Based on past behavior, I don’t think it’s likely the Diocese would be asking this question if they thought Foley’s story was true. (Remember, the only “friend” who vouched for Foley’s alchoholism is also Foley’s lawyer). Palm Beach Post:

The Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach has sent a formal letter asking Mark Foley’s attorney to identify the clergyman who allegedly abused the former congressman.

Foley’s attorney, David Roth, said during a news conference on Oct. 3 that a clergyman had molested Foley when he was from 13 to 15 years old. He did not identify the person, church or denomination.

“Until such time as you identify the alleged perpetrator,” diocese attorney J. Patrick Fitzgerald wrote in an Oct. 5 letter to Roth, “all clergy that served in Palm Beach County have been needlessly placed under suspicion.”

Well, come on. Isn’t “needless” just a bit harsh?

Foley’s stashed away in rehab so he can’t talk to the press. And the Republicans are going to let him out, just to clear the names of a few clergy? Don’t you realize there’s an election to win?

Any Floridians in the house?

Foley, whose electronic messages with teenage former pages caused a national scandal, grew up in a devout Catholic family. He served as an altar boy at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lake Worth and attended Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach during his freshman year in 1969-70.