GOP Engages In ‘Political Extortion,’ Draws Up Hit List Of Democratic Lawmakers
GOP Engages In ‘Political Extortion,’ Draws Up Hit List Of Democratic Lawmakers
In 2007, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) pushed forward on her pledge to run the most ethical Congress in history and established the House Ethics Enforcement Task Force. She charged the group with setting up an Office of Congressional Ethics, an “independent ethics panel” composed of six “nonpartisan professional staff” members who were jointly appointed by the Speaker and Minority Leader. Lawmakers and lobbyists would be barred from serving.
The House is expected to vote on the task force’s proposal on Thursday. Even though this committee will be independent and nonpartisan, the GOP is already resisting. In an attempt to dissuade Democrats from voting for the ethics office, senior House Republican aides are drawing up a hit list of 10 Democratic lawmakers who would be pursued with ethics investigations if the measure passes. National Journal reports (sub. req’d):
Senior House Republican aides are drawing up a list of Democrats to target if the House votes Thursday to create an independent panel to weigh ethics complaints against lawmakers.
In a move that one top Democratic lawmaker called “political extortion,” House GOP aides said Tuesday the names of more than 10 Democrats are likely to end up on the list and that investigations would be pursued against all of them.
It is not clear how much support House Republican leaders are giving to the staff effort, but several GOP leadership aides who were asked about the list said they were aware of it.
Democratic lawmakers on the GOP list include John Murtha (PA), Jim Moran (VA), and John Conyers (MI), among others.
Pursuing investigations against lawmakers is one thing. But holding off on the investigations to blackmail lawmakers is another. “If they have legitimate ethics concerns about any member, why wouldn’t they bring it forward now?” wondered Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA), who chairs the ethics task force.
If Boehner is truly serious about his pledge “to enforce a tougher ethical standard in the 110th Congress,” he should disavow this hit list.
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Boehner? He’s sure to be at the top of the list. there isn’t a republican in congress who isn’t a sleazy, greedy pig with both hands in the till up to the elbows. What a party of pussies.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:26 pmGOP Engages In ‘Political Extortion,’ Draws Up Hit List Of Democratic Lawmakers
- - Hmmm, think they’ll employ Blackwater?
February 27th, 2008 at 4:29 pmEthics are unethical???
WTF is going on down there in Casa Blanca?
It reminds me of a college fraternity….
February 27th, 2008 at 4:30 pmnot him again!
February 27th, 2008 at 4:31 pmis that the only tie he owns?
good. investigate all 435 of them. Blackmail shouldn’t be a concern if you’re Mr. Smith anyway.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:32 pm- - Hmmm, think they’ll employ Blackwater?
Comment by Badmoodman — February 27, 2008 @ 4:29 pm
—-
LAWLZ
February 27th, 2008 at 4:32 pmI find it hard to believe that they could actually make this happen.
Besides, there’s a whole HELL of a lot more REPUBLICAN corruption out there that is just *begging* to be exposed.
Bring it, Boner. Go ahead.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:32 pmPolitical extortion is a GOP specialty. Don’t believe it? Read about Nixon’s shakedown for $ to his campaign funds. And many of today’s GOP operatives got their training during Watergate. Rove was a protege of Donald Segretti, Cheney served Ford, just to mention a couple of names.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:33 pmLet’s see… if there are 10 Democrats who are vulnerable to investigations that means there are at least 70 Republicans.
I’d make that trade.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:41 pmbad ethics makes john cry.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:42 pmDid he cry?
February 27th, 2008 at 4:44 pmExhibit “a,” for why republicans deserve to be out of power. They are too unserious to govern, and cannot refrain from engaging in political stunts that have no real value to the electorate.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:47 pmWhy did he go public with this? He knows progressives don’t care about any unethical reps, Democrat OR Republican-
Did he cry?
February 27th, 2008 at 4:47 pmLet the bloodletting begin! Get rid of them all!!!
February 27th, 2008 at 4:48 pmI don’t care if every member of Congress is investigated for even the smallest infraction. Party affiliation does not matter, if you can’t keep your nose clean, get the Fk out.
I hope Pelosi and Reid are both caught up in it, as well as all of the Republican scum.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:48 pmI agree with Pelosi that we need much stronger ethics in Washington. Unfortunetly, Speaker Pelosi has serious ethical problems of her own. The newest completely unbelievable ethics problem is this:
“In a violation of House Ethics Rules, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has introduced legislation that will financially benefit a pharmaceutical company that she owns stock in and another that has donated heavily to her campaign and employs two of her former senior staffers as lobbyists.
