(2006-10-04) — The attorney for disgraced former Rep. Mark Foley today offered more biographical background about his client who allegedly used his elected position to prey on high school boys sexually.

Previously, attorney and longtime friend David Roth had confessed that Mr. Foley is a mentally-ill alcoholic who was molested by clergy in his youth, and yet takes full responsibity for the unspecified harm he has caused to others.

This morning, Mr. Roth said that Mr. Foley had been exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke, and high levels of partially-hydrogenated soybean oil during his childhood.

“He’s not trying to duck responsibility for his alleged behavior,” said Mr. Roth, “it’s just a fact that these toxins are part of who he has become.”

The spokesman said experts are also “looking into whether a young Mark Foley may have consumed lead paint chips or mercury-laden fish, or if he was forced to play violent sports or had a school teacher who used a red pen to grade his papers.”

“He’s still taking full responsibility for everything,” Mr. Roth added, “but at the very least, an explanation of possible environmental factors will add a few extra chapters to his forthcoming memoir.”