Fla.-16 Update: Nets Ignore Mahoney Scandal; Update: Foley Denies Obama Endorsement

As NewsBusters previously reported, the same broadcast networks that two years ago could not get enough of the Mark Foley scandal, are offering little to no coverage of Foley’s successor, Tim Mahoney, now embroiled in a sex scandal of his own. The networks on October 21 completely ignored the news that Congressman Mahoney’s wife is now filing for divorce. Fox News’ "Fox and Friends" only provided a brief news read. After co-host Brian Kilmeade read the brief, Steve Doocy editorialized "I think [the Foley] scandal got more ink, didn’t it?"

In related news, Mark Foley himself recently announced his endorsement for Barack Obama. Though Obama won over another Republican, it’s a safe assumption it will not receive the same news coverage as Colin Powell.

Update: Mark Foley issued a statement denying his support for Obama:

"An article posted today on Variety's website innaccurately reported that I was supporting Barack Obama. The story on Variety's website, based on a second or third-hand account of my private conversation, is incorrect. I have already voted by absentee ballot in Florida. Although I didn't vote for Senator Obama, I intend to keep my choice private."

The very brief transcript on "Fox and Friends" follows.

BRIAN KILMEADE: A week after Democratic Representative Tim Mahoney admitted to numerous affairs, his wife has filed for divorce. His divorce papers, Terry Mahoney says, are filed now and the couples’ marriages, quote, "irretrievably broken." They got married in 1984. He was the congressman who replaced Congressman Foley when he was embroiled in that scandal.

STEVE DOOCY: I think that scandal got more ink, didn’t it?

KILMEADE: Well, so far this is the only ink it had. I hadn’t seen-

DOOCY: I know.

KILMEADE: -it written down.