Mahoney will continue reelection campaign

Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fla.) is continuing to run for reelection despite an embarrassing sex scandal that has likely torpedoed his chances of retaining the seat, according to his congressional and campaign spokesmen. 

“As of now our campaign moves forward,” a Mahoney campaign spokesman said Thursday morning.

{mosads}“At this time, we are moving forward with the campaign,” echoed Leslie Pollner, a spokeswoman for Mahoney’s congressional office.

The embattled Democratic lawmaker is weighing whether or not to seek reelection after ABC News reported Monday that he paid a former aide $121,000 in hush money after having an affair with her and subsequently firing her from his campaign after she ended the relationship.

Democrats have little hope of retaining the seat even if Mahoney were to step aside and are not overly worried about losing it because they stand to make substantial gains throughout the country, according to Democratic sources both on and off Capitol Hill.

Mahoney may decide to stay in the race simply because dropping out now would only cause Democrats more headaches. The Nov. 4 Florida ballots already have been printed and voters would have to vote for his name even if there were an alternative candidate. Finding a replacement candidate also would be difficult with the election just weeks away.

Mahoney and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have called on the House ethics committee to investigate the matter, but the panel has not launched an investigation.

Mahoney is particularly vulnerable because he campaigned on a theme of restoring morals and family values to the district after then-Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) resigned just weeks before the 2006 election following reports that he had exchanged inappropriate communications with former male pages who had worked on the House floor.

Mahoney has apologized to his family and has denied doing anything illegal. The FBI is looking into the matter, according to the Associated Press, and protesters calling on him to resign have gathered outside his Florida offices for the last two days.