Republican Representative Tim Murphy recently announced that he would not be pursuing reelection after he reportedly asked a woman he had an affair with to get an abortion. Murphy is a Pro-Life Caucus member who supports restrictions on abortion, including the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which was voted earlier in the week.
“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”, said Murphy. The Congressman came to this decision immediately after the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette unveiled a text message sent by Murphy’s mistress, claiming he asked her to abort their child. The message came as a response to the anti-abortion message Murphy posted on Facebook in January.
The affair became public shortly after the woman he was having an extramarital affair with, Shannon Edwards, became involved in a divorce proceeding. His behavior was called “disappointing and disturbing”, by the president of the Family Research Council.
Tim Murphy is a long-time opponent to using state funds for abortions and has so far spoken strongly against it. In 2010 he gave a speech at a pro-life convention, defending the right of every child to have a choice at life.
Steve Stivers, Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee said he was eager to work with whoever succeeds Murphy, despite his disappointment in the circumstances under which Tim Murphy was retiring. He also said he was “confident that PA-18 will remain under Republican control next year,” hoping to ensure that the congressional district’s conservative values will continue to be represented in Congress.
Murphy, who is representing Pennsylvania’s 18th congressional district, is currently serving his eighth term.
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