Mahoney says re-election bid still on

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Fla., said he will pursue his re-election despite a sex scandal observers say has damaged his chances of keeping his seat.

"At this time, we are moving forward with the campaign," said Leslie Pollner, a spokesman for Mahoney's congressional office, told The Hill Thursday.

Mahoney was weighing whether to seek re-election after media reports said he allegedly paid a former aide $121,000 in hush money after having an affair with her and then firing her from his campaign after she ended the relationship.

Mahoney was seen as vulnerable because he campaigned on a theme of restoring family values in the district that was rocked after Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., resigned in 2006 following reports he engaged in inappropriate communications with former male U.S. House of Representatives pages.

Mahoney and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., both called on the House ethics committee to investigate the matter but the panel hasn't begun its investigation the Washington publication reported.