GOP lawmaker opens up for first time about her affair with fellow Republican colleague
The other woman that Republican Rep. Rich McCormick is reportedly romancing after his 12-year marriage to oncologist Dr. Debra Miller is heading to divorce — unabashedly says they are "happily engaged in a relationship," The Daily Mail reports.
The outlet spoke with Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) on Friday and she cast both Rich and his scorned wife as "incredible people."
But she also made clear that she believes her new beau's marriage had expired long ago.
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"His marriage has been over for quite some time as I understand it, he's filed for divorce," she said. "I'm single. We're both parents of adult children and empty nesters."
"We are happily engaged in a relationship and beyond that it's a personal issue."
McCormick, through a spokesperson, confirmed the relationship with Van Duyne, according to The Mail.
The affair rumors took hold after several breadcrumbs were cited by the outlet.
Such instances of PDA amongst the new couple include a March 7 State of the Union address where a handsy McCormick was witnessed stroking Van Duyne's arm.
Other sightings involved the new power couple leaving in tow from late night events and holding hands by the House floor. And an anonymous Republican member spotted McCormick "holding hands under the table" at a weekly lunch.
McCormick and his wife, Miller, who are raising seven children together and live in Suwanee, Georgia, filed for divorce on May 3. They also sought a mutual restraining order, according to The Mail.
When pressed about their fractured marriage, Miller sent a skeptical text to The Mail that McCormick would come clean about his alleged dalliance with Van Duyne, stating: "I'm sure that he will not be forthcoming."
Van Duyne, according to the outlet, divorced in 2012 from her Cornell college sweetheart of 17 years Chris Wallach. They have two children together.