Mahoney Still In Congressional Race

If you thought you'd heard the last of Tim Mahoney, think again.

The Palm Beach Gardens congressman, who has admitted to multiple affairs - his phrase to describe payments to a former mistress and allegations about three liaisons since he went to Washington two years ago - has released a TV campaign commercial.

Here's the script:

First woman: "Congressman Tim Mahoney may have disappointed me personally, but we need his experience in Washington."

Second woman: "Because his opponent Tom Rooney wants to send our Social Security to Wall Street."

Third woman: "Mr. Rooney, I can't risk my Social Security on George Bush's plan."

First man: "Mahoney wrote a law to cut our homeowner's insurance rates."

Second man: "Rooney opposed a plan to cut our rates."

Third man: "He doesn't have Congressman Mahoney's experience."

Fourth man: "Tim Mahoney's priority in Washington is what is right for us."

Jeff Ostermayer, Rooney's campaign spokesman, called Mahoney's attempt at a mea culpa "a completely false attack ad by a desperate candidate who has zero credibility."

Ostermayer isn't certain whether Rooney will be back in Highlands County this weekend, but said the Republican is planning an eight-county tour of the district. Mahoney's campaign aide couldn't be reached by Wednesday afternoon's press deadline.

Silver Bullet

Mahoney, 52, admitted two weeks ago to an affair with a woman he hired for his congressional and campaign staffs. When he fired the woman earlier this year, she threatened a lawsuit that Mahoney stopped by agreeing to a $121,903 settlement.

Mahoney also admitted to an affair with a Martin County employee he met when she and other county officials sought his help in getting a $3.4 million reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"Private Republican and Democratic polls showed Mahoney with a comfortable lead over Republican challenger Tom Rooney early this month," the Miami Herald wrote on Oct. 21. "But a post-scandal poll by the Rooney campaign last week showed the Republican with a 55-to-29 percent lead over Mahoney."

But apparently, Mahoney doesn't think the scandal was a silver bullet.

He met last week with the editorial board of Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, and was asked to grade himself. Mahoney gave himself an "A" for his legislative record and an "F minus" for his personal conduct.

Mahoney begged his constituents not to dump him as they did Mark Foley, who was defeated by Mahoney just weeks after another sex scandal. "All I can do at this point is admit it, recognize that I'm remorseful. I'm certainly in a position to take personal responsibility at this point."

He told the editorial board he still believes he can still win re-election, said he intended to debate his Republican opponent on Oct. 24. Instead, Mahoney's campaign called the debate's sponsor, the nonpartisan Forum Club, and said the congressman would only participate if there were no television crews at the event, said Gayle Pallesen, the organization's executive. When Pallesen declined, she was told Mahoney would not attend.

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer took Mahoney to the woodshed for ducking the debate.

"The people of CD-16 deserve some answers. How can Mahoney in good conscience ask for votes without answering basic questions, or engaging in an honest debate with his opponent? Character counts, Congressman Mahoney. Keep your word. Answer the questions or resign."

Rooney was more charitable, avoiding a question on "Mr. Mahoney's situation."

"As far as how this helped me or hurt me, I don't know. Certainly we, we'll let the voters decide. The voters are very sophisticated."

His wife has already chosen. Terry Mahoney filed a petition filed in a Palm Beach Gardens court asking for the dissolution of their marriage and a division of their assets. Mahoney is a millionaire. The petition does not give a reason, but Florida is a no-fault divorce state.

Mahoney has apologized to his wife, daughter and constituents, but insisted he broke no laws and won't resign. Both Mahoney and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have called for an investigation into his own conduct by the House Ethics Committee.

Both candidates have been uncharacteristically quiet during what would ordinarily be an active period in the campaign. But now, Rooney has also released an ad:

Voice over: "They served their country together.

"And when they saw Washington was out of control Tom Rooney decided to take action.

"Tom understands voters are tired of being mislead. But Tom's honest and he knows there is a lot to give back.

"He'll fight for our jobs, our veterans and seniors, and for our troubled economy. That means no tax hikes, none.

"Tom Rooney is offering common sense leadership. We can trust him with our vote."

Wait For A Miracle

Jack Richie is hoping for a Mahoney victory, but admits he "scared to death," and speaks of the possibility Rooney will win.

Richie, of Lake Placid, was on the Republican Central Committee before he met Mahoney, who lived with his wife at a ranch on Fisheating Creek near Venus.

"We're friends," said Richie. When Mahoney announced he would run against Foley, Richie took Mahoney to meet newspaper reporters and county officials.

"I still hope he gets elected, "said Richie. "He's best thing we have for Highlands County at this point. He's made terrible, terrible moral mistake, and he's going to pay a terrible price for that.

"And so is Highlands County. You know, he's the only person in the state of Florida on the (House) Agriculture Committee," Richie reminded. Mahoney got earmarks placed in legislation and helped with grants for several projects in Highlands County, including the new veteran's service center and the airport.

"If he doesn't get re-elected, I will work with Mr. Rooney," Richie said.

What are Mahoney's chances?

"Obviously," said Susan MacManus, a University of South Florida professor who specializes in Florida politics, "he's very dependent on Democrats voting a straight party line."

"He can always hope for a miracle," MacManus said. "You never say never, but this is as close to never as you can get."

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