This should have never happened. The FEC ruled that election campaign funds can be used to pay not just the candidate's legal costs, but those of aides, including former aides. This involves Rep. Pete Visclosky (D) who had a former aid work at a lobbying firm (now gone) and an investigation if some of the campaign contributions made to Rep. Visclosky might have influenced some earmarks (Rep. Murtha (D) is also involved). Now, the FEC vote (the FEC commissioners by law can have no more than 3 members of any party) was 5-1 to allow this rule. Really? Nobody there saw the ethical conflict of this? Sure, it may be a technical ruling, but Rep. Visclosky, if you do that, you should be brought under and Ethics Committee examination and your constituents should toss you out next year.
Really Bad Idea(tm).
Also, to Democrats thinking of renaming this healthcare reform bill after Sen. Kennedy, no. Just no. I liked the guy for all his faults. I appreciate what you're trying to do here (hell, I support the Public Option). But just don't do it. Now, if you had named it for him back in July, I'd be all giggly with it. To do it now is crass.
1 comment:
What we need is total public financing with a heavy halter on all lobbyists and a true watchdog with strong enforcement power. Look at the health care conversation that is being twisted by the wealthy insurance agencies and their cronies. The way they are manipulating the conversation is a crime. Give the voice of the people back to the people.
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