A Republican poll says Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney’s reelection hopes have been “completely destroyed” by revelations he paid a $121,903 settlement to a former staffer with whom he was accused of having an affair.
The poll taken Wednesday and Thursday by the Tarrance Group for Mahoney’s Republican challenger, attorney Tom Rooney, shows Rooney with a 55-to-29 percent lead over Mahoney.
Rooney was trailing in Republican and Democratic polls last week before the scandal hit.
“Mahoney’s scandal has completely destroyed him as a credible candidate, and he is not able to compete in this election,” says a memo by pollster Dave Sackett. “In just the last seven days, Rooney’s ballot strength has increased by 24 points, while Mahoney’s ballot strength has dropped by 27 points.”