Republicans have been trying to shift blame in the Foley scandal by pointing to former Rep. Gerry Studds, a Democrat who had an affair with a congressional page, but who did not resign after he was censured by the Democratic-controlled House — and in fact went on to be reelected five times after the affair was disclosed.
Today, Rep. Bob Ney of Ohio, a Republican, pleaded guilty to bribery and other charges, and although he has resigned, he has not given up his seat and will remain in office until January. O! The hypocrisy:
Congressman Robert W. Ney (R-Ohio) pleaded guilty today to corruption charges arising from the influence-peddling investigation of lobbyist Jack Abramoff, becoming the first elected official caught up in a scandal that may damage his party’s chances in next month’s midterm elections.
Ney emerged from a month in alcohol rehabilitation to appear in federal court in Washington, where he admitted he performed official acts in Congress for lobbyists in exchange for campaign contributions, expensive meals, luxury travel and skybox sports tickets.
Abramoff, the once-powerful lobbyist at the center of a wide-ranging public corruption investigation, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison on March 29, after pleading guilty to fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials in a deal that required him to provide evidence about members of Congress.
Ney also admitted to taking thousands of dollars in gambling chips from an international businessman who sought his help with the U.S. State Department.
House Republican leaders immediately vowed to expel Ney in a post-election session if he has not resigned by then
GUILTY AND REMAINS IN OFFICE!!!! THEN MOVE HIS OFFICE TO A FEDERAL PRISON WHERE HE NEEDS TO BE!!!!