Democratic Florida Congressman Tim Mahoney admitted causing "pain" in his marriage but denied paying hush money to a former aide to be quiet about an affair. ...more

October 14, 2008

A day after media reports surfaced that Democratic Congressman Tim Mahoney had carried on an affair with a former aide and paid to keep her quiet, he issued a press release Tuesday saying he takes "full responsibility for my actions and the pain I have caused my wife Terry and my daughter Bailey," but denied misusing campaign funds or paying her any money. ...more

October 14, 2008

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley is not expected to face charges after a lengthy investigation into his lurid messages to underage congressional pages, two federal law enforcement officials told The Associated Press on Thursday. ...more

September 19, 2008

WEST PALM BEACH - Former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley isn't expected to face charges after a lengthy investigation into his lurid messages to underage congressional pages, two federal law enforcement officials told The Associated Press today. ...more

September 18, 2008

Former Army officer Tom Rooney edged out a victory in Tuesday's Republican primary and will face freshman Democratic U.S. Rep Tim Mahoney, who captured his seat after Rep. Mark Foley resigned amid an Internet teen sex scandal. ...more

August 27, 2008

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday called for "an immediate and thorough" review of the supervision and security surrounding the congressional page program. ...more

December 8, 2007

A recent letter to the editor made an excellent point about politicians constantly raising money for their next election. The writer stated that if these politicians focused instead on representing their constituents, and being real leaders, they wouldn't need nearly as much money to be re-elected. That's the point that almost no one gets anymore. It's also what's ruining our country. It's a lot easier to win a race by holding fundraisers and kissing the rings of special interests than it is to be a real leader. The money buys smoke and mirrors, sound bites and enough attack ads to win an election. To be a strong leader, well, that requires work, backbone, integrity and brains. It seems like few of our leaders at the state and national levels have enough – or any – of these attributes. Try to name a few leaders over the last 50 years who let their records win the election for them. Come on, be honest. How many members of Congress or presidents can you name who truly were great – or even good – leaders? The list is painfully short. ...more

November 25, 2007

SEBRING — The election season started early for presidential candidates, but it's also revving up in Highlands County. ...more

October 25, 2007