Rep. Tim Mahoney held a press conference this morning, apologizing for the embarassment his actions have caused his family and denying he violated his oath of office or any laws.

"I would have come forward earlier but making sure my family is ok is far more important than any political career," Mahoney said, accompanied by his wife. "I have not violated my oath of office, nor have I violated any laws, and I consider this to be a private matter."

Mahoney also re-emphasized his request for a House Ethics Committee investigation and his belief that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing.

"I think the people of my District know that I am a fighter," he said. "I am not going to allow this story coming out 20 days before an election to change my resolve to serve the people of the 16th Congressional District."

Full text of press release after the jump.

(Palm Beach Gardens, FL) - Accompanied by his wife Terry, Congressman Tim Mahoney (FL-16) issued the following statement today:

I would have come forward earlier but making sure my family is ok is far more important than any political career. I have not violated my oath of office, nor have I violated any laws, and I consider this to be a private matter.

I take full responsibility for my actions and the pain I have caused my wife Terry and my daughter Bailey. No marriage is perfect, but our private life is our private life, and I am sorry that these allegations have caused embarrassment and heartache.

I have requested that the House Ethics Committee investigate the false allegations that have been repeated in the press. I want to be clear that I have not misused campaign funds and I'm confident that when all the facts come to light, I will be cleared of any wrongdoing.

I think the people of my District know that I am a fighter and I am not going to allow this story coming out 20 days before an election to change my resolve to serve the people of the 16th Congressional District. I have worked hard and I am prepared to put my faith in the people and ask for their vote.