Posted on 06/16/2006 12:03:23 PM PDT by lilylangtree
WASHINGTON--House Democrats, determined to make an election-year point about ethics, voted 99-58 Thursday night to strip Rep. William Jefferson of his committee assignment while a federal bribery investigation runs its course.
The rank and file acted despite a last-minute plea by the embattled Louisiana lawmaker and persistent complaints from the Congressional Black Caucus that there was neither rule nor precedent for the action.
Jefferson has not been indicted and maintains his innocent. In remarks to reporters, he conceded that "serious allegations" swirl around him.
After weeks of defiance, he also left open the possibility that he might at last surrender the seat voluntarily before the issue reaches the House floor for final action.
The FBI claims that it video-taped the Louisiana Democrat last summer taking $100,000 in bribe money and that agents later found $90,000 of the funds stashed in a freezer in his home. Two men have pleaded guilty in the probe, including a former aide to the congressman and a businessman who admitted paying bribes to the lawmaker.
Who is displaying racism now?
Because of the color of Jefferson's skin, the democrazies, MSM and Congressional Black Caucus members yelled foul when suggestions arose about Jefferson's resignation. Further, because of the color of Jefferson's skin, these same groups along with pubbies were yelling "foul" when the FBI, with probable cause, raided Jefferson's office. Congress cannot nor will not regulate itself especially members of the Congressional Black Caucus. It appears the group is morally corrupt and ethically challenged. Explains why they got along so well with the clintoons.
This step by the demoncRATS is long overdue. Jefferson should be removed immediately.
If they were in the majority, nothing would have been done. But in the dire hopes of acquiring the House, they have decided o throw one of their own to the sharks. Jefferson is merely chum to feed and invigorate the press, who will then be directed to the 'Pubbies.
There's been no indictment as of yet!
What racist pigs those Democrats!
Unfortunately, so was Dennis Hastert
If the leadership of either party decides that corrupt elements should be thrown out, that's a good sign. Since the majority party has all the power in the House, Hastert really had no good excuse defending Jefferson..
And I noticed that when I heard the MSM report this on the radio last night, they had to mention, in the same story, that Cunningham, already serving a 7 year sentence, is probably in even more trouble with some bribe he received from some limo company that got preferential treatment from the Department of Homeland Security contract......
I don't like Nancy Pelosi and company at all, but, in the campaign they can truthfully say they dealt with "one of their own" and compare to what Republicans have done when confronted with wrongdoing by one of their own.
I'm just saying, Republicans should be ready for the culture of corruption business in a different form, with Dems. saying they don't tolerate wrong doing, yadda yadda yadda.
Either that, or he's like penicillin, meant to inoculate the Democrats from further "culture of corruption" blow back when they resume using the charge against Republicans.
-PJ
Yup... a two-fold sacrifice.
Looks like he's movin' on down.
Ann Coulter has shown the way...
The dem-ons are now "victims," "shocked they say, shocked," have the "high moral ground" for "handling their own," and cannot be attacked as they are the aggreived party!
blech!
Peter King (R-NY) mentioned a while back something about limos, hookers, orgies, and Homeland Security. I don't recall all the details.
Yes, you're right. He was threatening that when HS cut some funding to NYC.
This is blatant racism. You just wait 'til Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton show up on Capitol Hill Monday...uh huh... Yeah, uh huh!!!
Bingo! This is why the DemonKats did it -- solely because they want to pursue their "Culture of Corruption" charge campaign against the Pubbies this Fall. And even though he hasn't yet been indicted or charged with anything (though he may look guilty), we can't have William Jefferson, D-La getting in the way of our plans for Power, now can we?
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