Allan Howe was a Democratic congressman from conservative Utah when he fell victim to a police prostitution sting in July, 1976.
The father-of-four asserted that he'd been the victim of some sort of bizarre conspiracy to prevent his reelection, but a recording of his conversation with an undercover police officer made it clear he knew what he was doing.
HOWE: "Hi, honey, what are you doing?"
OFFICER: "Not much, what are you doing?"
HOWE: "Just looking for some fun."
OFFICER: "Like what?" [HE then describes what he's looking for]
OFFICER: "O.K. How much do you want to spend?"
HOWE: "It depends on what I get."
OFFICER: "Anything you want."
HOWE: "O.K. Sounds good."
OFFICER: "How much is it worth to you?"
HOWE: "I usually go about $20."
$20? Even for 1976, that was a cheap date. But it ended up costing Howe. Though he refused to resign his position as representative, he lost his reelection campaign.
