Politics

Another One Bites the Dust: Puerto Rico Senator Resigns Following iPhone Photo Scandal

A Puerto Rico lawmaker has resigned following reports that explicit photos of him surfaced on an iPhone application for gays and bisexuals, the head of the U.S. territory’s Senate announced Sunday.

Sen. Roberto Arango, a Republican who represents the capital of San Juan for the island’s governing party, presented his letter of resignation after a weekend meeting, Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz said.

Puerto Rican Senator Resigns Following iPhone Photo Scandal

This alleged photo of Puerto Rican Sen. Roberto Arango surfaced last week on a gay meet-up app. (Guanabee)

Schatz did not release the lawmaker’s letter, but said the circumstances that led to the resignation “are very lamentable.”

Local news media published photos from the application showing a man’s nude upper body with a cell phone obscuring his face. Another photo showed a rear view of a nude man on his hands and knees. Another showed a fuzzy image of a face that seemed to match Arango’s.

Arango has neither confirmed nor denied suggestions by local media that the photos might be of him and apparently was not asked if he had posted them. During a recent interview with WAPA TV in Puerto Rico, the senator said he has taken pictures of himself with a cell phone to document his recent weight loss.

“I really don’t remember having taken those pictures of myself, but it doesn‘t mean I didn’t take them,” he told the station. “I really don’t remember.”

Arango did not return calls Sunday.

A graduate of Louisiana State University and a food importer before turning to politics, he was chairman of a business council for the national Republican Party and municipal director of the Republican Party in Puerto Rico, according to his Web page for Puerto Rico’s Senate.

Pedro Julio Serrano, founder of the gay rights group Puerto Rico for Everyone, said Arango voted in favor of Resolution 99, a proposal that would block any attempt to permit same-sex marriages in the U.S. territory. He also helped block a measure to ban sexual discrimination in the workplace and opposed adoption rights for gays.

“This isn‘t a moment to kick someone when he’s down, but I have to denounce Sen. Roberto Arango’s complicity with a fundamentalist agenda that promotes the exclusion and marginalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people,” Serrano said Sunday.

Local news media said that the pictures first appeared on an iPhone application for gays and bisexuals and that they themselves later received copies from unidentified sources.

In recent days, Puerto Rican Gov. Luis Fortuno had said that if the man was indeed a legislator, he should resign. That echoed the sentiments of other lawmakers, including local House Speaker Jenniffer Gonzalez.

The Associated Press contributed to this article

Comments (135)

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  • ida-russkie
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:27pm

    The senator was in the local senate not the national senate.

    Report Post »  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:50pm

      Elected once?
      Paid by taxpayers?
      All of PR is US taxpayer funded.
      The village square awaits.

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • Cat
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 10:26pm

      Posted to a gay site.
      Hands and knees.
      Don’t remember.

      Hum … Another drugged up political hack, no doubt about it.

      Puerto Rico is a US territory.
      It receives US funding without direct representation.
      Do indigenous elected officials get pensions and perks as well, paid for by the citizens of the 50 states?
      You betcha …

      Report Post » Cat  
    • woodyb
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 12:12am

      So??????????????

      He still swore to an oath when sworn in, and I doubt that it was an oath of loyalty to GLADD (or whatever the Gay organization’s acronym is)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Sleazy Hippo
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 10:11am

      This gentleman worked tirelessly for the GOP for many years. He established the current Republican legacy and deserves credit. Finally, we should honor his wife and daughter who did nothing wrong.

      Report Post » Sleazy Hippo  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:04pm

    Can’t believe he would resign for just trying to show how much weight he lost in his anus.

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:55pm

    good…now this sodomite can take pics with his stinky arse up in the air all he likes..lol

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • Bermuda Onion
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:55pm

    Wait, the guy’s a republican? The democRATS should circle the wagons what with the g a y photo of his…how shall we say….sphincter muscle. The guy should claim to be gay (maybe he is) and the dems will forgive him.

    Report Post »  
  • EODGhost
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:54pm

    The real question is why Puerto Rico even has a Senator.
    Last I checked, they weren’t a state. We should cut them loose altogether.
    Think of it as “Continued Budget Cuts”

    Report Post » EODGhost  
    • PunditPawn
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:02pm

      Necessary attrition.

      Report Post »  
    • The_Hut_In_Co
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:59pm

      Cut the whole dam country(P.R.) loose. Can’t do that tho, maybe some demoncrat votes there.

      Report Post » The_Hut_In_Co  
    • theduchessofkitty
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:24pm

      Obviously you didn’t read the article… or have any clue whatsoever about local Puerto RIcan politics.

