Thursday, January 12, 2006

Republican Culture of Corruption Pt. 72

I made up that number 72. However, with a new Republican scandal each day, I think the Republicans can issue their own "Day by Day" Culture of Corruption Calendars.

There is more evidence that U.S. House Republicans are trying to dump Rep. Deborah Pryce (OH-15) from her leadership position. Akron Beacon Journal has the story:
New York Rep. John Sweeney said Wednesday he will circulate a petition calling for the House GOP to hold a vote for all but one top leadership position, from majority leader to the chair of the national campaign committee.

"I have no idea what kind of support it's going to generate, but I think it will be more widespread than many people at first assumed," Sweeney said in a phone interview with The Associated Press.

Any Republican can call for a series of votes at the majority leader election meeting to replace any other member of the leadership.

But a petition by Republicans opposed to Tom DeLay, R-Texas, led to his resignation as majority leader, and Sweeney's petition could threaten Rep. Deborah Pryce, R-Ohio.

As chair of the Republican caucus, Pryce can set the date of the election meeting but cannot prevent a majority of the caucus from voting to vacate her seat and force a new election...

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley (Iowa) has received money from Jack Abramoff, according to Open Secrets. Check here.

Another Republican, Rep. J.D. Hayworth, apparently will be investigated by the Justice Dept. because of his ties to Abramoff. Hayworth (AZ-5) had big money from Abramoff and friends. Here is an excerpt from the East Valley Tribune:
Rep. J.D. Hayworth is among five members of Congress who will be the focus of the Justice Department’s initial investigation into influence peddling by former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, a Washington newspaper reported Wednesday....

Hayworth has received $101,620 since 1999 from Abramoff clients either directly to his campaign or to his political action committee, TEAM Pac, according to the center. The next highest individual recipient of money linked to Abramoff or his clients is House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., who got $69,000, according to the center....