Breaking:Ranking Democrat on Ethics Committee steps aside amid allegations

[kpete]

Ranking Democrat on Ethics Committee steps aside amid allegations

RAW STORY
Published: Friday April 21, 2006

The ranking Democrat on the House Ethics Committee, Alan Mollohan, has temporarily stepped aside from the Committee after allegations that he improperly directed money in Congressional earmarks to his personal nonprofit.

His letter to Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (R-CA) follows.

#
April 21, 2006
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Capitol, Room H204
Washington , D.C. 20515


Dear Leader Pelosi:

As you are aware, over the past two weeks I have been subjected to a concerted, politically motivated attack on my ethics that has been fomented by an ultra-conservative organization in Washington. During this time I have been acutely aware of how this attack, and the need for me to respond to it fully, may impact my service as the Ranking Minority Member of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. After giving the matter careful consideration, I have reluctantly concluded that the interests of both the Committee and my constituents would best be served by my temporarily stepping aside as Ranking Member while I deal with this attack.

In this regard, it has become clear that the unprecedented campaign that has been launched against me will continue to be at least as relentless as it has been to date. While I am confident that any charges or allegations that this organization and its Republican allies make against me will be as meritless and, indeed, as frivolous as those they have made thus far, they must be responded to fully. This will require my time and attention, and at the same time I must continue to fulfill my overriding duty to serve my constituents in the 1 st District of West Virginia, as well as undertake my re-election.

more at:
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Ranking_Democrat_on_Ethics_Committee_steps_0421.html

[napi21]

1. Just on CNN too...just now at 4:41PM est. n/t

[Greeby]

2. sigh, while he deserves all he gets if its true....

You can just hear the MSM firing up their "Both parties are corrupt" meme :eyes:

[Ian David]

6. He's just being persecuted because he's Christian. n/t

[Catherine Vincent]

3. I wonder what conservative organization is he talking about?

Judicial Watch?

[electropop]

4. Shit. I hope it's just another GOP lie.

I smell Scaife.

[Mandate My Ass]

5. It's not like that committee does anything useful anymore

If he's guilty, then buh-bye.

[katinmn]

12. Right-o. Ethics hasn't met to discuss violations for four years!

It was an agreement Pelosi and DeLay made. When the committee does get together, it's to share pics of the grandkids.

And if he cheated, he needs to go.

[Fleshdancer]

7. I'm glad he stepped down

If the allegations are true, then he's up shit creek for good reason:

"Mollohan has allegedly failed to report much of his earnings, while steering over $100 million in government money to groups linked to a business partner, as well as non-profits linked to himself."

-----

$100 million? No wait, OVER $100 million? Insane.

[napi21]

9. I don't mean this as derogatory, but I didn't realize there was anybody

in W.Va. that made over $100 million!!!!

[Fleshdancer]

14. rofl!

:rofl:

[napi21]

8. CNN said these are older charges that have been denied in the past.

Does anybody know what they were? It must not have made the big boards because I don't remember his name at all!

[ClintonTyree]

10. Washington needs to be cleaned up........

Democrat or Republican (mostly Republican though) if they're dirty, show 'em the door! It isn't a one-way street.

[gatorboy]

11. What's with the (R-CA) next to Pelosi's name?

eom

[katinmn]

13. Did she switch sides?

:shrug:

[Fleshdancer]

15. must be a typo

I just sent a note to raw story letting them know

[FiveGoodMen]

16. or a comment