New Level of Disgrace: Cunningham scandal shows need for reform

Dallas Morning News | Editorials:

"Pork-barrel projects benefiting a select few or retired lawmakers-turned-extremely well-compensated lobbyists are bad enough. But Mr. Cunningham takes influence peddling to an even more nefarious level. He's a perfect poster child for the need to erect a firewall between members of Congress, contractors and the appropriations process."

Congressman "Duke" Cunningham (R-CA) was just indicted for bribery and tax evasion. A half dozen more Congressman are under investigation for bribery and other offenses in the investigation into Jack Abramoff's lobbying efforts. Congressman Tom Delay (R-TX) was forced to step down from his Republican leadership position after being indicted for campaign finance violations in Texas. The House Ethics Committee has not opened investigations into these matters. There's no movement in the House to enforce existing ethics rules, to say nothing of tightening the rules themselves.

What can voters do? First, "throw the bums out." Refuse to vote for any incumbent who has not taken a clear public stand in favor of tough ethics standards and enforcement, regardless of party affiliation. If enough incumbents are sent home, the rest will get the message that voters care about clean government.

Second, join and support one of the many public organizations devoted to clean government. Just a few examples are Common Cause, The Campaign Finance Institute, and the Project on Government Oversight. Find one that advocates reforms that best fit your own concept of good government. If citizen groups from both left and right send a message, politicians of both parties will have to listen.