Entries for January 2006

Every decade or so, Congress seems to need to self-correct. Last time around, it was the House banking and post office scandals. This time, it's the Jack Abramoff congressional bribery scandal. When you compare the two, the notion of some members stealing stamps from the House post office almost seems quaint; the Abramoff scandal involves millions of dollars spread around Washington–and it's a total embarrassment for anyone who serves in Congress.

It's of more than passing interest to note that House Speaker Dennis Hastert decided to cancel a trip to India (dare we say a "fact finding" excursion?) to come back to Washington. Why did he return, especially since Congress is not in session? For two reasons: First, he decided he had to put the leadership stamp of approval on a GOP lobbying reform effort. Second, he had to make sure his job as speaker was not in jeopardy.

In the wake of the Jack Abramoff plea agreement earlier this week, members stampeded to return his direct contributions–and even some supplied by his Indian tribe clients–as if that were a way to completely distance themselves from the sleaze. It was a great week for charitable giving, with House Speaker Dennis Hastert donating $69,000 to charities and former House Majority Leader Tom DeLaygiving away $15,000. And Democrats weren't immune to the guilt-by-association problem, either, withByron Dorgangiving away $67,000 and Max Baucus $18,800.