CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) — New documents released by the House Ethics Committee last week suggest former Congressman Blake Farenthold may have resigned in order to avoid any possible punishment that committee would hand down.
The documents from both the House Ethics Committee and a joint statement from two members of the committee point out that Farenthold was told an ethics committee investigation into wrongdoings by the congressman were about to begin, which may indicate why he announced his resignation on April 6.
"While I planned on serving out the remainder of my term in Congress, I know in my heart it's time for me to move along and look for new ways to serve," Farenthold said.
The documents show the House Ethics Committee was about to begin their investigation and present a list of allegations against Farenthold. Congressional critics believe Farenthold was trying to avoid punishment that the commission could levy against him.
3News spoke with Farenthold by phone Thursday afternoon. He said he's not afraid of the investigation.
Although Farenthold would not comment directly about the investigation, a spokesman for Farenthold said there were reasons he decided to resign when he did. One was forcing a special election if he resigned before April 1. Since he waited until April 6, the governor would most likely set an election for November.
Taxpayers would have to pay for a special election instead of waiting until November, and if elected in November, that would give his successor two months seniority over other congress members who would be sworn in onJanuary.
Coastal Bend Democratic party member Becky Moeller saw the documents and spoke with 3News.
"It's time for him to man up and face the consequences of his action," Moeller said.
Nueces County Republican Party Chair Mike Bergsma released a statement about the documents Thursday. He said it was time to move on and focus on the candidates vying to replace Farenthold in Congress.
Once Farenthold resigned, the Ethics Committee no longer had jurisdiction to enforce any penalties.
Farenthold told 3News he expects to announce soon a new employment situation that would bring him and his family back to the Coastal Bend.
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