WASHINGTON -- May 2 -- Last week we celebrated the decision by Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) to reverse the ethics rules changes that gutted the way the House monitors and enforces its ethics system. But as we've said all along, rolling back those rules is only an important first step toward broader reform.
One of those reforms must include the appointment of an outside counsel to investigate ethics complaints involving congressional leaders, like Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX).
DeLay wields complete influence and control over members of his party. He determines who gets coveted committee appointments and whose bills are passed. He doles out favors and dollars at election time from his political action committees and has proven he will do just about anything to get a colleague to vote his way. What's more, four of the five Republican members of the Ethics Committee have taken money from DeLay's political action committee, and two have donated to his legal defense fund. How can they sit in judgement of him?
They can't. That's why we need an outside counsel who operates outside the sphere of DeLay's influence to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation without fear of retaliation. Nothing less will be credible.
Join us in demanding that Congress appoint an outside counsel to investigate DeLay, as it did in the cases of former House speakers James Wright (D-TX) and Newt Gingrich (R-GA). Please sign our petition calling for the appointment of an outside counsel in the case of DeLay. A message that you signed the petition will automatically be sent to your Representative.
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/0503-09.htm