So much for doing the right thing … yes, Blake Farenthold?
The former Corpus Christi congressman had a chance to pay back his constituents for the disgraceful way he exited public office, but has chosen to ignore the request from a fellow Republican politician, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Abbott had demanded that Farenthold pay for the cost of a special election to replace him. You see, Farenthold quit Congress amid allegations of sexual harassment. He made matters even worse by dipping into a taxpayer-funded pool of money totaling $84,000 to pay off settlements leveled against him by former staffers.
Abbott said he is disappointed in Farenthold’s decision. He ought to feel worse than that. Let’s try “outraged,” or “insulted,” “mad as hell.”
Abbott’s letter to Farenthold noted that his disgraceful conduct was the sole reason for having the special election in the first place and that the former congressman owed it to his former constituents to pay for the election in full.
The Texas Tribune reported: A spokeswoman for Abbott called the decision âdisappointing,â but said âitâs not surprising that his last act would be to stick taxpayers with the bill at the worst possible time.â
âWhile Mr. Farenthold may consider this resolved, weâre not closing the case on this issue,â said Ciara Matthews, Abbottâs deputy communications director.
Farenthold said he planned to repay the fund, but hasn’t yet done so. Any bets on whether he’ll deliver on that pledge? Don’t hold your breath.
Disgraceful.
