Report: Rep. Paid $121K To Former Mistress

Democrat Tim Mahoney, Who Replaced Mark Foley, Calls For Ethics Probe Of Himself After Claims He Paid Off Staffer

(CBS/ AP)  Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney, married with a child, declined to say Monday whether he had carried on an affair with a former aide and paid to keep her quiet, then called for an investigation by the House ethics committee into his own conduct.

Mahoney issued his statement hours after ABC News reported on its Web site that he had agreed to pay $121,000 in March to a former mistress and staff member after being threatened with a sexual harassment lawsuit. Mahoney said he would be vindicated.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also called for an investigation.

The network, citing unnamed current and former Mahoney staff members, said the congressman began his affair with Patricia Allen, 50, in 2006 while he was campaigning for Congress, promising to return morals to Washington.

On Tuesday, Mahoney read a statement with his wife, Terry at his side. He admitted he's caused "pain" in his marriage but denies paying hush money to a former aide to be quiet about an affair.

He says he takes "full responsibility" for his actions and the pain he caused his wife and daughter, but he did not directly admit having an affair.

Mahoney won the race after former Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Foley resigned when it was revealed he sent lurid Internet messages to male teenage pages who had worked on Capitol Hill. Foley was cleared of criminal wrongdoing by state and federal authorities.

Mahoney's bid to earn another term representing a district that has traditionally leaned slightly Republican was already considered one of the more competitive House races this fall.

Telephone messages left by The Associated Press for Mahoney and his congressional and campaign staff members were not returned Monday.

A Mahoney spokesperson told ABC that Allen resigned willingly and "has not received any special payment from campaign funds."

"While these allegations are based on hearsay, I believe that my constituents need a full accounting," Mahoney, who faces a Republican challenger in November's election, said in the release. "As such, I have requested the House Ethics Committee to review these allegations. I am confident that when the facts are presented that I will be vindicated."

Added Pelosi in her own statement: "These charges must be immediately and thoroughly investigated."

In addition to the cash payment, ABC News reported that Mahoney promised Allen a $50,000 a year job for two years at the agency that handles his campaign advertising.

That company, Nashville, Tenn.-based Fletcher Rowley Chao Riddle Inc., resigned from Mahoney's campaign later Monday.

"Tim Mahoney apparently included our company in a secret legal settlement without the knowledge of our firm. Our firm did not agree to any legal settlement," CEO Bill Fletcher said in a release. "If these allegations are true, Tim Mahoney's actions are unacceptable and not in line with FRCR's business ethics."

Mahoney is facing a stiff challenge in the November election. Former Army officer Tom Rooney, a lawyer whose family owns the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Palm Beach County dog track, is mounting a well-funded race aiming to win back the district for Republicans.

Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, heard rumors about an affair in early 2007 and confronted Mahoney, a spokeswoman said Monday.

"Upon hearing a rumor, Congressman Emanuel confronted Congressman Mahoney, told him he was in public life and had a responsibility to act accordingly and appropriately, and urged him to do so," the spokeswoman said. "They had no further conversations on this topic."

Friends of Allen's told ABC News that she wanted to end the affair, but Mahoney threatened to fire her is she did so.

"You work at my pleasure," Mahoney told Allen on a January 20, 2008 recorded telephone call, a portion of which was provided to ABC.

"If you do the job that I think you should do, you get to keep your job. Whenever I don't feel like you're doing your job, then you lose your job," Mahoney can be heard telling Allen.

"You're fired," he continued. "Do you hear me?"

Allen then asks why she is being fired, indicating there is another reason than her apparent inability to do her job.

"There is no why else," Mahoney responded.

"You're firing me for other reasons," Allen said on the call. "You don't, you're not man enough to say it. So why don't you say it."

Mahoney never admits to any affair in the portion of the tape obtained by ABC.

Allen did not return a telephone message from AP on Monday.

Allen's friends told the network that as part of the settlement, she was required to sign a letter of resignation indicating she left amicably.

[kansas1946]

The network, citing unnamed sources, says the congressman began his affair with Patricia Allen in 2006 while he was campaigning for Congress.

Mahoney, a Democrat, won the race after former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley resigned when it was revealed he sent lurid Internet messages to male Capitol Hill teenage pages.
***********************************

LOL. Looks like the Democrats can''t keep their pants zipped any better than the Republicans can. What kind of arrogance does it take to have an affair while you are running for office????? With a camera on every corner, and instant media, only a brain-dead idiot, or an arrogant fool, would do such a thing. Disgusting.

