Topeka ? Rep. Jim Ryun and disgraced former Rep. Mark Foley were neighbors on D Street in Washington, and Ryun and his campaign have told different stories about how close the two congressmen were.

It’s become an issue as Ryun, a Republican, seeks a sixth-term in the 2nd District against Democrat Nancy Boyda.

Foley, R-Fla., who resigned from Congress over revelations that he had been sending sexually explicit e-mails to congressional pages, lived across the street from Ryun.

Earlier this month, Ryun said he didn’t know Foley lived across the street until someone told him recently.

Then came disclosures that Ryun, Foley and three other House members had a campaign fundraising “block party” in May, though Ryun’s campaign said the event wasn’t planned jointly. Last week, Jeffrey Black, Ryun’s campaign manager, said the five House members’ staffs coordinated the event.

“Jim didn’t speak to Congressman Foley or any of the other Congress members about this,” Black told The Topeka Capital-Journal.

Black also said Ryun always has known Foley lived across the street from him, although Ryun still contends he has never known Foley well enough to detect the Florida congressman was involved in inappropriate behavior.

Steve Boyda, the Democratic challenger’s husband and campaign manager, said attempts to clarify the story are evidence Ryun can’t be trusted.

He also suggested Ryun has remained “absolutely silent” about both Foley and the possibility that House Speaker Dennis Hastert knew about Foley’s behavior and did nothing about it.

But Ryun did issue a statement Oct. 4 to reporters who asked for one.

“Former Congressman Foley’s actions were reprehensible and completely indefensible,” Ryun said.

Ryun also supported Hastert for calling for an investigation by the Justice Department.