      The guy was a SENATOR, from the LOCAL LEGISLATURE. There is NO SENATOR representing PR in Washington: only a “Resident Commissioner”, called here a Delegate before Congress.

      I know whereof I speak: I’m Puerto Rican, born and raised there. I was taught both local and U.S. civics at my school – unlike the schools here, unfortunately.

      Moral of the story: READ THE WHOLE STORY before you comment. Your ignorance is showing.

      Report Post » theduchessofkitty  
  • Want our country back
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:39pm

    This guy (Republican) resigned BEFORE this became a month long scandal…. unlike Anthony Weiner (Democratic) that dragged it out for too long, refused to resign and played the media.

    Report Post » Want our country back  
    • 1TrueOne55
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 3:44am

      He is not a Senator in the US Congress. He is a Senator in the Puerto Rican Congress. He has nothing to do with Wienergate in NYC. It might be that this guy was standing in the way of the Progressive Democrats in the US pushing Puerto Rico into being the 51st State. They only need six more and then Obama’s 57 state comment becomes a non-issue in the next election.

      I personally think he was talking more that he visited States 57 times and some of those multiple times but with the way this President is fast and loose with the truth I have to bend my reasoning in half to get that far.

      Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
    • Want our country back
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 8:58am

      @1TRUEONE55

      The point is Republican representatives resign instantly….

      Also, if you google 57 States…… there are 57 Muslim states

      We’ll keep fighting the good fight….. 2012

      Report Post » Want our country back  
    • Jim in Houston
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 10:50am

      I agree that when a republican gets caught in scandal they typically quietly resign and dimocRats make a lot of noises about someone else’s fault; however, that doesn‘t excuse this dirt bag’s stupidity and actions.

      Report Post »  
  • Fatunsassy
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:22pm

    Be sure YOUR SIN will find you out !!!! ALL these perverts need to resign, both Democrates and Republicians. We do not need this kind of trash in our goverment. The more Progressive Ideas we accept, the more perverted ideas we will accept as normal. Do we as a society have STANDARDS and MORALS, or do we accept anything???

    Report Post »  
    • Brock
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:30pm

      You, old sod are a biggot. Perhaps you should recognize that this guy-while obviously gay–voted against every measure that would have helped Gay People. Maybe you should read the entire article before showing your ignorance.

      Report Post » Brock  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:13pm

      BROCK I can only hope we don’t have to see your A$$ in the air ….and I don’t give rats ___ how you vote

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • The_Hut_In_Co
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:08pm

      Amen to that @fatun. How the he!! do we keep putting these low life reprobates into office? I’m thinkin D.C. stands for degenerate corruption!

      Report Post » The_Hut_In_Co  
    • LibertarianForLife
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 1:18am

      Homosexuality isn’t a sin, its a series of genes, fool. It’s interesting how your imaginary friend hates all the same people that you do.

      Report Post »  
    • Carolina Infidel
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 8:11am

      Calling someone a fool while claiming that homosexuality is a genetic trait is hypocritical.

      I am curious though, do these men have to resign for being liars? Being gay? Or posting pics on the internet?

      I can see Weiner’s issue. He was sending pics to teenagers and turned out to be pretty much a perv who lied to everyone in the country when confronted.
      Back to PR politics though…Does this guy resign because he is gay or because he is out of the closet… Or because he is so proud of his s****ter that he posts pics of it? Seems to me he voted the way his constituents wanted.

      Report Post »  
  • spirited
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:21pm

    Nancy Palosi, Sheila Jackson Lee and Maxine Waters (for starters) should –each– be slapped
    with a request to resign.

    >They too have exposed themselves… with their mouths.

    Report Post » spirited  
    • brntout
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:03pm

      Don’t forget Barney von Frankenshincter

      Report Post »  
    • Whirled Peas
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 11:59pm

      brntout
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:03pm

      Don’t forget Barney von Frankenshincter
      ****************
      Burnt out indeed..,,. that should be von Frankensphincter. You’re welcome.

      Report Post » Whirled Peas  
    • SCHEXbp
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 4:19am

      Lest we forget…. Barney Frank, in his classified (dating?) ad in The (Gay) Advocate, used the classy name of “Hot Bottom.” Yea, repugnant. Make that Rep Hot Bottom, D-MA.

      Report Post »  
  • ddg7
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:18pm

    You wanna bet Barney Frank will use his position to FOIA the unfiltered pictures.

