Russ Baker, writing for TomPaine.com, makes what I think is the crucial point when it comes to tales of congressional corruption: It's not just an individual problem, it's an institutional one:
No matter how big the affair grows, though, it is likely to follow in the path of so many of its predecessors—distracting public attention from a larger and more important reality: Today, “the largest corruption scandal in a century” is not WatergateGate—it is the everyday performance of the U.S. government. The worst sleaze in Washington is mainly legal... Continue reading
Afternoon News:
- The Denver Post reports on the all-out ethics war in Colorado.
- Campaign contributors have become a point of attack in Maryland, according to the Balitmore Sun.
- Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) is being investigated by the state ethics commission for possible illegal solicitation of campaign contributions from lobbyists. Continue reading
Lawmakers Drive Hot Wheels at Taxpayer Expense:
Members of Congress spent $1 million of taxpayer money last year on leased cars including many gas-guzzling SUVs, like the Ford Expedition, and luxury cars, including one BMW 530i, according to Knight Ridder. One-hundred thirty six members of the House leased cars at the taxpayers’ expense last year (the Senate does not allow this perk). Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) drives around Harlem in a Cadillac DeVille, while Michael Ross (D-AR) has the most expensive leased a vehicle, a $1,248 a month Ford Expedition. At least 56 of the leased vehicles were SUVs.
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