A Congressman indicted
Published Mon, Jun 4 2007 1:32 PM
Technorati Tags: News and Politics, Democrats, Corruption
Well, a few bloggers, including one of my favorites are already on this story. Congressman William Jefferson (Democrat — Louisiana) has been indicted on 16 federal charges resulting from a long investigation of corruption.
There's not much I can add to the story of the $90,000.00 in cold cash found in his freezer. I can say that I've complained about the Democratic "culture of corruption" for quite some time, noting how Democratic politicians usually get a pass in the media. It doesn't look like it's happening this time though.
So far today I've seen reports in the Seattle Times, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the New York Times, the Washington Times, from CBS News, and from ABC News, but not the Washington Post. It doesn't look like he's going to get a pass on this one.
But wait a minute... aren't Congressmen immune from prosecution? Isn't it unconstitutional to arrest them while they're in office?
In short, the answer to that question is "it depends". In this case though, the answer is "NO". The Constitution does provide a limited immunity for Congressmen but it's not absolute.
Article I > Section 6
The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.
Congressman William Jefferson (Democrat — Louisiana) has been indicted on FELONY charges. His immunity as a Representative does not apply.
There should be no constitutional crisis if and when he's arrested. We may yet hear of one, but I think it's clear. Congressman William Jefferson (Democrat — Louisiana) is eligible to be arrested and treated the same way that other criminal suspects are treated.
Perhaps the Democratic culture of corruption won't get a pass this time after all. Now if only they'd indict this felon.
Update: Here's an excerpts from the Seattle PI story:
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to push this week for Jefferson to be stripped of his seat on the Small Business Committee, according to a leadership aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not yet been announced.
"If these charges are proven true, they constitute an egregious and unacceptable abuse of public trust and power," said Pelosi, D-Calif. "Democrats are committed to upholding a high ethical standard and eliminating corruption and unethical behavior from the Congress."
"If these charges are proven true"? While it's only now that he's been indicted, Nancy Pelosi knew about Congressman William Jefferson (Democrat — Louisiana)'s cold cash. She should have blocked his ability to gain the seat in the first place if she was really interested in upholding a high ethical standard. After all, it's the seriousness of the charge with Democrats isn't it?
House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio said Jefferson should be expelled from Congress if he is found guilty and refuses to resign.
"The American people rightfully expect the highest ethical standards from their elected leaders," Boehner said.
Trackback URI for this post: http://perrinelson.com/track.aspx?postid=774
Permalink URI for this post: http://perrinelson.com/2007/6/4/774.aspx
University Update trackbacked with "A Congressman indicted"
Subscribe to this entry's
comment feed. (Atom)
Angel responded with:
 | Hiya Perri..and Pelosi just loves Jefferson..what does that tell us ?.. |
Comments to this entry are closed.