Saturday, October 31, 2009

ONCE AGAIN CALLING FOR A POLITICAL PRE-NUP

The Washington Post has reported that more than 30 lawmakers and a few staff members were under scrutiny, including nearly half the members of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.

The sad part of this story is that any of these Representatives if indicted will be able to use campaign funds to pay their legal fees.

So taxpayers not only pay their salaries but also have to foot the bill for their legal costs when they get caught stealing from the public.

Is that why you contribute to campaigns?

And it is not only at the Federal level.

The Associated Press has reported that former NY State Senate Leader Joe Bruno has already spent $633,000 in campaign funds on criminal lawyers.

Question: When is the madness going to stop?

Answer: Only when we hold these elected officials responsible for their actions.

We once again call for a political pre-nup which we would ask each candidate to sign.

This pre-nup would state that if they are forced from their positions due to illegal or improper behavior they will give up any claim to any pensions or benefits that they may be entitled to. And they agree to pay back any monies that may have been illegally gained without dispute. We could also add that they would agree not to use any campaign funds for legal defense.

See post below from 7/13/08 when we first requested this.

It's Time For A Political Pre-Nup

http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838


We are still looking for at least one candidate to voluntarily sign one but we are not too optimistic.

A great commentary on our political process.

We would love to have the media ask any of the candidates on the record if they would be willing to do this.

In the meantime we would at least like someone to introduce some legitimate campaign finance legislation which would prohibit the use of campaign funds for legal expenses. It should also limit the amount a candidate can carry over after the election.

Wouldn’t you agree it’s time has come.


Names Leaked in House Ethics Probes

http://news.aol.com/article/congressional-ethics-probe-targets/744598?icid=main|main|dl4|link4|http://news.aol.com/article/congressional-ethics-probe-targets/744598

No comments: