US Republican Congressman Tim Murphy has announced his resignation after his affair with a young woman came to light. “Upon…
resignation, Representational image (Getty Images)
US Republican Congressman Tim Murphy has announced his resignation after his affair with a young woman came to light.
“Upon further discussion with my family, I have made the decision to resign my position,” Murphy, an eight-term member of the House of Representatives, serving since 2003, said in a statement on Thursday.
The statement came a day after the 65-year-old said he would not seek re-election to Congress at the end of his current term, which would terminate in 15 months, reports Xinhua news agency.
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The shifting position was the result of the House Republican leadership urging Murphy, who represents Pennsylvania’s 18th congressional district, to step down, considering him a distraction as the party fights for a major tax reform.
“I’ve spoken with Tim quite a bit the last couple of days. I think it’s appropriate that he moves on to the next chapter of his life,” House Speaker Paul Ryan told a press conference prior to Murphy’s resignation.
In September, Murphy admitted to an affair with a woman half his age.
The couple’s text message exchanges reported by the US media showed Murphy had asked the woman to abort their unborn child.
It came as a devastating political blow as Murphy had been an active advocate of anti-abortion laws.
“I’ve never written them. Staff does them. I read them and winced. I told staff don’t write any more,” Murphy said of the anti-abortion statements released in his name after the woman complained of his inconsistent stance.
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