An explosive New York Times article accuses Long Island Rep. Anthony D’Esposito of possibly violating House ethics rules by giving taxpayer-funded jobs to his alleged mistress and his fiancée’s daughter, both of whom allegedly worked in D’Esposito’s district office.

According to the newspaper, Representative D’Esposito has not been publicly accused of wrongdoing, but he could face disciplinary action in the House of Representatives.

Rep. D’Esposito issued a statement saying, “The latest political tabloid crap being peddled by the New York Times is nothing more than a slimy, partisan ‘smear piece’ designed to distract Long Islanders from the Democrats’ poor record on border security, the economy, and foreign policy. My personal life has never interfered with my ability to deliver results for New York’s Fourth District, and I have upheld the highest ethical standards of personal conduct. Voters deserve better than the gutter politics of the Times.”

Joseph Cairo, chairman of the Nassau County Republican Party, wrote, “Nassau residents are too smart to fall for the New York Times’ politically motivated and baseless mudslinging aimed at a respected member of Congress. In fact, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito is not deterred from his mission to solve the border crisis and provide real tax relief for Long Island residents. His opponent, meanwhile, proposed raising town taxes and she was the only one to vote against a tax cut for Hempstead Town. No wonder voters who want lower taxes and safer communities are supporting Anthony D’Esposito for Congress.”

The report comes as D’Esposito is in a neck-and-neck race for re-election against Democrat Laura Gillen.