Pelosi has a $500,000 investment in a pharmaceutical company (Johnson & Johnson) that will benefit financially from her new bill and will also help another firm (Amgen) hit hard when the U.S. government announced a cutback in taxpayer-finance coverage of its drug to treat low-income people infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Amgen, which employs several Pelosi former staffers as lobbyists, announced layoffs because its revenue dropped dramatically. The firm has donated big bucks to the House Speaker over the years.
To help the hurting company as well as the one she owns stock in, the veteran California Democratic congresswoman introduced a bill to expand government purchasing of their drugs. The Early Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA) will allow states to extend publicly financed benefits for HIV treatment to people who currently do not qualify.
This will clearly represent a huge increase in profits for the companies that makes the costly medication. The gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Amgen executives who gave Pelosi nearly $30,000 in campaign donations just days after she introduced the precious legislation that will make them rich.
House Ethics Rules state that a member of Congress may not use his or her official position for personal gain. In this case, Pelosi clearly violated those rules. It’s hardly the first time, however. Last year she quietly inserted a last-minute provision into an approved multi billion-dollar redevelopment bill that benefited her husband financially.”
Honestly, that seems not only unethical, but criminal in nature. Why aren’t the Dem demanding an investigation????
February 27th, 2008 at 4:48 pmThis irrelevance is another attempt to bully the House, just like the threat, to kill the filibuster in the Senate - all while we are at war, and in a recession.
What next guys?
National Lollipop Day?
February 27th, 2008 at 4:52 pmAnd what are they going to use for evidence? Wiretapped intel from the telecoms? Let the battle begin, any corrupt Democrats ought to get out with their fellow Rethugs, adios MFers.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:53 pmMcCain uses Saudi 9-11 planes
http://ccoaler.blogspot.com/ 2008/ 02/ your-strike-control-says-yo.html
The 727 figures in the current tempest over his relationship with female lobbyist Vicki Iseman, who provided and flew with McCain on the plane.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:53 pmWith hundreds of air charter companies and airliners to choose from, the Saudis chose a company that owns “Worship Ministries†and Christian Network, Inc., turning to Paxson Communications, a “Christian broadcaster†which owned the plane, to make its corporate jet available to spirit the Saudi princes and their entourage out of the U.S. six days after 9/11.
#9, hardly a trade, if there are 10 truly dirty Dems, and really, it’s hard to think that there would be none, I want them gone ASAP, marching out the door next to their 100 Republican co-conspirators. @$#& ‘em. Of course, I’d give good odds that whatever list is being drawn up by the GOP is more interested in electoral advantage than actual corruption.
#5, Exactly. they should all be vetted thoroughly on a regular basis. That, of course, brings up the logistical question, who do we get to investigate? I barely trust partisan differences enough to think that the Dems will properly flog the corrupt Republicans. At least with Republicans, you know they’ll go for blood at any cost. Neither party will do so much as wag a finger at any member of their own.
Oh, yeah. We used to have a DOJ for things like this, didn’t we?
Oy.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:53 pmR2, sould we add this “new revelation” to the shocking “Pelosi’s Airplane Scandal” that you guys tried to float last year? Or the horrific “Tunagate” story?
Can’t you guys do better than this?
February 27th, 2008 at 4:55 pmHonestly, these congressional behaviors make me sick. It reminds me of the times my three kids would just be plain mean and snotty to each other. “He touched me!” “Dad, he’s looking at me.” “Quit hogging the whole couch.” Pick, pick, pick until it made me so damn mad, I grounded them all. They were relegated to the “Time Out Corner” until they could demonstrate they could be nice and civil with each other. They usually lost a few privileges along the way for their unacceptable attitude. But they did learn.
I’d like to slap up the side of the head the bulk of Congress, tell them to grow up, and then I’d throw them in the “Time Out Corner” until they straightened out and acted like adults. I’ll start with Boehner, but the list is long.
The biggest difference between my kids and Congress? My kids were 7, 9 and 11 years of age and they actually learned from the experience. They proved to be much smarter and mature that the arrogant and childish Congress we see today.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:55 pmhttp://ccoaler.blogspot.com/ 2008/ 02/ rove-tried-to-smear-siegelman.html
Rove tried to smear Siegelman with sex scam involving female GOP worker
February 27th, 2008 at 4:55 pmHonestly, that seems not only unethical, but criminal in nature. Why aren’t the Dem demanding an investigation????
