Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., said Friday that she has been the victim of “completely false accusations,” an oblique reference to ongoing rumors that she had an affair with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
Suspicions increased yesterday, when McCarthy suddenly announced the end of what was thought to be his front-runner status to be the next House speaker. But in a short statement, Ellmers indicated that nothing happened between the two.
“As someone who has been targeted by completely false accusations and innuendo, I have been moved by the outpouring of support and prayers from my colleagues, constituents and friends,” she said. “Now I will be praying for those who find it acceptable to bear false witness.”
Rumors of some affair have circulated for some time, but both offices have denied anything improper.
This week, Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., wrote a letter asking all the speaker candidates to be forthright about possible skeletons in their closets, in order to avoid voting in a speaker who might soon have to resign.
But in his remarks after deciding not to seek the speaker’s chair, McCarthy rejected the idea that he had any secrets that might affect his ability to serve as speaker.
“No,” he said when asked if Jones’ letter was a factor. “C’mon.”
