Zipper Problems Continue For Southern Republicans

Southern Republicans, the ones noted for their "family values," just can't seem to stay away from zipper problems.

Roland Corning, an assistant attorney general in South Carolina, is the latest GOPer from the Deep South to be caught with his zipper in the "down and locked" position.

Corning was stopped by a police officer in Columbia, South Carolina, on suspicion of illegal activity. And who happened to be in Corning's company when his vehicle was stopped? An 18-year-old employee of the Platinum Plus Gentleman's Club.

In other words, our guy Corning was with a stripper. And a search of his vehicle proved interesting. Here's how The State newspaper reported it:

The search revealed a sex enhancement drug and some sex toys. According to the report, Corning told Wines he had a prescription for the medication and the other items were always in the car "just in case."

Uh right, just in case.

And here is this nugget about Corning's background:

Corning is perhaps best known in the House for his work on anti-abortion initiatives.

Isn't that something? Last time I checked, unprotected sex outside of marriage probably is the No. 1 cause of abortion. But this "pro life" crusader apparently was revved up for unprotected sex with an 18-year-old--who certainly was not his wife.

Corning was not charged with a crime, but he was fired from his job. And he continues in a "proud" tradition for Southern Republicans. Just off the top of our head, let's think of a few Southern "family values" types who've had problems with their zippers: Newt Gingrich (GA), Bob Livingston (LA), David Vitter (LA), Mark Sanford (SC), Paul Stanley (TN), Chip Pickering (MS), Strom Thurmond (SC).

I'm surely forgetting a number of deserving "honorees." But you get the idea. What Southern Republicans say and what they do are two entirely different matters.