Ethically challenged Calvert replaced Doolittle, then ethically challenged Feeney replaced Calvert
Think Progress documents the "musical chairs" among the ethically challenged members of the GOP caucus:
After demoting one member of his caucus for corruption, Boehner has chosen to promote and reward two other deeply corrupt congressmen.
- Doolittle out: In mid-April, the FBI searched the Virginia home of Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA) as part of “its investigation into the ties of the congressman and his wife, Julie, to disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff.” Soon after, he was forced to step down from his seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
- Calvert replaces Doolittle: The House Republican Steering Committee voted last week to appoint Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) to Doolittle’s vacant seat. Calvert, who has a history of scandals, including extensive profiting from legislation he supported and a well-publicized escapade with a prostitute, is one of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington’s “20 Most Corrupt Members of Congress”
- Feeney replaces Calvert: Yesterday, Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL), who was recently questioned by the FBI over his relationship to Abramoff, told the Orlando Sentinel that “he would take over as GOP leader on the space subcommittee, part of the overall House science committee.” He’s replacing Calvert, who had to abandon the position in order to accept Doolittle’s appropriations seat.
All three members, Doolittle, Calvert and Feeney, are named in Beyond DeLay, as among the 20 most corrupt Members of Congress in CREW's report, Beyond DeLay.
Another promotion in store for Feeney?
Did Calvert lie to the Steering Committee to get his seat on Appropos?
There is a news report that he is being investigated in a shady land deal in Riverside County Ca. by a Grand Jury out there. Seems that this 4 acre lot was picked up by Calvert and his cronies for a darn good price last year, that they paid way under the market value. The problem, though, is that this was public property.
It was reported that one public official involved in this deal has already been ousted.
If this sort of news keeps up, we just might see Feeney put in that seat on Appropos, the Hot Seat.
Ethically Challenged Calvert Meets even Bigger Challenge
The picture is taking shape. The so-called "regional interests" that helped Calvert into the plum Appropriations spot now can be seen as a crowd of real estate speculators who depend on the Calverts to provide the earmarks that turn their speculations into whopping profits. The rebates on these deals poor into the pockets and the campaign chests of the helpful Calverts, and it's called "pork". The odor warns you that it's something else.
Profits Threatened by Overpowering Stench
exactly, and earmarks and profits and campaign contributions must be rescued. Whatever it takes.
This nation is in trouble.
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"Boner"
Rep. Boehner must feel very safe in his District, acting as he does as the point man for corrupt Republican Representatives.
If he believes that the voters will have forgotten all of this by next year, this would explain his actions.
But, being in his situation, and grasping the depth and extent of corruption among Republican lawmakers and officials, perhaps he is a desperate man, driven to desperate deeds.
Needless to say, money is the muscle of politics and re-electioneering.