Harding Acknowledges Mistakes, Media Misrepresentation
Florida state legislator, Mike Harding, has spoken out about his recent legal problems, taking full responsibility for his actions. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Harding expressed his frustration with the way the story has been portrayed by many media outlets, leading to a difficult situation for him.
Brother-in-Law’s Deception Led to Legal Troubles
Harding explained that his legal troubles began when his brother-in-law, Patrick Parker Walsh, approached him during a vulnerable time in 2020. Walsh, who was later convicted of wire fraud and money laundering, deceived Harding into getting involved in a scheme that included false information on a COVID loan form. Although Harding claims he was unaware of his brother-in-law’s actions, he admits to listening to him and allowing himself to be manipulated.
No Personal Financial Gain and Loan Fully Repaid
Harding clarified that he did not financially benefit from the $150,000 loan and that it was fully repaid more than two years before he faced prosecution. Despite this, the media coverage surrounding his case has been relentless.
Parental Rights Bill Sparks Controversy
Harding gained national attention when he sponsored a parental rights bill in Florida. The bill aimed to give parents more control over what their young children are taught about sexuality in school. However, critics quickly dubbed it “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, even though the word “gay” did not appear in the bill’s text.
Harding Reflects on Media Coverage and Family Impact
While Harding takes responsibility for his actions, he expressed his disappointment with the media’s desire to “beat him up” over his legal issues. He highlighted the negative impact that exaggerated reports on the severity of his legal problems had on his family. Harding emphasized the need for reporters to have a better understanding of legal guidelines and to avoid sensationalized headlines.
Learning from Mistakes and Moving Forward
Despite the challenges he is currently facing, Harding hopes that his situation will serve as a warning to others in elected office. He emphasized the importance of taking responsibility and being cautious about the people one surrounds themselves with. Looking ahead, Harding expressed pride in the work he accomplished during his time in office and did not rule out a future role in public service.
In conclusion, Harding is determined to use his experiences as a learning opportunity to help others. He acknowledged the self-reflection and questioning he has gone through and expressed a desire to support individuals facing similar circumstances, whether by their own fault or not.
