A left-leaning ethics organization is taking Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) to task for being "a deadbeat dad."
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) named the freshman Tea Partier among the most corrupt members of Congress in its seventh annual report of unethical politicians.
“Rep. Walsh cares about his own ambition far more than he cares about his kids,” said CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan in a statement. “What is sleazier than lying about your income to avoid paying child support?"
Walsh's office didn't give any weight to the list but for good measure emphasized the congressman hasn't done anything corrupt.
"CREW has a history of being a very left partisan group that tends to trash conservative leaders in Washington," said spokesman Justin Roth. "Joe Walsh has not done a single thing that's corrupt and will continue to be a strong voice on conservative issues."
Walsh isn't the only Illinois politician tagged as "most corrupt" by the organization. Two years ago, then-Sen. Roland Burris and Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. made the list.
This year's report pointed to court documents uncovered in July showing Walsh owes some $100,000 in child support to his ex-wife. He reportedly claimed he couldn't afford it and then loaned $35,000 to his campaign.
Walsh recently said his ex-wife was making up the owed child support at an inopportune time. A judge ordered him to prove it.
“Rep. Walsh has vocally called for fiscal responsibility in Washington, yet has demonstrated a shocking lack of personal responsibility,” Sloan said.
CREW’S Most Corrupt Report called out six other Democrats and 12 Republicans.
