20 Most Corrupt Members of Congress...

The 20 Most Corrupt Members of Congress (and Five to Watch)

Over the course of the 109th Congress, the issue of congressional ethics has taken on new resonance. Where questionable conduct was once shrugged off as “business as usual,” now both the public and the press are demanding greater accountability from members of Congress. An August 2006 Harris poll shows that 77% of Americans have a negative view of Congress and while a May 2006 Gallup poll indicates that 83% ofAmericans consider corruption a serious issue, and 64% believe that dealing with corruption should be a high priority for Congress.

In the last two years, the careers of three members have ended as a result of corruption: former Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) has been indicted in Texas and is facing possible federal indictment in the Jack Abramoff scandal; Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham is now serving an eight-year jail term for bribery though the federal probe into his activities remains open and may yet encompass other members of Congress; and Rep. Bob Ney has agreed to plead to guilty to crimes that will likely result in a minimum two-year prison term. In addition, several other members, including Reps. William Jefferson, Alan Mollohanand, Jerry Lewis, and Sens. Conrad Burns and Bill Frist are also under federal investigation.

Last year's list included only 13 members. Of this year's 20 corrupt members, 17 are Republicans and 3 are Democrats. It seems many members of Congress have serious ethical problems. These ethical issues must be taken into consideration at the polls. You won't find this die-hard Democrat voting for an ethically-challenged candidate in November.