Tim Murphy-Embodiment Of Hypocrisy
In another example of GOP hypocrisy, additional information regarding an affair involving Pennsylvania Congressman Tim Murphy accelerated his departure from Washington. Murphy had previously announced that he would not seek re-election when his term expired. New information has come to light in the form of text messages between Murphy and a woman with whom he had an extramarital affair. These text messages state that Murphy had suggested that the woman terminate her pregnancy despite the fact that Murphy is a vocal advocate of the “Pro-Life” movement. Murphy resigned today and will exit his position October 21 of this year. Paul Ryan made a brief statement regarding Murphy’s resignation in which he stated that he is confident that Republicans will maintain control of Murphy’s congressional seat. Republicans have narrowly maintained control of seats in special elections since the election of Donald Trump.
Washington (CNN)Republican Rep. Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania will resign from his position, effective October 21, House Speaker Paul Ryan announced in a statement Thursday.
“This afternoon I received a letter of resignation from Congressman Tim Murphy,” Ryan said in the statement. “It was Dr. Murphy’s decision to move on to the next chapter of his life, and I support it. We thank him for his many years of tireless work on mental health issues here in Congress and his service to the country as a naval reserve officer.”Murphy had previously said he would not seek reelection at the end of his term.Local Pittsburgh CNN affiliate KDKA first reported the embattled lawmaker would retire after his term, after reports surfaced on Tuesday alleging that the anti-abortion Republican urged a woman he was having an affair with to have an abortion.“After discussions with my family and staff, I have come to the decision that I will not seek reelection to Congress at the end of my current term,” Murphy said in a statement. “… In the coming weeks I will take personal time to seek help as my family and I continue to work through our personal difficulties and seek healing. I ask you to respect our privacy during this time.”National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Stivers said that he looks forward to working with Murphy’s eventual successor.“While I am extremely disappointed in the circumstances surrounding Congressman Murphy’s retirement, I remain confident that PA-18 will remain under Republican control next year,” Stivers said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the eventual Republican nominee to ensure the district’s conservative values are represented in Congress.”On Tuesday, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published text messages from the woman who Murphy has admitted having an affair with.In response to an anti-abortion message on the congressman’s Facebook account, The Post-Gazette said the woman wrote: “And you have zero issue posting your pro-life stance all over the place when you had no issue asking me to abort our unborn child just last week when we thought that was one of the options.”The paper also reported a text in response from his phone, saying: “I get what you say about my March for life messages. I’ve never written them. Staff does them. I read them and winced. I told staff don’t write any more. I will.”
