The tanking economy may not be helpful to Republican candidates. But Democrat Tim Mahoney is learning that a sex scandal and an FBI probe aren’t a big plus in the final stretch of a campaign.
By Brian Skoloff
Associated Press Writer
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The FBI is investigating whether Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney broke any laws or misused federal money when he hired a mistress to work in his office, a senior federal law enforcement official told The Associated Press.
Federal agents also are examining whether a second affair Mahoney was having with a high-level official in his Florida district was behind his decision to push for federal emergency funds for her county, the official said.
The person spoke to The Associated Press only on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation. The person noted investigators would likely need both women’s help to pursue the matter. The cases would be hard to prove without them.
Mahoney has called for a House Ethics Committee investigation of his own conduct and said he would be cleared of wrongdoing. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also called for an investigation.
