I guess that would be a question for the Mobile Press-Register, which ran the story.
But as an Alabamian, I would have to say it's news because this guy is a fairly prominent politician who ran for Governor and ran as a conservative. Unfortunately, as is all too often the case, he has apparently not lived up to the example he claims to have set.
Seems a bit much to go to the other side of the world to find a Republican that’s not acting quite right.