Wyoming State Senator Anthony Bouchard of Cheyenne, one of the many Republicans to say they’re challenging Congresswoman Liz Cheney in next year’s primary, has disclosed that he impregnated a 14-year-old girl when he was 18.
Bouchard and the girl married because they lived in Florida, which at the time allowed marriage at any age with a judge’s approval if a pregnancy was involved and a parent consented. They divorced 3 years later and she committed suicide at age 20.
Describing it as a typical teenage relationship like Romeo and Juliet, Bourchard revealed the story in a Facebook Live video to supporters Thursday because of what he called “dirty politics.”
The gun rights activist and owner of a septic service firm says an unnamed reporter and a “political opposition research company” were working together on an expose – leading him to release the information himself.
Bouchard says the disclosure won’t stop him from seeking higher office and that he doesn’t think Cheney was involved. A spokesman for the congresswoman denies any involvement by either her office or campaign.