Top Republicans knew of Foley e-mails

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Top U.S. House Republicans knew for months about e-mails between Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., and a former teenage page, but kept the matter secret, lawmakers say.

In keeping the matter secret, they let Foley remain head of a congressional caucus on children's issues, The New York Times reported Sunday.

Democrats and some Republicans are now calling for a full investigation of Foley's conduct and whether House leaders did enough to look into it.

Foley resigned from the House Friday, shortly after he was confronted by ABC News about the allegedly sexually explicit e-mails.

Some Republicans said they were not aware at first of how graphic the e-mails were.

But Rep. Christopher Shays , R-Conn., said any leader who had been aware and failed to take action should step down.

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., called the revelations a "dark day" for Congress and was among the growing number of lawmakers calling for an investigation.