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Rep. Mahoney Denies Paying Aide To Keep Affair Secret

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By JEREMY WALLACE

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: October 14, 2008

Updated: 10/14/2008 04:01 pm

  Tim Mahoney

PALM BEACH GARDENS - U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney issued a statement to the media today in which he acknowledges for the first time that he has caused "pain" for his wife and daughter.

"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 said in the statement.

Mahoney, a Democrat who represents most of Charlotte County in Congress, goes on to say that he has not violated his oath of office or any law and that he considers "this to be a private matter."

On Monday, ABC News reported that Mahoney had an affair with a former campaign worker, Patricia Allen, whom he met in 2006 when he was campaigning against then-U.S. Rep. Mark Foley. The network reported that Mahoney fired Allen early in 2008 and later paid her $121,000 in a settlement.

In his statement today, Mahoney does not make any reference to the alleged settlement.

"I have requested that the House Ethics Committee investigate the false allegations that have been repeated in the press," Mahoney said in the statement. "I want to be clear that I have not misused campaign funds and I'm confident that when all the facts come to light, I will be cleared of any wrongdoing."

Mahoney said in his statement today that he won't give up his re-election plans.

"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, 52, said in the statement. "I have worked hard and I am prepared to put my faith in the people and ask for their vote."

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