Though his family woes have been quite public as of late, U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh announced Thursday that the Family Research Council Action committee has named him a "True Blue" member of Congress for his "unwavering commitment and consistent support in defense of life and the family."
Walsh, a Tea Party favorite and a regular on cable news shows, has been on the defense in recent months after his ex-wife sued him for $117,437 in allegedly unpaid child support. Laura Walsh claims the congressman didn't pay up for his three children, but loaned his own campaign $35,000 and took international vacations. Walsh has denied these allegations, but a judge recently ordered him to produce proof that he paid up.
“We thank Congressman Walsh who has voted consistently to defend faith, family and freedom,” FRCA President Tony Perkins said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “Congressman Walsh and other ‘True Blue Members’ have voted to repeal Obamacare, de-fund Planned Parenthood, end government funding for abortion within the health care law, uphold the Defense of Marriage Act, and continue support for school choice. I applaud their commitment to uphold the institutions of marriage and family.”
Walsh was the only member of Congress from Illinois to receive the distinction.
The FRCA scorecard lists other conservative causes Walsh backed that were taken up by the Council.
“I am proud and honored to be recognized by the Family Research Council as the only Member from Illinois with a 100 percent pro-family voting record," Walsh said in a statement. "Defending American values have always been one of my top priorities, and this reward reaffirms my dedication to that fight.”
Earlier this week, Walsh joined a chorus of House Republicans in dismissing sexual harassment allegations against GOP presidential hopeful Herman Cain.
“Tell us what it is and then let’s move on and talk about what you’re doing for the country,” Walsh said, according to the Washington Post. “Everybody’s got stuff. Your profession’s got to grow up. We as politicians need to grow up. The American people need to grow up.”
Walsh's pretrial conference in his child support lawsuit is scheduled for next week.