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Gay Lawmaker Takes Back Claims of Discrimination

By Erin Leach

Story Created: Aug 22, 2007 at 2:55 AM CST

Story Updated: Aug 22, 2007 at 2:55 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - A state senator who has been indicted on
a charge of attempted extortion says he no longer suspects he's
being targeted because he's gay.

However, Senator Matt McCoy, a Democrat from Des Moines, did
express concerns over the U.S. Attorney's office investigations of
elected officials across the country. He says they focus on a
disproportionate number of Democrats. McCoy says, "Do I think that there is an organized effort out there? I can only say that I don't believe Democrats are more likely to break the law than Republicans.''

McCoy pleaded not guilty in March to one count of attempted
extortion.

Officials allege that he threatened to use his influence as a
legislator to force a former business partner to pay him $2,000.

In an interview in March with a national gay and lesbian
magazine, McCoy said he thought he was a target of the probe
because he was gay.

He faces a maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years and a
potential fine of $250,000 if convicted.

The prosecution and defense have asked the judge to delay the
trial from October 1st to October 29th.

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