Posted on 12/09/2006 10:02:54 AM PST by NormsRevenge
In an era when political tawdriness is so commonplace that much misbehavior barely elicits shrugs, it takes a truly audacious act to make jaws drop. Congratulations are thus in order for Juan Vargas for doing something that stuns even jaded political junkies.
On Monday – the same day Vargas' Assembly successor was sworn in – the San Diego Democrat and longtime chairman of the Assembly Insurance Committee became vice president of California external affairs for Safeco, a big Seattle-based insurance company that hopes to expand aggressively in California.
This by itself is outrageous, but it becomes far more so when one considers the context. For years, Vargas has been accused of going easy on insurers as he raked in campaign donations ($335,000) from them. Vargas responded to this criticism by vowing never to work in the insurance industry after he left office. Instead, he immediately took such a job, one that appears created just for him. So much for integrity.
Unfortunately, even the stench of the Vargas case is unlikely to prompt the Legislature to toughen its nominal restrictions on ex-lawmakers cashing in with firms they used to oversee. As shown by its refusal to properly fund the state Fair Political Practices Commission, the Legislature doesn't even want a political watchdog, much less tougher rules. For every lawmaker who is sincerely appalled by what Vargas has done, there are probably 10 who think, “Slick move, Juan!” – and who plan to seek his career advice.
What a shame. While on the San Diego City Council, Vargas seemed a politician of exceptional promise – able, smart and pragmatic. Instead, the Harvard-educated lawyer turned out to be just another shabby pol.
We doubt this has occurred to Juan Vargas, but there is a word for what he has done to the people who believed in him. It's betrayal.
A.... democrat??!! Say it ain't so!
(No, he's no relation whatsoever.)
While I truly appreciate the editorial I must say that expecting a politician, especially a democrat, to maintain any semblance of morals borders on the farcical.
We really need term limits at all levels of govt. After a couple of terms any politician will have played the game so long that there is no fairness in the process anymore.
the dems in sacramento are out of control and there will be no recourse for the voters if redistricting is not passed. When will CA voters wake up? These politicians operate with no regards to any sort of potential backlash. They are completely safe in their elected seat.
FMCDH(BITS)
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.