Voinovich opposes office to enforce Senate lobbying rules

The Columbus Dispatch ^ | March 05, 2006

[ncountylee]

. George V. Voinovich irritated public-interest organizations last week when he led an effort to kill a key section in a bill designed to curb lobbying scandals such as the one involving Jack Abramoff.

A Senate committee adopted an amendment sponsored by the Ohio Republican that eliminated a proposed independent office to enforce Senate and House rules on the relationship of lobbyists with Congress.

Voinovich opposed the new office on two grounds. He pointed out that Article I of the Constitution calls on the House and Senate to separately establish their own rules and procedures for punishment. The new office would have covered both chambers.

Secondly, and perhaps more important to Voinovich, the new office would have made the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, which he chairs, somewhat irrelevant. Voinovich argued the panel is doing a good job of investigating members of the Senate for ethics violations.

"The ethics committee is already doing these things and there is no need to re-invent the wheel," he said.

[ncountylee]

Will Voinovich be able to control his tears at the loss of some of his power?

[Theodore R.]

What do people in OH see in this man?

[conservative blonde]

It is people like him who shouldn't have any political power.

[radar101]

Adding to the "Republicans--the party of corruption" theme.

[drypowder]

It's pretty sad that our politicians turn to the Constitution only when it suits their objectives.