William Jefferson... still in Congress

Posted: Monday, November 17, 2008 3:54 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Congress, Democrats

From NBC's Doug Adams
Remember William Jefferson, the Louisiana congressman who was indicted last year on bribery, racketeering and money laundering charges?

Well, he's still in Congress, and he's likely to stay there for a while.

Technically, Jefferson still has to win a Dec. 6th runoff in Louisiana. But his opponent, little known Republican lawyer Anh "Joseph" Cao, stands little chance in Louisiana’s heavily Democratic second congressional district.

Ironically, Jefferson's long-delayed federal trial is also likely to start that week -- Dec. 2nd in Virginia.

Last week, the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals cleared the way for the trial to start -- upholding his indictment by ruling that Jefferson's rights weren't violated when the grand jury received evidence that violated legislative immunity.

While normally, a federal corruption trial would be a detriment to winning re-election, Jefferson has shown repeatedly that he is popular in his district. He is seen by constituents as being a key figure in helping his district, which represents New Orleans and surrounding suburban parishes, rebound from Hurricane Katrina.

On Capitol Hill though, Democrats have already tried to marginalize him. They removed him from the prominent Ways and Means Committee. Speaker Pelosi did allow him to be on the Homeland Security Committee, arguing that it was an "appropriate" seat for Jefferson, given the committee's jurisdiction over Katrina-related matters.

But it's unclear if Democrats would allow that again in the new Congress. The House Ethics committee will also take up his case if he is found guilty.

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Comments

Republicans get rid of their scum. Democrats just keep reelecting their's.

Molly (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 4:03 PM)

What exactly is wrong with having $90,000 in bribes in your freezer, and using US flood rescue resources to retrieve it? This is all just really small potatoes.

BO - Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 4:06 PM)

This is not surprising at all. The "Culture of Corruption" of the GOP/RNC, were all hoping that no one would notice. They have a clear corrupt view on how, and who should remain in Congress. The "Do It Yourselfers" (DIY's) just love to act, immoral, unethical, and policically/economically greedy, as long as, someone else is paying the tab. Look what is happening up in Minnesota! They just want the electorate to look away. That is fact!

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 4:13 PM)

Have voted for dems and voted for repubs, but this is sickening, what kind of person will reelect a crook.
This is our country, this is shameful, and why would the dems in congress let this man walk the halls of congress and still hold thier heads up. Really, how can such a thing go on. I am so sick of corruption and incompentence, I could just cry.
marty

marty,columbia,s.c. (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 4:25 PM)

Why do these idiots keep electing this scumbag? At least Alaska looks like they're gonna ditch Stevens.

Brendan (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 4:26 PM)

If convicted he should be booted, until then he IS innocent until proven guilty.

Then again if you believe he IS innocent I got a bridge I would LOVE to sell ya.

Dave F. Florence, SC (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 4:28 PM)

It seems that every day there is a new scandal in the house, senate, or elsewhere in american politics. We the American people are going to have at some point to remember that these people WORK FOR US. They are our employees. Yeah, President, Vice President, Senator, etc.. all deserve respect, but they are not above the law. They are regular,albeit very well paid, individuals just like you and I. Now ask yourself what if you were up on these same charges, would you still be free to go to your job every day, and collect those outrageous paychecks? HMMMMMM.....
Something else to ponder...What part of the American workforce never has to worry where the next meal is coming from, or if the mortgage will be paid this month, and never has to worry about layoffs? Who was the last politician laid off due to lack of funds?

Trainrek Central MO (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 4:30 PM)

I would imagine there is a lot of incinerator smoke in Washington as the current Administration gets rid of the evidence.

Politicians have always protected their own, its a survival instinct. It will be interesting to see whether Senator Stevens and Congressman Jefferson end up where they belong.

No I don't mean a Lobbying Job. I think the convicts still build roads in Lousiana.

Dennis Boyle, Dallas, Texas (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 4:34 PM)

William Jefferson should resign himself. Hiding cold cash and being caught cold handed, is not cool. Is cold blooded. If hs is guilty he has bought shame on his position,and race. It doesn't matter what party he is from, sin is sin.

Diana Owens, Tacoma, Washington (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 4:40 PM)

Republicans have Ted Stevens!

bkenndy, Los Angeles, California (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 4:49 PM)

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