[dbstevens]

The bile rises in my throat when I think of the character of so many of the people leading this country.

[dante805]

Voters should take DEMs to the cleaners in 2008 like they did to GOP in 2006. Now Mahoney the cheater joins the ranks of corrupt Democrats. Here''s the list of corrupt DEMs %u2013 John Edwards %u2013 cheater and trial lawyer - Jim McGreevey - Former NJ GOV, Elliott Spitzer - former NY Gov, Acevado - Puerto Rico Gov, Kwame Kilpatrick - Detroit Mayor, Jefferson - LA congressman, Chris Dodd %u2013 CT Sen %u2013 (favorable loan from Wells Fargo) %u2013 Laura Richardson (CA-D) %u2013 defaulted on at least 3 CA homes and got Wash Mutual to reverse the sale after the fact. Sheila Dixon (D) %u2013 Scandalous Baltimore Mayor and the list goes on and on%u2026 Obama should be proud. Where''s all the media reports claiming a Culture of Corruption in Democratic Party? Hmmm? Seems like we had endless stories in 2006 when it was GOP turn. The media is truly disgraceful.

[welshwoman-2009]

It''s a shame so many Americans have virtually no moral standards or self respect now. I can''t blame other countries for laughing at us and saying we''re fat, lazy, selfish, greedy people. Maybe we need a big crash for people to learn to be decent and humble again. And the news media has fueled it with ***, drugs, rock and roll only because it made money. Families last a few years and split, jobs are temporary just like the benefits you get and everyone lives above their means. It was a great country and it had nothing to do with Democrats or Republicans - it was about decent, self respecting, hard working people.

[chimpyout]

Our middle school kid had been looking for a topic to present for a class "How our Democracy Works." He found most of what was online to be "boring."

Then, voila and eureka! This''ll enliven discussion, wom''t it, Ms Johnson?

[repforbarack]

ritewingman,
Foley''s pages were underage...some of them


At least Mahoney was with a woman

[truthpig]

Are you nutjob liberals starting to open your eyes yet? Doubt it, you''re all drones. Where''s the coverage of this scandal? Why isn''t Pelosi and gang calling for this man to step down? YOU ARE ALL HYPOCRITS or just blind to the truth. Why is it okay with you to only hear one side of the story? Why don''t you demand more from the news and your candidates? Why is it okay to dismiss stories like this but it''s okay to destroy a 17yr old girl who got pregnant? You are responsible for the condition this country is in. President Barack HUSSEIN Obama...God help us. Wake up!!!

[tannerbird]

I think it is power that drives these people in Washington and with this comes money and a lot of pretty girls and ***. They need to go democrat or republican.

[repforbarack]

truthpig,
Can you read?
Pelosi has already called for an investigation

[tannerbird]

Truthpig go back and read what is says.

[truthpig]

Pelosi has already called for an investigation
Posted by RepForBarack

She also called for bipartisanship in congress...I''m not holding my breath thank you very much. I dare you to follow this story and see what Pelosi does...I guarantee it will be NOTHING. Where are the investigations into Chris Dodd and Barney Frank as it relates to Freddie and Fannie? This should be all over the news and would be if there really were BIPARTISANSHIP in conagress.

[repforbarack]

Pelosi has already called for an investigation
Posted by RepForBarack

She also called for bipartisanship in congress...I''''m not holding my breath thank you very much. I dare you to follow this story and see what Pelosi does...I guarantee it will be NOTHING. Where are the investigations into Chris Dodd and Barney Frank as it relates to Freddie and Fannie? This should be all over the news and would be if there really were BIPARTISANSHIP in conagress.
Posted by truthpig


What do you want to do? Argue over future events?
This article happens to be about Mahoney...not Dodd

[truthpig]

Truthpig go back and read what is says.
Posted by tannerbird

This poor fool gives a perfect distraction for Obama...THAT"S IT! Can''t you fools read between the lines!?! The Bill Ayers story was just gaining traction and BAM here''s our scape goat. Idiots.

[truthpig]

RepForBarack... really? Why? You like how he reads a teleprompter?

[truthpig]

What do you want to do? Argue over future events?
Posted by RepForBarack

Yes, because these "future events" conveniently aren''t happening and probably won''t until Barack HUSSEIN Obama is comfortably in the oval office.

