It was not a good weekend for Pat Meehan.
The incumbent Republican 7th District U.S. Congressman saw his political future cast into doubt by a blockbuster report in the New York Times that revealed Meehan used taxpayer dollars to settle a harassment claim.
Meehan denied wrongdoing - but not the settlement.
Not good.
As expected, a tsunami of negative reaction rolled in, with any number of Democrats, including Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, calling for him to step down.
Ironically, just a few weeks ago, Wolf was doing likewise after a report of inappropriate conduct was lodged against one of the leading Democrats looking to challenge Meehan, state Sen. Daylin Leach.
Even House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis, got involved. He removed Meehan from his post on the House Ethics Committee, ordered the panel to investigate the incident and strongly suggested that Meehan should repay the money.
Not good.
We have not heard Meehan's side of this saga. A statement put out Saturday in the wake of the story by his spokesperson denied any wrongdoing, saying Meehan "throughout his career has always treated his colleagues, male and female, with the utmost respect and professionalism." The statement insisted the congressman had abided by the House Counsel and consistent with House Ethics Committee guidance.
"Every step of the process was handled ethically and appropriately," the Meehan statement said.
In the allegation, a one-time aide claimed Meehan, a longtime family friend whom she considered to be almost a father figure, declared romantic feelings for her and that when she rejected that notion that he fostered a hostile atmosphere in the office.
Meehan now wants the accuser to waive the confidentiality agreement she signed - which the congressman had sought - so that the full story of the case could be aired.
That is not likely going to play especially well in the era of #MeToo. In fact, the story broke on the day women across the country took to the streets to march to show solidarity with the movement that has gripped the country, bringing down powerful men in business, politics, entertainment and the media.
Things got even more dicey for Meehan Monday. A popular incumbent in a district that was made even more comfortable for the GOP in the last redistricting process, it was generally thought that Meehan could face a stiff race from any of the slew of Democratic candidates seeking the nomination to face him in the November mid-terms, but that he would prevail. Meehan would have to fend off the anti-Trump fervor that sparked unprecedented gains last November, including election of two Democrats to County Council and a sweep of three county row offices.
But Meehan's 7th District cushion evaporated when the state Supreme Court threw out the congressional maps, saying blatant political gerrymandering to benefit Republican candidates made them unconstitutional. Not only that, but the high court wants new districts in place before the May primary.
Finally, citizens rallied outside Meehan's office Monday night demanding the congressman pay back the money and resign in light of the harassment story.
Even with his denials, and without knowledge of what actually happened in this case, Meehan has two huge problems.
First, there is the idea of using taxpayer money to settle this claim. It smells of secrecy and an attempt to keep the matter out of public view. And using taxpayer money to settle the case is not going to sit well with constituents - both Democrats and Republicans.
But maybe more troubling is the fact that he did this while sitting on the Ethics Committee. Meehan had been a vocal supporter of women coming forward with their harassment stories, and was sitting in judgment of other congressmen, such as Rep. John Conyers of Michigan.
And he did all of it while this little item was hanging in his closet.
Delaware County Republicans are urging caution, that there are two sides to every story.
It will be interesting to see if anyone in the party challenges Meehan in the primary, or what the party's stance will be if Meehan sticks to his guns and seeks re-election.
Yes, it was not a good weekend for Pat Meehan.
It's not likely to get better anytime soon.
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