Editorial: Private lives sadly becoming fair game

In the month after President Clinton acknowledged he had sex with Monica Lewinsky, three prominent Republican U.S. representatives have admitted that they also have been involved in extramarital affairs after reporters questioned them about the relationships.

A couple of weeks ago, Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind., disclosed he fathered a child from an extramarital relationship in the 1980s. After that, Rep. Helen Chenoweth, R-Idaho, acknowledged she had an affair with a married man in the 1980s.

The latest Republican to acknowledge an extramarital affair is Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill., the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which is investigating whether there are sufficient grounds to impeach Clinton. Hyde admitted to "indiscretions" with the woman during the 1960s.

Supporters of Hyde accuse the White House of a "scorched earth" policy of striking back at opponents by prodding reporters to pry into the private lives of Republicans, a charge the White House vigorously denies.

This obsession with the private lives of public officials is destructive and must end. Unless a sexual affair affects his duty as a public official, no reasonable person cares about such salacious gossip.

The American public has no appetite for this kind of scandal coverage that in the past was reserved for publications such as the National Enquirer. For decency's sake it's time to put an end to these sexual witch hunts.

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