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Boehner Places Political Loyalty Over Principles, Donates To Doolittle’s Legal Defense Fund

doolittlebohn.gif House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) has consistently touted reform, claiming he wants to impose a “tougher ethical standard” on the 110th Congress. In June, he forcefully called for the expulsion of Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA). More recently, he called for a moratorium on earmarks.

But Boehner is ethical only when it’s politically convenient. Boehner has donated money to pay the legal bills of Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA), who recently announced his resignation because of continuing troubles related to the Jack Abramoff corruption investigation. CQ reports:

Rep. John T. Doolittle , R-Calif., reported in a filing made available Thursday that his legal expense fund had received $5,000 from Boehner’s leadership PAC. The money was part of $36,500 kicked in by GOP colleagues to Doolittle’s legal defense between June 27, when he opened the fund, and year’s end.

Boehner made the donation because Doolittle “was a friend dating to the early 1990s, when they worked together as part of the Gang of Seven,” Boehner spokesman Kevin Smith said, referring to then-minority party back-benchers who took on majority Democrats during the House banking scandal.

At least nine other lawmakers who have given money to Doolittle, including Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA). The money was donated before Doolittle announced his retirement on Jan. 10.

Boehner has repeatedly promoted corrupt colleagues to leadership positions, and in October, ruled that Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA) could continue as the ranking GOP member of the Appropriations Committee while under federal investigation on ethics charges.



26 Responses to “Boehner Places Political Loyalty Over Principles, Donates To Doolittle’s Legal Defense Fund”

  1. toasterhead says:

    How does anyone bring themselves to vote for a man named Doolittle for public office?


  2. ralph the wonder llama says:

  3. RMG says:

    These guys have no conscience. It is all a huge power grab. So much for public service!


  4. katy says:

    boner’s just taking that first step, setting the example
    for his brethern to follow… there will be others…
    may even be strong arming them to “contribute”…
    think?


  5. pluege says:

    “republican” and “principles” in the same sentence…

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA….
    .


  6. Xisithrus says:

    This is what happens when like minded politicians [Delay/Abramoff] control other politicians campaign funds thru PACS


  7. Jackie says:

    Boner gave the money because he doesn’t want Doolittle to talk about the criminal things Boner has done. Look all the GOP Law Makers know that each have committed crimes. Look for Boner to help Jerry Lewis next. It’s called SUPPORT THE GOP CRIMINAL TEAM.


  8. MCMetal says:

    House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) has consistently touted reform, claiming he wants to impose a “tougher ethical standard” on the 110th Congress. In June, he forcefully called for the expulsion of Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA).

    Boehner has repeatedly promoted corrupt colleagues to leadership positions, and in October, ruled that Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA) could continue as the ranking GOP member of the Appropriations Committee while under federal investigation on ethics charges.


    Hypocrisy , thy name (and home) is the GOP………


  9. katy says:

    um – breaking news?
    telecom deal reached… compromise…


  10. rastaman says:

    GOOD….DONATE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN BOEHNER.

    YOU’RE GOING TO BE GOING TO THE SAME PLACE

    IT’S OVER FOR THESE NEOCONS….AND THEY ARE TOO STUPID TO REALIZE IT.

    BRING ALL OF THESE CRIMINALS TO JUSTICE.


  11. Bobwurst says:

    um – breaking news?
    telecom deal reached… compromise…

    Comment by katy

    So, how much of our freedoms have been comprimised this time?


  12. Leftside Annie says:

    Gee.

    *WHAT* a surprise.


  13. Buckie Boy says:

    A little payoff so he will keep his mouth shut about Boner maybe?

    Buck Fush


  14. katy says:

    something about NO immunity, but any lawsuits would be directed
    at the government… i just heard a bit on the ed shultz show…
    2nd hand from a blogger, so who knows yet… i’m looking around…


  15. katy says:

    there ya go, buckie… another good point…


  16. IgnoranceIsNotBliss says:

    Ethics mean absolutely nothing to repugs unless it will benefit them monetarily somehow.


  17. Zimzone says:

    Boehner made the donation because Doolittle “was a friend dating to the early 1990s”…

    When did Boner stop dating him?

    Are they still dating now?


  18. bilbobaggins says:

    But Boehner is ethical only when it’s politically convenient.

    That is pretty much true for all Republiscums. The same can be said for their moral standards.


  19. Yankeluh says:

    It is time for Mr. Boner to be investigated. His hypocrisy is unbelievable.


  20. Zimzone says:

    But his tan was perfect…


  21. oldtree says:

    donate. wouldn’t payment for coercion be more accurate? da bagman cometh. do little, except a few threatening phone calls. or perhaps, a few hundred?


  22. nofltwlt says:

    Did he bawl like a baby?


  23. theswan says:

    Birds of a feather flock together.


  24. theswan says:

    He’ll be able to avoid tears if he forks over some cash for his accomplice.


  25. williamf says:

    Another neocon living in the dream. The “cons” want power and they want to torture, kill social security, kidnap people, unlawfully imprison them, listen to our private communications without the process of law, rape the treasury, and just generally tell people what to do. Oh yeah, they like Gulf Coast hurricanes where they can kill off their own by ignoring their plight and they especially like using their office to further their own interests by getting a job in the lobbyist brigade. Let’s hope this nucklehead gets defeated in his next race. We don’t need his brand of snakeoil and we are damn tired of his little games.


  26. mayerexpress says:

    The corruption wagon is full of crooks from both sides of the aisle – it isn’t fair, logical, or intelligent to assume it’s only coming from the right – ditto for the right to assume the same of the left. We’ll never progress if we continue to push right hatred and left hatred. Drop the partisan crap and ideologies and start thinking “America”.



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