http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=46499While we are very happy that the GOP majority has finally conceded that the ethics committee debacle needs to be put behind us, reverting to the previously existing rules is not enough. Even if the Ethics Committee meets and decides to investigate Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a major obstacle to a thorough and fair investigation remains: the make-up of the Committee.
"Records indicate that one of Mr. DeLay's political action committees, Americans for a Republican Majority (ARMPAC) contributed $15,000 to the campaign committee of Melissa Hart (R-PA), the person whom Ethics Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA) has said would lead any investigation into DeLay's conduct. In addition, three other Republican members of the Committee, Doc Hastings, Judy Biggert (R-IL), and Tom Cole (R-OK) have also received contributions from ARMPAC. Moreover, Lamar Smith (R-TX), Tom Cole, and Melissa Hart have all contributed to Mr. DeLay's legal defense fund -- the very fund that is paying for Mr. DeLay's defense to charges before the Ethics Committee."
Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and a former federal prosecutor likened the situation to that of a criminal defendant's guilt being adjudicated by a jury made up of people whose rent had been paid by the defendant. Sloan stated, "in any judicial matter, neither any juror or the judge may have any financial ties to the defendant because such ties create an inherent conflict of interest. An investigation conducted by Members who have financial links to DeLay and who were named to the Committee specifically because the Republican leadership viewed them as more likely to protect DeLay will be an inherently biased investigation -- no one should be surprised when this kangaroo court clears DeLay of all charges."
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