Sex Scandal

Congressman Put Mistress on Public Payroll

Foley successor promised to restore family values.

Another day, another scandal. The FBI is investigating whether former Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fla.) broke the law by employing his mistress, Patricia Allen, in Congress, with taxpayers footing the bill. Mahoney allegedly bought off Allen with $120,000 to avoid a sexual harassment suit, then promised her a $50,000 a year job at his campaign ad agency. He also allegedly helped another lover win a $3.4 million grant from FEMA. Mahoney admits extramarital affairs and concedes he is a heel. "My personal behavior has been unacceptable," he said. But he insists, "I haven't violated my oath of office. I haven't broken any laws." Mahoney won his seat on the slogan "A world that is safer, more moral." His campaign leaflets featured his wife, Terry, under the line, "Restoring America's Values Begins at Home." Voters threw him out in November, and his wife is divorcing him. Maloney succeeded GOP Rep. Mark Foley, caught saucily texting the Capitol’s male pages.