Pelosi, Hoyer: Reps. Smith & Cole Face Conflict of Int. in DeLay Eth Probe

[paineinthearse]

http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=847

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2005
CONTACT:
Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider
202-226-7616

Pelosi, Hoyer: Reps. Smith and Cole Face Conflict of Interest in DeLay Ethics Investigation

Washington, D.C.–House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Whip Steny Hoyer sent a letter to Speaker Dennis Hastert today on the appointments of Congressmen Lamar Smith (R-TX) and Tom Cole (R-OK) to the Ethics Committee, despite their contributions to Majority Leader Delay’s Legal Defense Fund.

The text of the letter follows:

February 10, 2005

The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert

Speaker

U.S. House of Representatives

H-232 U.S. Capitol

Washington, D.C. 20515



Dear Mr. Speaker:

We are writing regarding your appointment of Representatives Lamar Smith and Tom Cole to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (the Ethics Committee).

As you know, last October 6, the Ethics Committee formally admonished Majority Leader Tom DeLay for his participation in and facilitation of an energy company fundraiser and for his intervention in a partisan conflict in the Texas House of Representatives using the resources of a federal agency.

The complaint that gave rise to the Committee’s action against Mr. DeLay also included allegations regarding the Texas matter. In response, the Committee, in its October 6 letter to Mr. DeLay, noted that it had deferred action in that case until a state investigation is concluded. The Committee’s statement makes it clear that further inquiries into Mr. DeLay’s conduct can be expected.

Press accounts indicate that Representatives Smith and Cole have made financial contributions to the Legal Expense Fund established by Mr. DeLay to defray his legal expenses. Having given money to help defend Mr. DeLay against these precise allegations, Mr. Smith and Mr. Cole should not now sit in judgment of him.

While Mr. Smith and Mr. Cole may argue that their contributions will not prejudice their decisions -- and we have no reason to doubt their intent to act properly -- the perception of many of their colleagues and of the public will be otherwise.

We therefore ask that these appointments be withdrawn and that you designate in their place Members who will not be perceived by the public as having already made up their minds regarding the conduct of Mr. DeLay. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,



Nancy Pelosi Steny Hoyer

Democratic Leader Democratic Whip

[loudsue]

1. Now....if only the press would cover this fairly! Ha! Fat chance! n/t

:kick::kick:

[paineinthearse]

2. We are the press

We ARE the new media. Spread the word by email and to friendly news outlets.

We did it with Gannon, we can do it to *

[gratuitous]

3. This is an easy one

Would you trust a judge and jury that was made up of people who had lent or given money to the accused?

Pound on it, Dems. Even the slack-jawed yokels can figure this one out.

[paineinthearse]

4. .

[Not_Giving_Up]

5. Can anyone say "Conflict of Interest"?

Very good.
I knew you could.

[KharmaTrain]

6. Ahhh...The Irony

When, if ever, will Democrats set up legal organizations and operations like the Repugnicans do...groups like Judicial Watch that will launch civil suits to investigate things they couldn't get done in the House & Senate. It's time we did the same...and there's lot to look into.

We could start with a nice little session with Jeff Glunkert...in front of a jury and under oath. Then let's invite Mr. Armstrong Williams to spend an afternoon. Mr. DeLay would be quite an interesting participant as well. Hell, thanks to Paula Jones, we could even invite his Assholiness George W. Bunnypants to discuss his draft records or business associations. Plus we could invite ALL their friends.

Certainly if there was no illegality or impropreity, these folks would gladly cooperate and we'd soon find this was a huge waste of money. But, I'm willing to throw a couple of bucks into the kity to find out...now is there a lawyer with some real stones out there?

[paineinthearse]

7. Now. Under Dean.

McAuliff is a certified wimp. Dean will kick ass.

[KharmaTrain]

8. We Agree On McAuliffe

Why he wasn't out the door on Nov. 3 is beyond me (and I mean Nov. 3, 2002).

As far as Gov. Dean...I'm optimistic, but will wait to see how the party comes together on the state and local levels before I make a judgement on his impact. Right now that's of critical importance and we're falling further behind.

Cheers!