Florida Dem Cops to Affairs, Won't Resign

Tim Mahoney will let voters decide on 'disgraceful behavior'

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 18, 2008 2:56 AM CDT

(Newser) – Tim Mahoney has come clean about having "multiple affairs” reports ABC News. The Florida congressman admits his behavior was "disgraceful" but insists he did not violate any laws. His six-figure payoff to hush one mistress came from personal funds, Mahoney says, and his affair with a county official was unrelated to her county receiving over $3 million in FEMA funds.

"I think that the people in my district expect better from their leaders," admitted Mahoney, elected on a platform of restoring moral values. "I've let them down." Mahoney says he won't resign but will instead let the district's voters decide if his behavior disqualifies him from office. The latest poll shows Mahoney trailing his Republican challenger by 26 points.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

Democrat Tim Mahoney waits for the start of a debate at a West Palm Beach, Fla. TV station in this Oct. 26, 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter )

Democratic candidate for Congress Tim Mahoney shakes hands with a supporter following his victory speech in Jupiter, Fla., Nov. 7, 2006. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky/file)

Florida Democratic U.S. Congressional candidate Tim Mahoney delivers a speech as he celebrates his win over his Republican challenger Joe Negron in this November 2006 file photo. (Getty Images)

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Let me just be explicit that I am admitting to it—to having affairs. My personal behavior has been unacceptable. - Tim Mahoney

Someone needs to tell Mahoney enough is enough. It's Tim Mahoney who said this is a private affair, so it's time for Tim Mahoney to return to private life. - Palm Beach County Florida Republican Committee Chairman Sid Dinerstein

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Florida Dem Cops to Affairs, Won't Resign