As the Ethics Panel Ossifies (NYT editorial--Mollohan, D-WV should step down from committee)

New York Times ^ | April 12, 2006

[Ooh-Ah]

Inert and feckless, the House ethics committee stands as a laughable oxymoron. It is a still life in partisan gridlock even as the issue of Congressional corruption captures voters' attention. Now its ranking Democrat, Alan Mollohan of West Virginia, has emerged as the latest example of the sort of shady dealings that have sent Congress plummeting in the public's estimation. News articles have disclosed that Mr. Mollohan, while unstinting in criticizing Republicans for the abuses of the Jack Abramoff scandal, has made a lucrative art form of the notorious budget "earmarks" by which lawmakers customize pork projects for favored constituents back home.

Mr. Mollohan has channeled $250 million in taxpayer money to five nonprofit organizations, all designed by him in the name of local economic development. The congressman created what looks like a patronage machine that rewards him with campaign contributions from grateful nonprofit executives who often owe their jobs to him — one of them at a $500,000 salary paid by federal earmark.

[BlessedByLiberty]

If the NYSlimes is calling for him to step down, they must be concerned about what other Dem the dirt will splash.

Ms. Pelosi, is this what you mean by "Culture of Corruption?"

[Clintonfatigued]

Hopefully by this time next year, Christopher Wakim will be representing the First District of West Virginia and serving with dignity and honor.