Rep. Moed a no show at the Statehouse

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Rep. Justin Moed was a no show in the Indiana House of Representatives Thursday.

The Democratic lawmaker from Indianapolis had an excused absence, yet his recent sexting scandal was still a hot topic for legislative leaders.

And the problems continue to grow for Moed. A website called thedirty.com published more of the graphic text messages he sent to porn star Sydney Leathers. And, Inside Edition is now reporting on the scandal.

Justin Moed hasn’t been to the Statehouse in days.

“I think any reasonable person would think that he needs a little bit of time to himself,” said House Minority Leader Scott Pelath, “and I certainly understand that and I think the members of the chamber understand that.”

And while leaders in the General Assembly expressed compassion they also know that the scandal hurts all of them.

“It’s an unfortunate personal circumstance,” said House Speaker Brian Bosma, “and an unfortunate distraction, really, from the important business that we’re doing both for the public and for the members themselves.”

And Inside Edition will feature an interview with the woman who convinced Moed to share his fantasies and naked photos after she sent out a tweet.

“He was, I think, the first person that responded to that tweet,” said Sydney Leathers, the woman who was also involved in a scandal with New York politician Anthony Weiner.

Now that she knows his identity Leathers told Inside Edition she is disappointed to a degree.

“I wish this guy would’ve been a Republican,” she said. “I’m sick of getting liberals in trouble.”

For Moed, getting out of trouble is now the goal.

“It’s gonna depend on Justin,” said Pelath.

When he gets back to the Statehouse Moed will face two primary questions.

Can he hold onto his seat in the House?

And, if so, can he be an effective lawmaker?

Pelath said the answers may lie with his constituents.