Scandal-plagued Democrat loses in Fla.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 5 (UPI) -- First-term Democratic Florida Rep. Tim Mahoney, dogged by sexual scandal, lost his seat Tuesday.

Republican Tom Rooney, a lawyer from Tequesta, claimed victory accompanied by his wife and three sons, The Palm Beach Post reported. Rooney, whose family owns the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Palm Beach Kennel Club dog track, was making his first run for office.

Mahoney was elected by a narrow margin in 2006 after Republican Rep. Mark Foley resigned. Foley had been caught sending suggestive e-mail messages to House pages.

Mahoney admitted last month having had affairs and putting one girlfriend on his government payroll, firing her when the affair ended and then paying her off when she threatened to sue. His wife has filed for divorce.