About Don Sherwood
This page answers some popular questions. Why are people upset with Congressman Sherwood? Should we trust him to tell the truth as our representative in Washington? Don't all politicians do dirty stuff -- and lie about it?
In an effort to inform voters before Election Day, we tackle all of those tricky questions here. We begin with a brief timeline of events.
Arriving In Washington
Don Sherwood was first elected to Congress in 1998 -- a few weeks before Bill Clinton's impeachment. Months after arriving at the Capitol, Congressman Sherwood, 58, was having an extramarital affair with 23-year-old Cynthia Ore. Their relationship continued for five years. Ore says the affair ended after repeated physical abuse.
Assault and Coverup
During one violent incident in September 2004, Sherwood's mistress locked herself in his bathroom and called police. Time passed and a police report eventually made its way to journalists. Sherwood initially denied the relationship and the assault. Ore filed a $5.5 million lawsuit in June 2005 detailing the long affair and Sherwood's abuse.
Through a lawyer, Sherwood admitted to the affair. He settled the suit out of court -- keeping the details secret.
Fake Morals
The congressman continued his work in Washington. During his legislative career, Sherwood's votes earned high marks from conservative groups like the Christian Coalition and Concerned Women for America. He even voted for the Defense of Marriage Act -- all while carrying on an extramarital affair.
Embarrassing To The People
As other congressional scandals came to light in 2006, the national media focused on Don Sherwood's tawdry story. Journalists statewide and around the country wrote about the embarrassing tale of a "family values" politician and his extramarital affair. Constituents were clearly upset. Sherwood's behavior began to overshadow his bid for re-election.
The President of the United States travelled to Northeastern Pennsylvania to rally support for Sherwood in October. Television crews and reporters from far and wide descended on the region -- but they all focused on Sherwood's affair. The things that make our hometowns great were never highlighted. The real problems facing people in the area were all but ignored. The story of Sherwood's sexual behavior overshadowed even a visit by President Bush. It was embarrassing.
Blaming Others
Don Sherwood has changed the tone of his campaign as Election Day approaches. In early October, he appeared in a television commercial looking directly into the camera and speaking about his infidelity. Days later, Sherwood's campaign circulated a letter from his wife, Carol Sherwood, in which she angrily accused political opponents of "negative campaigning."
Sadly, Don Sherwood's own behavior prompted all of the attention on such tawdry stuff.
