Politics & Government
After PA Supreme Court Ruling, Is Pat Meehan's Time Up?
With his congressional district being redrawn and allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of taxpayer funds emerging, is his time up?
SPRINGFIELD, PA – U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan found himself in hot water over the weekend after he was removed from the House Ethics Committee following a a new report saying he used taxpayer funds to settle a sexual misconduct complaint against him. And now, his congressional district, Pennsylvania's 7th District, will be redrawn after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the current congressional district map unconstitutional on Monday, Jan. 22.
The 7th District is often used as an example as the most extreme case of gerrymandering in the nation.
It covers part of Delaware, Montgomery, Chester, Berks, and Lancaster counties.
Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
With Meehan's district set to be redrawn and news of his alleged sexual misconduct with an aide and use of tax dollars to settle the alleged misconduct – all of which he has denied – this could mean bad news for him in the coming election.
>>>RELATED: How Severe Gerrymandering Impacts Delaware County
Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He has one primary challenger is Delco's own Joe Billie.
Should Meehan win on May 15, he will face one of several Democratic challengers. Democrats running in the primary are State Rep. Daylin Leach, Shelley Chauncey, Drew McGinty, Elizabeth Moro, Dan Muroff, and Molly Sheehan.
Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf called for Meehan to resign following the New York Times report and said the House should investigate "how this matter was handled from top to bottom."
Social media is buzzing with Meehan's name, with some saying the redrawing and new accusations mean an end for his time in office.
@RepMeehan might as well resign now, the map is the only reason you ever won.
— Eric (@justbilbrough) January 22, 2018
Goodbye, Pat Meehan. Think that's a safe assessment after the last several days. https://t.co/SBwjf8OkZd
— Josh Kraushaar (@HotlineJosh) January 22, 2018
Delaware County (PA) Dem Chair: I certainly don't ’ think Pat Meehan can run for reelection - it’s over
— Jonathan Tamari (@JonathanTamari) January 20, 2018
I’m from this district. It’s also one of the most gerrymandered in the country. Look up PA 7th congressional district. Looks like Goofy kicking Donald Duck. So we’ll see. Fingers crossed on a flip.
— Dan DeBrakeleer (@dandbrak25) January 22, 2018
It's a good day for Pennsylvanians, particularly those of us who reside in the criminally gerrymandered PA07. Buh bye, @RepMeehan!
— Cindy (@CindyJinPA) January 22, 2018
I can't WAIT to vote against @RepMeehan ! https://t.co/q58E5vX0Ld
— Susan F (@QBall_37) January 22, 2018
We must remain focused on delivering justice for @RepMeehan's victim & all other victims of harassment. A candidate who will fight relentlessly for equality, inclusion, & restorative justice will deserve to take his place #PA7 https://t.co/cEOuHAms2D
— LeanneKruegerBraneky (@leanne4pa) January 22, 2018
Image via US House of Representatives
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