Chris Gallant says old fetish photos have nothing to do with whether he can serve in Congress

Chris Gallant is making his case in plain terms: what he did in his private life years ago has no bearing on what he would do in Washington.

The Democratic House candidate on Long Island appeared on a celebrity news show on Wednesday to talk about the fetish modeling photos that surfaced last month. He said the shoot happened about 15 years ago with his partner at the time, that it was fully consensual and that he later asked the company to take the images down.

Questions about timing

Gallant said the way the photos resurfaced felt "too coordinated," though he acknowledged he does not know who is behind it. He said he is not afraid of the pictures and does not believe his sex life should factor into whether he is fit for office.

Pointing to his record

Asked whether the photos could cause problems while he is still serving in the National Guard, Gallant told viewers to look at his résumé. He listed his work as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, air traffic controller, volunteer firefighter and union representative.

Gallant is challenging Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in November.