[truthpig]

racist supporters at rallies, negative attacks turning people off, Posted by rafterman1

Don''t make me laugh...HYPOCRIT!!!

[truthpig]

How come you never mention McCain''''s teleprompter? They all use themPosted by rafterman1

Duh...it''s how Osama, oops, I mean Obama reads the teleprompter that inspires you. You are all worshiping a false god.

[repforbarack]

What do you want to do? Argue over future events?
Posted by RepForBarack

Yes, because these "future events" conveniently aren''''t happening and probably won''''t until Barack HUSSEIN Obama is comfortably in the oval office.
Posted by truthpig


Neither one of us are forture tellers...silly neocon.
Similar to Obama...it''s above my paygrade to know the future

[truthpig]

Neither one of us are forture tellers...silly neocon.
Similar to Obama...it''''s above my paygrade to know the future
Posted by RepForBarack

Looky there, you''re already using his quotes...good little sheep.

[flreason]

He was misquoted. What he promised was to return immorals to Washington. The good citizens of Jupiter must not like politics or politicians much, since they can''t seem to get a decent candidate. But that may be true in a lot of places. Who wants to run when you''re opening yourself for character assassination?

[credibility2]

Mahoney should be investigated for fraudulently using taxpayer money for his extramarital dalliance. It''s always remarkable when a Dem does something that is equal to or worse than what Repub Foley did, and they remain mute. Dems are filthy and only care when it involves a Repub, then they sharpen their talons and lunge towards their prey, ripping it to shreds.

[repforbarack]

Neither one of us are forture tellers...silly neocon.
Similar to Obama...it''''''''s above my paygrade to know the future
Posted by RepForBarack

Looky there, you''''re already using his quotes...good little sheep.
Posted by truthpig


Absolutely...and proud to as well.
When was the last time anyone wanted to use a Bush quote? Barack is an intelligent man...something America hasn''t had in a leadership position in 8 years.

[repforbarack]

Credibility2,
Foley was with underage pages...(not the same at all)

[truthpig]

When was the last time anyone wanted to use a Bush quote? Posted by RepForBarack

Bush isn''t running.

[truthpig]

And you still didn''''t answwer why Obama using a teleprompter is worse than McCain using his.
Posted by rafterman1

What, answer to something I never said...why? What I did say, and I''ll say it again, is that you love the way he reads the teleprompter. You love his image, the way he walks the way he talks...you''ve been taken in hook, line and sinker. Hell, he''s gotten you to agree that raising taxes is a GOOD idea, he''s even gotten you to agree that SOCIALISM is a great idea.

[truthpig]

Well, McCain associated with George Bush, voting with him 90 percent of the time.
Posted by rafterman1

So did most of the dems in congress, with the exception of Obama who is in no way bipartisan. Besides, Bush isn''t a terrorist.

[mainedoggie]

One scumbag moves out, and another moves in.

dickweed.

[repforbarack]

truthpig,
What''s not to like about Obama?

I''ve said he should be president ever since 2004.
He''s a natural statesman/leader.

[credibility2]

rafterman: Agreed, but the ultra lib media is making rabid comparisons to Foley. Not only didn''t he use taxpayer money, he presumably also didn''t have any "in the sack" relationships. What Mahoney did was obviously much worse, but tragically, the mute Dems don''t see it that way since they''re doing their usual silent routine when it involves them.

[truthpig]

I''''ve said he should be president ever since 2004.
He''''s a natural statesman/leader.
Posted by RepForBarack

How do you know he''d be a good leader? What has he done to prove that to you? Or, is it all in what he says?

[truthpig]

But since Obama is not a socialist and plans to lower taxes for people under 225,000 dollars, Posted by rafterman1

Hmm, he promises to roll back the Bush tax cuts...isn''t that a tax increase? "Words, just words".

[truthpig]

Dems voted with Bush 90 percent of the time? Really?

I don''''t think so.Posted by rafterman1

Yeah, some did and almost all voted to authorize the war.

[repforbarack]

I''''''''ve said he should be president ever since 2004.
He''''''''s a natural statesman/leader.
Posted by RepForBarack

How do you know he''''d be a good leader? What has he done to prove that to you? Or, is it all in what he says?
Posted by truthpig


Granted he doesn''t have 50 years experience but neither did Abraham Lincoln. His message holds a lot of water/substance. Bush/McCain never had a message...just slogans/status quo.

