In a strongly worded statement posted to his Facebook page, Tarrant County’s Republican Party chairman has called on US Rep. Joe Barton to retire by the end of the year.

Joe Barton

The statement comes after lurid revelations of Barton’s sexual activities were revealed in the national press.

According to O’Hare, “Barton’s conduct falls well below” the high standards citizens should have for elected officials.

The 68-year-old Republican was first elected to Congress in 1984. His district currently includes the southeast corner of Tarrant County and rural counties to the south and east.

Barton has publicly said he was re-considering his political future.

O’Hare’s full statement:

All elected officials should be role models. They should be held to a very high standard. Joe Barton’s conduct falls well below that standard. Since Mr. Barton’s highly-publicized issues have come to light, I have talked to numerous Republican activists, leaders, voters and elected officials about this situation – not a single one of them thinks he should run again. I personally hope he learns from this and tries to be a better father and man. But, I, along with thousands of other Tarrant County Republicans, call on Mr. Barton to not seek re-election and to retire from Congress by the end of this year. We are at a critical point in our nation’s history. It is my hope Mr. Barton will place his constituents, Tarrant County Republicans and our nation above his personal desires to make way for a candidate who better embodies our values and who will ensure Congressional District 6 remains in Republican hands.

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."

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