Is Anyone Concerned? If so, what will you do?

Question

Nancy Polici's choice to Head the House Intelligence Committee, is Florida Rep. Alcee Hastings. In 1989, after being acquitted in a criminal trial, Hastings was stripped of his position as a federal judge -- impeached by the House in which he now serves and convicted by the Senate -- for conspiring to extort a $150,000 bribe in a case before him, repeatedly lying about it under oath and manufacturing evidence at his trial.

Answer 1

The main issue with this guy is his appointment as Majority Whip, isn't it? Perhaps Republican spinners and agitators figure the dumb masses don't understand this and that it's better to play on his membership on an Intelligence Committee.

But no matter, you've raised an issue about serious charges made against Alcee Hastings while he was a judge 25 years ago. The alleged bribery occurred in 1981, and a judge taking bribes is very serious. This is a complex case, and it seems to involve a partial acquittal. I can't find much more information now, but I'm sure there will be articles reviewing his history in the next few days and weeks.

I'd be more concerned if there were more recent charges. Perhaps he's kept his nose clean knowing that he got a free pass in the early 1980's.

I hate to say "the other side does the same" because this is a frequent and usually false Republican argument. However, when it comes to the small pool of candidates for Congressional leadership, a direct and fair comparison can be made.

A few years ago, John Boehner, the current Republican Majority Leader passed out checks from tobacco lobbyists to other members of the House, right on the floor of the house. Two other guys that were in line for Tom DeLay's job had records that were even more tarnished. And of course, Tom DeLay, the former Majority Leader, is under indictment and will likely do jail time for election law violations.

Current Speaker of the House Hastert, failed to remove Foley and endangered young pages for as long as 5 years. Hastert got his job because the candidate before him had too much taint, and the moral majority leader of the impeachment against Clinton, Newt Gingrich, was a serial adulteror who was involved in a long affair with a young aide.

All I can say is the leadership pool seems pretty tainted, and if someone's record has been clear for 25 years, that's probably the best they can do. After all, McCain was heavily involved in a scandal involving the failure of the savings and loan industry about 25 years ago also. And that fact will probably not impact his bid for the presidency.

Answer 2

Jeez, Avery. Why don't you just write a book.
Any conservative with this kind of baggage would have been ejected from congress like a meteor years ago.
Another prime example of politics at its worst and the double standard of the liberal left and their media allies.

Answer 3

In my opinion, He got caught and he is not alone. I am sure someone will get discover for his or her taking from Lobbyists and the country is watching. Believe me no one get away from now on.