Mahoney says allegations ‘false,’ matter is private

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.

{mosads}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.”