Press

PRESS

Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA) Named One of the Most Corrupt Members of Congress

Washington, D.C. –In just a few short years, Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA) has left her mark on Washington.  Earlier this year, emails came to light revealing Rep. Richardson to be an ogre of a boss who illegally forced congressional staff work to on her campaigns, run her personal errands, and perform campaign functions using federal resources.  As a result, she has been named by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) as one of the Most Corrupt Members of Congress.  Click here to read CREW’s full report on Rep. Richardson.

“In just three terms, Rep. Richardson has run roughshod over staff and federal law,” said CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan.  “She has been the subject of at least two ethics investigations, could find herself facing criminal charges, and is certainly one of the Most Corrupt Members of Congress.” 

Rep. Richardson’s latest troubles stem from her 2010 re-election effort.   One of the most egregious examples of misconduct comes from internal emails showing staff members were required to attend a fundraiser dubbed “Democratic Idol.”  Employees were told to wear staff shirts embroidered with the phrase “37^th Congressional District,” and spouses and interns were expected to attend as well.  Similarly, staffers also reported they were required to work (under threat of termination) on her campaign after work and on weekends.  Such actions violate federal law.

Also, by forcing congressional staffers to perform personal services like picking up her dry cleaning, Rep. Richardson violated the law which requires government funds to be used only for official purposes. Additionally, by certifying that staffers were paid only for work done for official purposes when she submitted payroll forms, Rep. Richardson appears to have made false statements to Congress.

“Few politicians break the law as brazenly as Rep. Richardson, which is why CREW has asked the FBI to investigate.  Someone somewhere needs to hold this woman accountable for her actions.”   

This is the 7^th edition of the CREW’S Most Corrupt Report, an annual look at a bipartisan collection of Washington’s worst.  This year’s list includes seven Democrats, and 12 Republicans.  Five are repeat offenders.  Since 2005, CREW has named 70 members of Congress to the list, 32 of whom are no longer in office.