Friday, June 23, 2006
Does Corruption Matter to Voters?
We are seeing stories every day about corruption in public office. Just this week we found out about:
Chris Cillizza notes that corruption could become a major issue in the November elections, but he has become more skeptical about the issue's ability to defeat incumbent lawmakers by itself. He cites the recent election of another Republican to replace Republican Rep. Duke Cunningham, who is going to jail after admitting to demanding and receiving bribes.
I hope voters are paying attention. America deserves better than what we have in office now.
- House Speaker Denny Hastert's land deal where he netted some $2 million by getting a federally funded highway built near his property
- Republican Rep. Bob Ney's statements about his relationship with Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff and Ney's meetings with Abramoff's clients that conflict with statements provided by Abramoff himself and Ney's former chief of staff
- Republican Ralph Reed's attempt to launder fees he was receiving from casinos through Republican Grover Nordquist's not for profit entities -- which may impact his run for Lt. Governor of Georgia
Chris Cillizza notes that corruption could become a major issue in the November elections, but he has become more skeptical about the issue's ability to defeat incumbent lawmakers by itself. He cites the recent election of another Republican to replace Republican Rep. Duke Cunningham, who is going to jail after admitting to demanding and receiving bribes.
I hope voters are paying attention. America deserves better than what we have in office now.