Comment by Roger_Roger — February 27, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
They should all be investigated and if they are corrupt they should be gone. And if Pelosi took impeachment off the table because they had intel on her, from their criminal wiretapping no doubt, then she should hang for worrying more about her career than this country.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:55 pmComment by justme — February 27, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
I’ll go along with that.
Corrupt Dems do nothing but hurt the nation. Let’s get ‘em gone.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:56 pmComment by ralph the wonder llama — February 27, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
Nice try, ralphie, but keep in mind the ratio I mentioned.
Corrupt Dems Republicans politicians do nothing but hurt the nation. Let’s get ‘em gone.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:01 pm“Exactly. they should all be vetted thoroughly on a regular basis. That, of course, brings up the logistical question, who do we get to investigate?”
Sadly, the press. That’s how Dukestir was caught. But with the rise of independent, non-traditional journalists and citizen-investigators, who stand to make a profit on any unethical revelations they might uncover, we might stand a chance.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:02 pmI’ll see your ten and raise you forty.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:03 pmConvene the panel. Get Melanie Sloan from C.R.E.W. to serve. Her organization doesn’t shy away from naming Dems or Repubs when they report and investigate unethical behavior in Congress.
Sunshine is the best disinfectant.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:04 pmOoooooh, wordpress lies!!!
The hard way, it should read…
Corrupt D̶e̶m̶s̶ R̶e̶p̶u̶b̶l̶i̶c̶a̶n̶s̶ politicians do nothing but hurt the nation. Let’s get ‘em gone.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:04 pmNice try, ralphie, but keep in mind the ratio I mentioned.
Corrupt Dems Republicans politicians do nothing but hurt the nation. Let’s get ‘em gone.
Comment by justme — February 27, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
Your point being?
February 27th, 2008 at 5:04 pmHouse Republicans — sewer trout , one and all.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:06 pmRepublican… Democrat… Independent
If they’re dirty, get them out.
I don’t hold my political ideology over the best interests of the country…. unlike some Republicans….
February 27th, 2008 at 5:06 pmRICO time!!
Spitzer for AG!!
or
Fitzpatrick for AG!!
Disband the RNC!!
February 27th, 2008 at 5:10 pm[Knock, knock]
Hello? Um, Iraq War here. We… uh… how do I put this? We’re still here, and waiting for you to, um… like… DO SOMETHING BESIDES POINT FINGERS AND PLAY PETTY POLITICAL GAMES, OK?
February 27th, 2008 at 5:11 pmThis goes back at least to Tricky Dick’s enemies list.
Same old crap, new package.
http://newsprism.wordpress.com
February 27th, 2008 at 5:13 pmwho stand to make a profit on any unethical revelations they might uncover
Nice idea, but I don’t really see how. If the outlets won’t publish, they won’t pay, and I think we know where the money is coming from.
Once upon a time in this country, we had, as part of the Clean Water Act, a provision where any person who provided proof of violation would get a significant percentage of the fine. Obviously that wasn’t going to survive twelve years of Republican Congresses, but I still like the idea. I think it should be implemented broadly. Would it get abused? Certainly, and I suppose one might have to put some anti-frivolity clauses in there, but I still think it would be for the best.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:13 pmComment by ralph the wonder llama — February 27, 2008 @ 5:04 pm
Hopefully it makes more sense with the stikethrough.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:16 pmThe repubs are odious, but Murtha should be investigated. He’s part of the problem - and entrenched in power.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:16 pm#21 Can I do better then that?
Not sure what you mean. This behavior is beyond unethical. Why are you not worried that Pelosi is taking tax payer money and putting it in her own pocket? I am against any politician doing this kind of thing repug or dem.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:25 pm“Government keeps creating task forces staffed with people that don’t have the experience to get the job done.”
Or, they just don’t fill all the positions, so no investigations can go forward…
February 27th, 2008 at 5:49 pmThis is the group that perverted the Independent Prosecutor statute to the tune of $58 million (seemed like real money before Bush got rolling) to investigate an Arkansas land deal and BJs from a fat intern. Don’t believe the vulnerability of corrupt GOP reps will keep them from slinging mud. The truth died when a draft dodging drunk got passed off as a strong leader while a three time purple heart winner was attacked as a coward.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:54 pmHonestly, that seems not only unethical, but criminal in nature. Why aren’t the Dem demanding an investigation????
