Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Holy Batwings
First Read posted today that Sen. Arlen Specter is becoming increasingly embroiled in the culture of corruption in Washington; or at least the culture of accusations of corruption.
I mention this item because what's good for goose is good for the gander; and like Rep. Alan Mollohan of West Virginia, there is a whispering campaign about a $200,000 grant to a "Philadelphia foundation represented by the son of one of Specter's top aides."
Holy Batwings!
Democrats must storm the floor of the Senate and demand, yes, demand that Specter resign his posts as member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and chairman of the subcommittee "that oversees spending for the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education."
Well, I think there should be an immediate federal investigation; and Democratic attack dogs must insist that Specter answer all questions posed by federal prosecutors on the subject. The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Chicago Sun-Times, San Antonio Express-News and others must also write condemning editorials decrying the latest shameful "appearance" of impropriety.In February, USA TODAY reported that Specter helped get almost $50 million in funding for clients of a lobbying firm run by the husband of Specter's top appropriations aide, Vicki Siegel Herson. After that, Specter called for a Senate ethics investigation of his office and asked his chief of staff to determine whether there were other potential conflicts of interest.
After all, as USA Today writes:
Lobbyist Eric Wallace, a former Specter intern, is the son of Specter's Scranton office chief, Andy Wallace. Lobbyist Shannon Meadors Oscar is the wife of Michael Oscar, former head of Specter's Philadelphia office. Eric Wallace sought money for 13 projects, Reynolds said. Specter helped win approval for one: a $200,000 grant to Impact Services, a Philadelphia non-profit firm, for housing homeless veterans. Both Wallaces declined to comment.Hastern, Tom DeLay, Cal Thomas, we're waiting for your outrage!
// posted by Howling Latina @ 12:45 AM 
