political fight.
Malin has been endorsed by the Dallas Tejano Democrats, who said they may reconsider their endorsement. The DMN also endorsed him, but has rescinded that, too:
"We were not aware of this, and he never mentioned it to us during the screening," said Domingo Garcia, chairman of the local Tejano Democrats. "Obviously we will have to reconsider our decision based on the new information."
The Dallas Morning News editorial board also recommended Mr. Malin, but in light of this new information, said it was reconsidering that recommendation.
His opponent in next month's Democratic primary is retired salesman Jack Borden, who said he was disappointed to learn of the revelation.
"I'm wondering who put him up to run in the first place," Mr. Borden said. "I don't approve of anybody selling their body."
Mr. Malin said the decision to run was his own.
Ex-Dallas County Democratic Chairwoman Susan Hays has a brighter take on things:
Former Dallas County Democratic chairwoman Susan Hays, a Malin supporter, said the candidate told her about his past in the buffet line of a local restaurant.
"He kind of amazed me," she said. "He's been a mess, but righted himself. He's got more honesty and energy than his Democratic opponent and Dan Branch." |
