Jefferson Wins Reelection: Lip Service To The People From The Democrats
Yes, William Jefferson--the same one who was found with $90,000 in literal cold, hard cash in his freezer, and is currently under investigation by the FBI for bribery--has won his run-off election against Karen Carter. The reelection bid of his was thrown to a run-off when he didn't capture more than 50% of the vote in Louisiana. The Washington Post has the story that should have voters in Louisiana, and across the country, up in arms:
... Carter was unable to capitalize on a scandal that included allegations the FBI found $90,000 in bribe money in Jefferson's freezer.
In a concession speech, Carter embraced family members and pledged to work with Jefferson, especially on the area's recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
"I guess the people are happy with the status-quo," she said.
The eight-term incumbent was forced into the runoff against Carter when he failed to win 50 percent of the vote in a crowded open multiparty primary. Carter had sought to become the first black woman from Louisiana elected to Congress.
Jefferson described his win as "a great moment and I thank almighty God for making it possible." He called for regional unity to focus on the hurricane recovery and in bringing back evacuees who are still scattered across the country.
His presence in Washington could be embarrassing for Democrats, who won control of Congress on a platform of cleaning up corruption. In June, incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., led a successful effort to remove Jefferson from the powerful House Ways and Means Committee as the probe unfolded.
He was accused of taking bribes from a company seeking lucrative contracts in the Nigerian telecommunications market. He has not been charged with any crime and denies any wrongdoing.
The scandal turned the race into a debate largely divided along racial lines, an age-old dynamic in this city that has intensified since Hurricane Katrina displaced large numbers of blacks and upended their demographic and political dominance.
Whites, who overwhelmingly voted for Carter in the primary and have been her most enthusiastic financial backers, believed a Jefferson win would confirm this city's image as corrupt and untrustworthy as it asks the nation to fund its recovery from Katrina.
While he has yet to be proven guilty of any crime, he is still under investigation. Because of that, a removal from the Ways and Means Committee wasn't the only thing that should have occurred. Rep. Pelosi's job as minority leader, when this came down, should have been to demand his departure until the investigation was complete. It isn't complete yet, but the FBI isn't dropping this from a lack of evidence. The primary piece of that evidence is a supposed video of him accepting a bribe from an undercover FBI agent. As I stated to begin with, he hasn't been convicted, but the evidence points to the fact that this a corrupt member of the House.
And Rep. Pelosi made a promise to the American people she would clean up the House. This is not a promising first step, and I question why both parties support members for reelection that have legal problems like this. I am sure that Rep. Jefferson reaped the DNC money rewards during his reelection bid, and that--in and of itself--shows that these people aren't serious about cleaning anything up. They like things the way they are, corruption and all.
Sabrina McKinney
Yes, William Jefferson--the same one who was found with $90,000 in literal cold, hard cash in his freezer, and is currently under investigation by the FBI for bribery--has won his run-off election against Karen Carter. The reelection bid of his was thrown to a run-off when he didn't capture more than 50% of the vote in Louisiana. The Washington Post has the story that should have voters in Louisiana, and across the country, up in arms:
... Carter was unable to capitalize on a scandal that included allegations the FBI found $90,000 in bribe money in Jefferson's freezer.
In a concession speech, Carter embraced family members and pledged to work with Jefferson, especially on the area's recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
"I guess the people are happy with the status-quo," she said.
The eight-term incumbent was forced into the runoff against Carter when he failed to win 50 percent of the vote in a crowded open multiparty primary. Carter had sought to become the first black woman from Louisiana elected to Congress.
Jefferson described his win as "a great moment and I thank almighty God for making it possible." He called for regional unity to focus on the hurricane recovery and in bringing back evacuees who are still scattered across the country.
His presence in Washington could be embarrassing for Democrats, who won control of Congress on a platform of cleaning up corruption. In June, incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., led a successful effort to remove Jefferson from the powerful House Ways and Means Committee as the probe unfolded.
He was accused of taking bribes from a company seeking lucrative contracts in the Nigerian telecommunications market. He has not been charged with any crime and denies any wrongdoing.
The scandal turned the race into a debate largely divided along racial lines, an age-old dynamic in this city that has intensified since Hurricane Katrina displaced large numbers of blacks and upended their demographic and political dominance.
Whites, who overwhelmingly voted for Carter in the primary and have been her most enthusiastic financial backers, believed a Jefferson win would confirm this city's image as corrupt and untrustworthy as it asks the nation to fund its recovery from Katrina.
While he has yet to be proven guilty of any crime, he is still under investigation. Because of that, a removal from the Ways and Means Committee wasn't the only thing that should have occurred. Rep. Pelosi's job as minority leader, when this came down, should have been to demand his departure until the investigation was complete. It isn't complete yet, but the FBI isn't dropping this from a lack of evidence. The primary piece of that evidence is a supposed video of him accepting a bribe from an undercover FBI agent. As I stated to begin with, he hasn't been convicted, but the evidence points to the fact that this a corrupt member of the House.
And Rep. Pelosi made a promise to the American people she would clean up the House. This is not a promising first step, and I question why both parties support members for reelection that have legal problems like this. I am sure that Rep. Jefferson reaped the DNC money rewards during his reelection bid, and that--in and of itself--shows that these people aren't serious about cleaning anything up. They like things the way they are, corruption and all.
Sabrina McKinney
posted by Syd And Vaughn | 4:08 PM
1 Comments:
I was under the impression that the House has the final say on who is seated? In other words, if there is an objection to a candidate being seated, there's a debate and a vote? Although Jefferson may have the citizen vote, he should be denied a seat. I understand he's innocent until proven guilty of the crimonal charges but he was removed from a committee and he should be denied a seat. Rawriter
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