Posted on 10/14/2008 11:13:26 AM PDT by radar101
Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fla.) on Tuesday called the sex scandal allegations against him “false” and said that the alleged hush money he paid his former mistress is a “private matter.”
In a statement delivered in his district with his wife, Terry, by his side, Mahoney said he takes “full responsibility” for his actions and the pain he has caused his family.
He offered vague statements about an arrangement that, as ABC News reported, he had with former aide Patricia Allen, which allegedly included more than $120,000 and a job to ward off a threatened lawsuit after Mahoney apparently fired Allen.
The lawmaker did not address all aspects of ABC’s allegations, but he did say that he has “not misused campaign funds, and I’m confident that, when all the facts come to light, I will be cleared of any wrongdoing.”
“I would have come forward earlier, but making sure my family is OK is far more important than any political career,” he said. “I have not violated my oath of office, nor have I violated any laws, and I consider this to be a private matter,” he stated, adding, “No marriage is perfect, but our private life is our private life, and I am sorry that these allegations have caused embarrassment and heartache.”
Mahoney blamed the timing of the news on his impending reelection campaign. He is one of the most imperiled Democrats in Congress — especially after the ABC report broke Monday.
“I think the people of my district know that I am a fighter and I am not going to allow this story coming out 20 days before an election to change my resolve to serve the people of the 16th congressional district,” Mahoney said. “I have worked hard and I am prepared to put my faith in the people and ask for their vote.”
Is foot tapping in the men’s room private as well?
Will Mahoney lose the election???
Sure. Whatever you say. You are a ‘rat.
Enough said.
To Democrats and the Mainstream Media, this abusive crap a “Private Matter”.
But if it involves a REPUBLICAN, it DEMANDS hearings and leads the CBS evening news....
We are SOOooo screwed.
It was a PUBLIC men's room.
Abuse of power ain’t private. Legislation against sexual harassment used to be a good idea, but only when the laws are applied against businesses & Republicans, right Congressman?
He was heard on the phone (per Rush)
He can’t get away with it now.
Of Course the commedia will let it pass.
We won’t.
Rush was right on today. The New Party is about to take over with Obamao.
Fake but accurate sex?
Guess he’s using the slick willie dictionary.
If you want to keep all your actions private, get a private sector job. Don’t run for “public” office.
That’s all I want to know as well. I suspect it’s now very likely. Polls prior to this showed that he was slightly favored to win re-election.
“Here is the GOP candidate running against Mahoney”
Luckiest man in Florida.
Terry, you are an idiot.
I’m pretty sure that threatening an employee to shut up about an affair or be fired is breaking sexual harrassment laws. Civil yes, but still breaking a law.
Lets hope the 16th Dist of Florida goes for Rooney.
More and more south Florida has pretty much become virulently liberal.
Of course he does. But he campaigned on bringing morallity to Washington.
Hypocrite.
Hope the people of Foley’s old district turn him out!!!!
You mean that isn't one of the many they exempted themselves from?
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