Politico misidentified disgraced Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., this week as a Republican.
The mix-up involved a story titled, “Fattah, facing expulsion threats, revises departure offer.”
The article as it appeared on social media carried the headline “Fattah submits resignation but wants to stay until October,” and it included a picture captioned, “Convicted Pennsylvania Republican wants to remain in House until sentencing.”
The incorrect caption is no longer available on Politico’s social media feeds, but it is still available on different Facebook pages.
Fattah, a Democrat, submitted a letter of resignation this week after he was found guilty on multiple charges of corruption. However, he requested that he be allowed to remain in office until Oct. 3, which is one day before he is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., advised that Fattah resign immediately.
“Mr. Fattah has betrayed the trust of this institution and the people of Pennsylvania, and for that he should resign immediately from the House of Representatives,” the speaker said a statement. “We must hold members to the highest ethical standard, and I hope that Democratic leaders will join me in seeking his immediate resignation.”
Other top House lawmakers have signaled they would be open to the idea of expelling Fattah outright.
Perhaps aware of Ryan’s comments, and mindful that expulsion is a very likely possibility, the disgraced congressman may now be rethinking his exit date.
“[I]n further consultation with House Leadership, we are working to identify an agreeable time frame which will relieve the House of any distractions in carrying out the people’s business,” Fattah said. “I hold the institution of the Congress of the United States in the highest regard and am thankful for the privilege to have served.”
