Texas' "naked Congressman" is retiring, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
North Texas Republican Joe Barton said today he will not run for re-election next year, after a nude photo of him, apparently taken by an ex girlfriend, was released onto the Internet.
Barton did not discuss the issue in a statement announcing his retirement.
"I am very proud of my public record and the many accomplishments of my office. It has been a tremendous honor to represent the 6th District of Texas for over three decades, but now it is time to step aside and let there be a new voice," Barton said.
While Barton claimed that he had been the victim of 'revenge porn,' the fact that the incident surfaced during the current close inspection of sexual misconduct led several north Texas Republicans to call for him to step down.
"For a multitude of reasons, including the harm that it could cause our candidates in down ballot races, Joe Barton being on the ballot is a negative for our party and our community," Tarrant County Republican Chairman Tim O'Hare said Tuesday.In addition, a member of the Texas Veterans Commission had announced plans to challenge Barton in the Republican primary.
Barton's Dallas area seat is considered to be safe for the Republicans, and is expected to elect another Republican to Congress next year.
PHOTO: OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN JOE BARTON