Pelosi and her ethical Congress…Not!

Pelosi appears to be having a real problem keeping her cronies in control. Latest scandal to hit the “Most Ethical Congress” is blowing in the wind. Florida Democratic Rep. Tim Mahoney is asking to be investigated over a $121,000 payment to a former staffer to avoid a sexual harassment suite.

As published on the CNN website today:

House to investigate lawmaker for alleged affair, ethics lapse

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Florida Democratic Rep. Tim Mahoney called on the House ethics committee to investigate his own behavior after ABC News reported that he paid a former staffer who was also his mistress $121,000 to avoid a sexual harassment lawsuit.

Democratic Rep. Tim Mahoney (FL)

Mahoney, who is married, did not directly address the ABC report, but said in a written statement, “I was notified this afternoon about a story that ran on ABC News’ web site reporting allegations about a former employee. While these allegations are based on hearsay, I believe that my constituents need a full accounting.

“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.” (If he is so sure he will be vindicated, why did he pay her @121,000?)

The ABC story said Mahoney began an affair with Patricia Allen during his campaign in 2006. Allen was later hired to work for Mahoney’s Florida congressional office.

Patricia Allen

In addition to the $121,000 legal settlement, the story reports that Mahoney secured Allen a job at the consulting firm that handles his campaign commercials.

A spokesman in Mahoney’s campaign office in Florida declined to answer any questions regarding the allegations in the ABC report.

Mahoney’s West Palm Beach area congressional seat was formerly held by Republican Mark Foley, who resigned in late 2006 after his own sex scandal involving inappropriate communication with male House pages.

“The irony is not lost on any of us,” a senior Democratic operative said of the allegations against Mahoney.

“I just learned today about the serious allegations concerning Congressman Tim Mahoney,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California after Mahoney asked for the probe.

“These charges must be immediately and thoroughly investigated by the House Ethics Committee,” she said.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen, who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, recently confronted Mahoney about a report on a blog that he had been unfaithful to his wife.

DCCC spokeswoman Jennifer Crider said that Van Hollen spoke to Mahoney “about his responsibility as an elected official to act appropriately and urged him to come clean with his constituents if there was any truth to the rumor.”

In a sign of how politically devastating the allegations are for Mahoney’s chances of re-election, The Cook Political Report, a publication that rates congressional races, quickly moved its rating on Monday for his Florida seat. Rather than leaning Democratic, it was switched to “Lean Republican.”

My question to Pelosi, why aren’t you demanding Mahoney resign now. He has ADMITTED his sexual affair and payout and getting his play thing a nice cushy job. Do the right thing Pelosi… Put him out, NOW!