Comment by Roger_Roger — February 27, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
Because they’re all backed up with the thieving traitors on the repig side, that’s why. And these charges have been investigated, and found scurrilous and untrue. pat attention, instead of playing partisan games and lying all the time.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:59 pmComment by Roger_Roger — February 27, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
Jeez, rog, I see quotes, but no source.
Protip, Newsmax is not credible.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:59 pmThis is consistent with and adds credibility to former Alabama governor Don Siegelman’s lawyers calling for an independent investigation into his prosecution being politically motivated/rigged. If Republicans are doing it now, it’s certainly logical, and perhaps even likely, that they did the same thing to Don Siegelman.
February 27th, 2008 at 6:05 pmJeez, rog, I see quotes, but no source.
Protip, Newsmax is not credible.
Comment by justme — February 27, 2008 @ 5:59 pm
Good catch. Not newsmax, but still . . . it’s either from:
http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog or
http://nunoftheabove.wordpress.com/
Both obvious wingnut sites.
February 27th, 2008 at 6:32 pmIncidentally, it appears that William F Buckley is dead at age 82.
February 27th, 2008 at 6:33 pmBoyd Coddington and Myron Cope also passed away today.
February 27th, 2008 at 6:52 pm“Incidentally, it appears that William F Buckley is dead at age 82.”
Comment by gummitch —
Preceded in death, by his beloved ideology.
February 27th, 2008 at 7:04 pm“Senior House Republican aides are drawing up a list of Democrats to target if the House votes Thursday to create an independent panel to weigh ethics complaints against lawmakers.”
Good, bring ‘em on, I for one am not going to defend a Democrat who engages in unethical activity. If the House wants this committee, they should tell the GOP to submit their list once the committee is established. And we’ll do the same….
February 27th, 2008 at 7:12 pmBoehner is such a Boner…
February 27th, 2008 at 7:30 pm“In a violation of House Ethics Rules, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has introduced legislation that will financially benefit a pharmaceutical company that she owns stock in and another that has donated heavily to her campaign and employs two of her former senior staffers as lobbyists.
…
Honestly, that seems not only unethical, but criminal in nature. Why aren’t the Dem demanding an investigation????
Comment by Roger_Roger — February 27, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
ROTFL!! In VIOLATION of ETHICS RULES? You mean like how TOM DELAY had $100,000 in EXXON STOCK when he was GIVING THEM BIGGER TAX BREAKS and helping to INVADE IRAQ? ROTFL! You’re a DUMB LITTLE TARD!
February 27th, 2008 at 7:59 pmYou know Roger McCain has SIGNIFICANT STOCK in PFizer, which ALSO WAS AFFECTED by his VOTES IN THE SENATE?
Why aren’t you CALLING FOR AN ETHICS INVESTIGATION OF YOUR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE? Or does your ETHICAL OUTRAGE only last as LONG AS THE DRUDGE SMEAR YOU’VE BEEN SPOONFED? ROTFL!!
February 27th, 2008 at 8:02 pmAlmost sounds like we’re talking about organized crime
“Bush family associates are planning hits on Democrats”
Do you think the republicans will eventually form their own prison gang after enough of them are locked up?
BTW, I see William Buckley passed away today
My condolences and I’m sure his family and friends will miss him…….
but as far as the general public goes…..That’s one less pompous ass’s opinions we will have to be subjected to.
Do you think they have chauffers, cooks ,butlers and polo ponies in heaven?
February 27th, 2008 at 8:31 pmAnd we’ll do the same….
Comment by muckmac — February 27, 2008 @ 7:12 pm
They take one of ours… we take one of theirs.
Sounds like it’s just about time to take to the mattresses.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:01 pmIt’s a bluff. Call it. Take these ratphuk bastards down.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:45 pmThe Republican Party is nothing more than a criminal conspiracy. The RICO statues need to be used to break up this anti-American criminal conspiracy. The new growth industry in the U.S. will be the construction of new federal prisons to hold all the Republicans that have prison sentences in their futures.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:07 pmAnother tarball loogie hocked up by Smoky Boner.
February 28th, 2008 at 12:25 amPursuing investigations against lawmakers is one thing. But holding off on the investigations to blackmail lawmakers is another. “If they have legitimate ethics concerns about any member, why wouldn’t they bring it forward now?†wondered Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA), who chairs the ethics task force.
Indeed. In fact, isn’t attempted blackmail an ethical violation itself?
Cheers,
February 28th, 2008 at 11:59 am