Christopher Lee, the New York Congressman shamed by his Craigslist activities, is trying to make his marriage work with Michele Lee, 44.
When news broke that the congressman had searched Craigslist for trysts and sent a shirtless picture of himself to a could-be mistress, Michele was devastated.
"She's crushed this was supposed to be her prince charming," a friend said Friday.
Michele recently traveled to Florida to meet with Christopher, 46, where they holed up in the exclusive Ocean Reef Club, where the two hope to repair their marriage.
Michele had previously expressed concern about the upstate lawmaker's extended solo stays in Washington and tried to get him to spend more time in their home city of Buffalo. Her first relationship, with her high school sweetheart, ended after he cheated on her.
"She picked a bad boy twice, which is a shame, because she's a smart woman without a mean bone in her body. She's absolutely humiliated," said a friend. "She was so proud of him and what he'd accomplished."
Christophers father, Patrick, a wealthy businessman, owns the $4 million home in the Ocean Reef Club where the Lees are staying. He was also upset when the Craigslist news broke.
"Patrick is mortified, [and] pushed his son to resign immediately to curtail any extended embarrassment for the family," a source said. "He said, 'End it quick.'"
House Speaker John Boehner has had at least two meetings with congressmen regarding inappropriate behavior.