    Report Post »  
    • Whirled Peas
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 12:05am

      ddg7
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:18pm

      You wanna bet Barney Frank will use his position to FOIA the unfiltered pictures.
      **********************
      If he uses a government computer to view the unfiltered pictures, do you think an ethics committee will whack his pee pee? NO! He hasn‘t been prosecuted for pandering to and profiting off of Fannie Mae’s largess as a GSE. (along with Franklin Raines, Jamie Gorlic and Jim Johnson who started the whole shootin’ match)

      Report Post » Whirled Peas  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:14pm

    Keep `em coming, folks!

    WE ARE CLEANING HOUSE, CONGRESS AND MOST ESPECIALLY, OUR HOUSE!!!!

    watchalejuevones.

    Report Post »  
  • let us prey
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:14pm

    Creep.

    Report Post » let us prey  
  • thetreyman
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:13pm

    at least they didnt show that other pic of him that was in the earlier story………..i just threw up in my mouth a little.

    Report Post » thetreyman  
    • eyestoseeearstohear
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 9:54am

      That OTHER PICTURE of him taking a pic of himself, ALSO WAS A PICUTRE OF
      “ SOMEONE ELSE” TAKING A PICTURE OF HIM TAKING A PIC OF HIMSELF.

      WONDER “ WHO” THAT WAS?

      THAT MAY BE “ ANOTHER” SURPRISING BUT SICK STORY!

      Report Post »  
  • 82dAirborne
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:12pm

    Do these guys watch the news? The very defination of insanity.

    Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • Brock
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:31pm

      I suggest spelling lessons for you.

      Report Post » Brock  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:38pm

      An edit feature for the Blaze would be much quicker.

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:43pm

      @Brock

      I just read a few of you previous posts. You have the gall to accuse someone else of being bigoted?

      I suggest a mirror and self-examination for you.

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • crackerone
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:19pm

      @ 82

      That’s what someone said to Reberto, and how this all started.

      Report Post »  
    • Whirled Peas
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 12:12am

      82dAirborne
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:43pm

      @Brock

      I just read a few of you previous posts. You have the gall to accuse someone else of being bigoted?

      I suggest a mirror and self-examination for you.
      **********************
      A better suggestion would be a colon-rectal camera so he can pick his nose.

      Report Post » Whirled Peas  
    • Shasta
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 12:14am

      Everyone needs to lighten up on the spelling mistakes. Who cares?

      Report Post » Shasta  
    • Whirled Peas
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 12:37am

      Shasta
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 12:14am

      Everyone needs to lighten up on the spelling mistakes. Who cares?
      **************************
      On the whole, I would agree with you but the problem I have with it is the fact that 1. It takes more time reading and trying to figure out what the writer is actually trying to say. (I‘m not denigrating anybody’s lack of ability to spell) There IS a spell checker, of sorts and all it takes is highlighting it and a right click. Voila! (that‘s froggy for ’Hey lookie here!) Spell checker! 2. Most importantly, the whole universe (assuming you believe we aren’t alone) can see what is submitted online and I personally would love to give them a good impression of what our public school system has produced in the past, unlike the haphazard liberal indoctrination kids are getting today. In short, it promulgates the impression that our school system produces results that are far inferior to some of the other developed countries on this planet. It‘s embarrassing to me to read someone’s post that is too careless, lazy or uneducated to produce written text that is easily readable and comprehensive (liberal code word for sketchy). I’m not targeting any particular individual, just making a general statement.

      To appear intelligent, you need to write intelligently. That is all.,

      Report Post » Whirled Peas  
  • Warphead
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:08pm

    Still a lesson to be learned here. Weiner being a liberal Democrat immediately spun a web of lies after being caught red-handed. From claiming it was not him in the photos to claiming that unknown attackers had hacked his website and posted the pictures. How long did it take him to step down? Now we have this republican who evidently has discovered that he’s interested in batting for the other team. Like a complete moron he posts absolutely disgusting pictures of himself on line. Briefly he tries to brush it off as “weight loss” photos (and I have to say he’s on the right track to loose weight. I hear A.I.D.S. will take it off of you real quick. It‘s not called Slim’s disease for nothing) but I’m sure after the panic subsides and some consultation he does the right thing, steps up to the plate and resigns.

    Report Post » Warphead  
    • rangerp
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:13pm

      Blaze — slick one there.

      Hey, I am republican, and as conservative as you can get. I understand that most of the knuckle head politicians that get cought up in this sort of stuff are generally democrats (with some exceptions). While in the story, you do let the reader know that this politician is a republican, you decide to use a cover pic of him with Pres Bill Clinton. Slick one, but too much like the huffpo for my taste. Just show his pic, and show the world that real conservatives will police their own, and will not defend a slim ball, just because he is a republican (like the dems do).

