# Maybe You’re Not a Republican — Just a Centrist Without the Pedophilia

**Why It’s Time to Distance Yourself From a Party That Protects Predators**

In 2017, Donald Trump sent a signed photo to Alabama youth evangelist Acton Bowen, thanking him “for all that you do for the youth of our great nation.” Two years later, Bowen was sentenced to **1,008 years in prison** for sexually abusing multiple minors.  
*(Credit unknown / Instagram screenshot; used for commentary.)*

If you’re still clinging to the “family values” brand because you think it makes you a principled conservative, maybe it’s time to face a harder truth:  
you might just be a centrist without the pedophilia.

Because the Republican Party — from its local operatives to its highest offices — keeps producing convicted predators, protecting accused ones, and silencing accusers. This isn’t a one-off scandal. It’s a pattern.

# The Latest Face in a Long, Ugly Lineup

* **James A. Taylor**, Fort Pierce, FL city commissioner — **arrested** on 24 felony counts related to child sexual exploitation after sending lewd messages and images to a 12-year-old via Snapchat. Resigned, suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
* **R.J. May**, South Carolina state rep — **arrested** in June 2025 on 10 federal CSAM charges; traded over 200 files involving children, including toddlers.
* **Sen. Justin Eichorn**, Minnesota — **caught in a sting** trying to solicit sex from a 16-year-old. Resigned after arrest.
* **Scott Soucek**, pro-Trump activist — **arrested** for possession of child pornography while posting about “fighting groomers” online.

# The Notorious Roll Call

Convicted Republicans in confirmed, court-documented sex crimes involving minors:

1. **Dennis Hastert** — Former U.S. House Speaker, convicted of financial crimes tied to paying off the boys he molested.
2. **Ralph Shortey** — OK state senator, 15 years for child sex trafficking.
3. **Mike Folmer** — PA state senator, caught with CSAM on his phone.
4. **Ted Klaudt** — SD lawmaker, convicted of raping his foster daughters.
5. **Robert Bauman** — U.S. Congressman, charged with soliciting a 16-year-old male prostitute.
6. **John David Roy Atchison** — GOP attorney, arrested trying to meet a 5-year-old for sex.
7. **Larry Dale Floyd** — TX city council member, attempted solicitation of a 13-year-old.
8. **Mark Pazuhanich** — GOP judge and DA, charged with groping a 10-year-old.
9. **Howard Scott Heldreth** — GOP lobbyist/anti-gay activist, convicted pedophile. … and many more, reaching well into the **low 20s confirmed** and **rumored cases in the 30s**.

# The Allegations They Never Bothered To Pursue

* **Matt Gaetz** — Accused of sex with a 17-year-old and paying women for sex; DOJ dropped the case, House Ethics still found damning conduct.
* **Brett Kavanaugh** — Multiple credible sexual assault allegations; confirmed to the Supreme Court anyway.
* **Jim Jordan** — Repeatedly accused by former Ohio State wrestlers of ignoring rampant sexual abuse by a team doctor.

# The Shield and the Sword

The terrifying thing? The party uses “protect the children” rhetoric as a shield — a PR weapon — so that when the predator is *inside their own house*, the subject magically dies. The louder the scream about grooming, the more likely it’s camouflage.

This isn’t about saying *every* Republican is a predator. It’s about facing the fact that the GOP has made **defending predators** a predictable reflex — and that staying in the club makes you part of that defense.

So maybe you’re not a Republican at all. Maybe you’re just a centrist who’s finally ready to say: *Not in my name.*