Florida U.S. Representative Tom Feeney recently explained that lobbyist Jack Abramoff misled his office and also, the Ethics Committee regarding the $5,643 financing of a 2003 Scotland trip. Feeney accepted $4000 in Abramoff contributions and also accepted $10,000 from ex-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas), recently indicted on campaign finance conspiracy charges. (DeLay himself received $30,500 from Abramoff). Im certain Feeney can explain the political financial contributions from indictees Abramoff and DeLay, as can Florida Representatives Ginny Waite-Brown ($1500), Mark Foley ($13,531), and Katherine Harris ($22,000) All are incumbents campaigning for 2006 reelection in their respective districts, or in the case of Ms. Harris, campaigning for U.S. Senator. Id be remiss not to mention Representative Dave Weldons acceptance of $13,569.00 from DeLay. Im certain Weldon can explain this financial contribution as he too, runs for reelection this year. All the above mentioned politicians voted with DeLay at least 93% of the time and all voted for weaker Ethics rules for DeLay. Money and politics certainly make strange bedfellows. The fact these financial contributions created a loyal Congressional voting block among the representatives is one explanation we will not hear during this election. The old You scratch my back, Ill scratch yours explanation. Vote them out. |
