Posted on 05/23/2006 12:33:37 PM PDT by LdSentinal
WASHINGTON, DC (KNX) -- Congressman William Jefferson says he's staying put. Jefferson is the target of a federal bribery investigation after FBI agents found $90 thousand in cash hidden in his freezer. He denies any wrongdoing and says he has no intention of resigning his seat in the House.
"There are two sides to every story. There are certainly two sides to this story,'' Rep. William Jefferson of Louisiana told reporters, adding that he could not discuss details of the pending federal investigation.
"This is not the time, this is not the forum'' to discuss it, he said.
Jefferson declared his innocence and restated his vow that he would not leave office.
"I expect to continue to represent the people who sent me here,'' he said.
The scandal has made it more difficult for Democrats to exploit a number of alleged Republican misdeeds as they attempt to re-take control of Congress in the November mid-term elections.
Jefferson's congressional office was raided by FBI investigators over the weekend. It was also disclosed that Jefferson had been videotaped accepting $100 thousand in cash intended as a bribe for a Nigerian official. A large portion of that money made up the cash that was found in Jefferson's freezer.
Jefferson claimed the raid on his congressional office was unprescedented, adding, "There is no real authority for it."
"I will admit that these were unusual steps that were taken in response to an unusual set of circumstances,'' Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said in response to questions about the justification for the FBI search on Capitol Hill.
Jefferson failed to receive support from his Democratic colleages.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement: "Members of Congress must obey the law and cooperate fully with any criminal investigation, If they don't, they will be held accountable.''
There has been no direct call for Jefferson's resignation, but he is rumored to have been approached privately with similar proposals and has rejected all of them
At least Republicans have the decency to resign so there's at least one difference between the parties.
He is a scumbag.
Just my opinion of course.
Nancy Pelosi said that Republicans have a culture of corruption. Democrats - Good --- Republicans - corrupt , according to the future Speaker of the House.
Maybe he'll get the adjoining cell to Trafficant?
Let's see...the class action firm recently indicted for under the table payments to professional plaintiffs gave heavily to democrats, and now ole Jefferson has finally been caught with his hand in the cookie jar...
Do I smell a culture of corruption?
And how is Kennedy doing in re hab? that got quite really soon too..
The ones with the cash, no doubt........
You know this man is bad. Even the DUers want him out.
That would be "I am black and a democrat so the laws don't apply to me..."
Of course, he won't resign. He's a demoncRAT. His model is clintoon. He has the support of the demoncRAT-run Congressional Black Caucus. It doesn't matter whether the FBI got him on video taking bribes or not. That's not germane to his situation according to Jefferson. Let it be a pubby, then nothing less than a public execution is warranted. (sarc)
"There are two sides to every story. There are certainly two sides to this story,"
I'm sure HIS side is gonna be a doozie.
I haven't heard a peep about him in rehab, but I'll bet he holds a 'presser' when he gets out and it gets national coverage.
Cunningham was under indictment and resigned the day he pleaded guilty. Jefferson hasn't been indicted - yet. So he isn't any better or any worse than Cunningham was.
Of course he is! What else is a scumbag, liberal, corrupt, narcissistic and arrogant RAT supposed to do?
These people have no shame.
They are the latest incarnation of the "Ugly American."
For example, William Jefferson's partner (in the cell he will be living in) will be telling him belly side down one night and belly side up the other.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.