[truthpig]

Granted he doesn''''t have 50 years experience...Posted by RepForBarack

He doesn''t have 1 year of experience. What''s the old saying...actions speak louder than words? He''s nothing but a used car salesman.

[truthpig]

Roll back cuts on the rich and redirect them to the middle class, hence the 225,000 limit.
Posted by rafterman1

Really? Are you sure about that?

[usclimey]

I don''t care what party you are, if you prove to the world you can''t be faithful to your spouse, why should anyone in your district trust you? This guy''s obviously lied to his wife many times (either that or he''s being REALLY generous), he should resign and disappear - not try for vindication. If he has definite proof this woman''s rooking him, bring out the evidence now and maybe get a second chance, otherise bugger off.

[questionnews]

I will withhold judgment until I see a picture of his mistress / girlfriend.

If she''s totally hot (think Debra LaFave) he may not been able to control himself, much like that little kid LaFave was banging. (Who could blame the kid!!)

But if she''s a total dog, well.......................

[truthpig]

What Obama says verses what he means...

OBAMA
(reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750

Under Obama your taxes will
more than double!
How does this affect you? No explanation
needed. This is pretty
straight forward.

[truthpig]

create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters...Posted by rafterman1

Yeah, for ACORN!!! Which he gave, from campaign funds, over 800k! He''s paying them to steal the election! Ha, ha, ha!!! You people are idiots.

[truthpig]

That''''s what he says, so that''''s all I can go on in making a decision, what the politicians promise us.

Posted by rafterman1

Okay, don''t have a thought of your own, let him tell you what to believe. OMG

[hatesthecolt]

CONGRATS CBS, unlike the NY Times and Wash Post, you have the guts to actually cover this story.

IF THIS GUY WAS A REPUBLICAN, IT WOULD BE 24/7 COVERAGE UNTIL THE ELECTION!

Oh please, get OFF your high horse. I have seen plenty fo times that republicans have defended creatures like this or been in denial. Look at Sarah Palin continuing to insist she never violated any ethics laws.

If he''s a pig, he''s a pig whether he''s a repub or a democrat and he needs to resign. And I say that as a proud Democrat who doesn''t feel we need creeps like this in the party and especially not in office.

[runningralph]

It''s probably true. But it''s still way less offensive than than Foley''s shenanigans. It''s within the "live boy or dead girl" parameter. Mahoney should have just fought the sexual harrassment suit. It''s not harassment if the woman went along with it for two years. He''s a scumbag, but Obama got away with the Larry Sinclair fiasco. Mahoney pales in comparison.

[questionnews]

$121K????

My God, what does that work out to per hour??

If she''s not at least as hot Jessica Alba, I will be so disillusioned with our elected officials.

[patriotic9]

That''s too much money but still less then what NY former Governor spent on Escort service.

[patriotic9]

Mahoney issued his statement hours after ABC News reported on its Web site that he had agreed to pay $121,000 in March to a former mistress and staff member after being threatened with a sexual harassment lawsuit. Mahoney said he would be vindicated.

Now I understand why our economy is in such a bad shape!

[smurfcrusher]

This jerk needs to step down IMMEDIATELY.

I couldn''t give a *** whether or not he covered his tracks well enough to stand the scrutiny of an investigation.

We have no place for unethical behavior in EITHER party.

GET OUT

[smurfcrusher]

In fact, I ALSO don''t give a *** if this was in fact a Republican set-up, given the timing of the release and the importance of Florida to the upcoming election.

This jerk took the bait, entrapment or not, so he needs to LEAVE. NOW.

[liberalme]

Hahaha Mahoney is in my county--and won Mark Foleys seat, must be something exciting about that position!

[missingamerica]

The ABC website article includes this quote:

[bq]
Friends of Allen told ABC News that Allen sought to break off the affair when she learned Mahoney was allegedly involved in other extra-marital relationships at the same time.
[eq]

Mahoney was most definitely acting in an immoral manner.

But I have to add (because the evidence demands it):

Thank heaven Mahoney''s affairs with others in addition to herself pointed out to Allen how immoral Mahoney was to be having affairs, eh?

[smurfcrusher]

"But I have to add (because the evidence demands it):

Thank heaven Mahoney''''s affairs with others in addition to herself pointed out to Allen how immoral Mahoney was to be having affairs, eh? "

Posted by ibsteve2u

Yeah, no kidding. He''s a nice guy if he cheats on his family with her, maybe not so nice if he cheats on them both.