Congress, Ethics

Rep. Jefferson is indicted

Posted on: June 4th, 2007 by ecthompson md No Comments

Wow.  This isn't a parking ticket.  94 count indictment.  I'm wondering why Louisiana re-elected Mr. Jefferson.  Just wondering.

From House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office:

"The charges in the indictment against Congressman Jefferson are extremely serious.  While Mr. Jefferson, just as any other citizen, must be considered innocent until proven guilty, if these charges are proven true, they constitute an egregious and unacceptable abuse of public trust and power. 

"As we have demonstrated in implementing tough ethics reforms and passing tough lobbying reforms already this year, Democrats are committed to upholding a high ethical standard and eliminating corruption and unethical behavior from the Congress."

---------

From WaPo:

Rep. William J. Jefferson was indicted today in a longstanding FBI corruption probe centering on allegations that he took bribes to promote high-tech business ventures in Africa.

The Louisiana Democrat faces charges that include racketeering, money laundering, wire fraud and conspiracy to solicit bribes by a public official. The 16-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Alexandria. (more...)

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ecthompson

Yep, Elton - You speak the truth. Incumbents have a clear advantage. Incumbents who cheat have even more of an advantage. Thanks for your comments.

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Elton Bowen

C'mon man, you lived in Louisiana once upon a time, you know the deal. Jefferson got re-elected partly because New Orleans cultivates corruption and partly because our political system makes it damn near impossible to get rid of a long-term incumbent. Eddie Edwards was lucky to be running for re-election against David Duke, former top-level KKK member. Even with that he barely won.

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margaret

After living in LA for 15 years in the 80's and 90's The people still amaze me. They have elected known crooks for a long time. You would think they would wake up!!! But I guess they feel sorry for them. Former Gov. Edwards even admitted he was a crook and he won re-election. That was before they had legalized gambling. Then they really came out of the woodworks. It didn't matter which party either. Just glad I moved. However I am now in the reddist state in the country - Utah. I don't know which is worse.

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  • Errington C. Thompson, MD
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