PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL -- Congressman Tim Mahoney huddled with advisors Monday night, revealing little about how he will address incendiary charges leveled in an ABC News.com report on Monday.
ABC reports the freshman Congressman paid a former staffer Patricia Allen of Hobe Sound $121,000 to silence her when their affair came to an ugly ending.
The report suggests the married first termer was involved with other women and that sparked a threat that led to a payoff.
ABC played a recording of an apparent breakup between Mahoney and the staffer.
Mahoney issued a release saying that he will be vindicated and called for an investigation by the House Ethics Committee.
Mahoney is in a tight race with challenger Tom Rooney who refused to comment on the report on Monday.
Sid Diner stein who heads the Palm Beach County G.O.P., called on Mahoney to resign.
NewsChannel Five political expert Dr. Robert Watson says Mahoney may have no choice.
"Can Tim Mahoney survive this, possibly, but not likely? It’s a tough race to begin with. The Republicans are going to throw everything but the kitchen sink at him, this is a seat they think they can win".
