McCarthy rumors follow Ellmers to North Carolina

INEHURST, N.C. — The fallout from Kevin McCarthy’s surprise withdrawal from the speaker’s race has hit home for North Carolina Rep. Renee Ellmers, the subject of unsubstantiated rumors of an extramarital affair with McCarthy that were fueled, in a large part, by Rep. Walter Jones, a fellow Tar Heel State Republican.

Ellmers and Jones have been enmeshed in an ideological battle between grassroots conservatives and the GOP establishment in North Carolina, one that mirrors the one going on in Washington. Both are facing serious primary challenges for the second straight election — Jones from a foreign policy hawk, Ellmers from the right — and that was before Jones issued his now-infamous letter calling on any candidate for House leadership who committed “misdeeds” to “withdraw” from the race.

Though he initially denied any such intent, Jones acknowledged having heard rumors of an extramarital affair between Ellmers and McCarthy, confirming to POLITICO that it was “a factor” in his decision to go public with the letter, he said. Ellmers has denied the allegations and asked for "prayers and support" from House colleagues. She told a local morning radio show that the allegations show the "very ugly side of politics."

During last week’s recess, while voters were buzzing about the turmoil on Capitol Hill, Jones campaigned while Ellmers held few events, attended a fundraiser and lay low. She barred further questions from the local news media about the allegations.



http://www.politico.com/story/2015/10/ellmers-house-north-carolina-republicans-214903#ixzz3owvkjy9L