Abramoff scandal keeps lawmakers home(survey:voters care about corruption)

[Robbien]

<snip>

Lawmakers reported going on 29 such trips in March, the latest month for which complete information is available, according to the data research firm PoliticalMoneyLine. That's a sharp drop from 146 trips taken a year earlier and the fewest for the month since the firm began compiling records in 2000. February showed a similar drop.

The travel falloff came on the heels of a January guilty plea to corruption charges by former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who had lined up lavish trips for several lawmakers. One frequent trip sponsor, the International Management and Development Institute, in February cut back on its annual trip for lawmakers to Germany.

. . .

A new USA Today/Gallup Poll suggests lawmakers are right to be worried about their image. Americans have deep concerns about corruption in Washington, with 83 percent saying it is a "very" or "somewhat serious" problem. Nearly seven in 10 said they have little or no confidence that Congress will strengthen its ethics rules.

Under the House bill, lobbyists could still give lawmakers meals and gifts worth up to $50. Privately financed travel would be suspended until the ethics committee sets new rules.

http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/0503Congress-Travel-ON.html

[alfredo]

1. Democrats should hit hard with a take no prisoners ethics bill.

They should propose a bill that would make them squeamish, and outrage the Republicans. They should fight to bring back the fairness doctrine too. No money, no travel paid for by lobbyist or any special interest groups. Take the money out of politics. Public funding for all federal campaigns.

[WhiteTara]

2. I agree

Now is they will listen and do the work

[alfredo]

3. We will have to hold their feet to the fire.

[AlCzervik]

4. Contrary to what the RNC says people do care---good!

[truthisfreedom]

5. heh. keep them writing laws, not traveling.

it'll do everyone some good.

[0007]

6. ...and the lame duck prez sez "bring it on"

A new USA Today/Gallup Poll suggests lawmakers are right to be worried about their image. Americans have deep concerns about corruption in Washington, with 83 percent saying it is a "very" or "somewhat serious" problem. Nearly seven in 10 said they have little or no confidence that Congress will strengthen its ethics rules.

Who thinks junior's poll numbers are propped up? I certainly do!

[PassingFair]

7. We RUINED their vacation plans.

:cry:

How COULD we?