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:31pm

      I wish everyone would stop calling this creep a Republican. He belongs to the New Progressive Party. That’s far left.

      Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:08pm

    How could you not remember if you took pictures of yourself in those positions. For the love of Pete, own up to your huge mistake and quietly go away. I am wondering if this guy was even a real Republican in the first place. I am not saying that Republicans can’t be gay, it just seems suspicious to me in light of Wiener and the other guy.

    Report Post » COFemale  
    • avenger
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:22pm

      what is gay..about being a homosexual ?our language has been turned upside down !

      Report Post »  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:44pm

      Avenger — changing the language is part of the political effort. Another thing that gets twisted is statistics. Even people who consider themselves “socially conservative” state that the homosexual population is “10%” of the whole — wrong! Good demographic studies put it at 2-3%. The 10% number comes from the infamous “Kinsey Report” which largely took its statistics from populations in “intstitutions” — prisons, psychiatric hospitals, etc. The “10% Fallacy” has two big consequences: First, it “normalizes” aberrant behavior. Also, if it is widely believed that 10% of the general population is homosexual, then a 10% rate of child molestation by homosexuals would be within the “normal” range when, if there are only 2% who are homosexual, then a 10% share of molesters would FIVE TIMES the average. Speaking of pederasts, I wonder how long it will take for them to follow the lead of the homosexuals in getting themselves a “nice” name — “friendlies,” for example.

      Report Post »  
    • Whirled Peas
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 12:17am

      Do you remember this? “It depends on what your definition of ‘is’ is.”
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4XT-l-_3y0

      Report Post » Whirled Peas  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:02pm

    Yes!! Now if we could get the other corrupt, deviant lawmakers to do the same!!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • Shasta
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 12:11am

      Then we would have a handful of polititans left. Sounds good

      Report Post » Shasta  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 1:21am

      @abbygirl1994
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:02pm
      Yes!! Now if we could get the other corrupt, deviant lawmakers to do the same!!
      ***
      Seems there’s a CONTITUTIONALLY mandated formula for how many we need in Congress at any given time, how would we make up for 2/3 of lawmakers?

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
  • gsplgtr
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:02pm

    Our Founding Fathers would have personally dragged these deviants into the street and shot them.

    Report Post »  
    • WILLIAM E.
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:22pm

      Immediately, Our leaders do not come close to “We The People’s” standards. Once voted in they think they are above God. They even think they control the weather.

      Report Post »  
  • endgamer
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 6:57pm

    I guess Bill Clinton had two humidors to hide his cigars!

    Report Post » endgamer  
    • crackerone
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:01pm

      I feel your pain. It will only hurt for a bit. Then you will learn to love it.

      Report Post »  
    • crackerone
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:21pm

      Excerpts from B.O’s first experience with RUPAUL.

      Dreams of my Father

      Report Post »  
  • PA PATRIOT
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 6:53pm

    The time has come to scour these vermin who regard themselves as honorable.
    Purge Washington of these clowns and charlatans.
    The venerable George Washington would be earnestly saddened.

    Respectfully submitted,
    A Terrorist

    November 6, 2012

    Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 6:52pm

    Has the name Obama found in his Contacts?

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • Look4DBigPicture
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 6:52pm

    Good rid dance … creep!

    Report Post »  
  • Greenwood
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 6:49pm

    Idiot !!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » Greenwood  
  • ares338
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 6:48pm

    Ummmmmmmmm……..WHO CARES???????????

    Report Post » ares338  
  • Dustyluv
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 6:42pm

    Someone must have told him his butt was too big…

    Report Post »  
    • Whirled Peas
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 11:50pm

      Brother in law showed me a tee shirt he bought at a biker rally. it was black with white lettering with a pic of obama on it. It read ‘Does this ass (then obama’s face) make my tee shirt look fat?’ I laughed my ass off!!

      Report Post » Whirled Peas  
    • Fina Biscotti
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 6:12am

      @ Whirled Peas:

      I am glad the bikers are wearing t-shirts trashing Obama……

      Report Post »  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on August 28, 2011 at 6:40pm

    homosexuals……politicians…….they are almost the same thing. What an ugly picture.

    Report Post »  
    • Look4DBigPicture
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 6:54pm

      Notice who he‘s standing next to in the photo on Blaze’s front page. They all make me gag!

      Report Post »  
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