Oct 14, 2008 5:38 pm US/Eastern
Mahoney Regrets Causing His Family Pain
Congressman Tim Mahoney tied to sex scandal
Mahoney replaced Mark Foley in West Palm Beach district
WEST PALM BEACH (CBS4) ―
One day after it was revealed that Representative Tim Mahoney allegedly paid $121,000 to a woman with whom he had an affair, Mahoney is now requesting a House ethics committee to investigate the claims. He also stated he would not step down, nor withdraw from the District 16 race.
"I want to clear that I have not used misused campaign funds and I am confident that when all the facts come to light, that I will be completely vindicated," Mahoney said.
The revelations first came out on Monday when ABC News revealed Mahoney, who famously replaced the disgraced Mark Foley, allegedly paid the money to a staffer he had an affair with.
The payment was said to go to former staffer Patricia Allen. First was a general payment of $61,000. Mahoney also paid her legal fees totaling $60,000, after she threatened to go public with claims of sexual harassment and intimidation.
Tuesday, Mahoney stood with his wife by his side, apologized to his family, but said it's a family issue. "I have not violated my oath of office, nor have I broken any laws and I consider this to be a private matter," Mahoney said.
Congressman Mahoney replaced Foley after it was revealed Foley sent sexually explicit instant messages to Congressional pages. He famously promised to restore honor and morality to the district.
Friends of Allen said she broke off the affair after she learned Mahoney may have been involved in other extra-marital relationships at the same time, according to ABC.
News of the scandal could shift the election in the West Palm Beach district to Mahoney's rival, Republican Tom Rooney. The National Republican Congressional Committee, along with Rooney, have planned a press conference on the story later in the day on Tuesday.
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