US Congress(WASHINGTON) — Republican Rep. Joe Barton of Texas is apologizing for a graphic image of himself that emerged on social media this week, confirming he took the picture and sent it to women with whom he was pursuing relationships.
“While separated from my second wife, prior to the divorce, I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women,” Barton, 68, told the Texas Tribune in a statement. His office has not responded to inquiries from ABC News.
“Each was consensual. Those relationships have ended. I am sorry I did not use better judgment during those days. I am sorry that I let my constituents down,” the statement added.
In the wake of fresh allegations of sexual misconduct by members of Congress, the circulating image resembling Barton had been a topic of growing concern among Texas Republicans on Capitol Hill, with some aides quietly speculating that it was in fact the Texas congressman.
The episode is seen as an embarrassing disclosure for a prominent House Republican – the longest-serving congressman from Texas – and one that could threaten his political career.
Asked whether House Speaker Paul Ryan believes Barton should resign, Ryan’s spokeswoman AshLee Strong told ABC: “The speaker has spoken to Rep. Barton on this matter. We will keep those conversations between the two of them.”
Barton, the former chairman of the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee, recently announced plans to run for re-election. He told the Texas Tribune he is now reconsidering his future in light of these revelations.
Barton has been a vocal advocate against sexual predators online as a member of a congressional task force and spoke at a press conference on Capitol Hill alongside victims in 2007.
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