Washblog

Amen brotha...  It is going to take some serious money to win this contest.  Because at this point, Doc Hastings is looking at a cakewalk.  But as has been pointed out, his Ethics Committee chairmanship is his weak link.  While that might not be enough for voters in this district to oust the rascal, new developments may expose even more corruption.  It looks like more than an "Ethics Refresher Course" is needed from the committee.  Carla at Pre-Emptive Karma has the scoop.

A DC political operative has told me that Brent Wilkes, one of the individuals charged with bribing Republican Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham, has struck a deal with prosecutors to testify.

Wilkes will implicate four more Republicans for possible criminal activity: Richard Pombo,John Doolittle,Duncan Hunter, and Jerry Lewis.

Hastings' promise to conduct investigations mid January is long past.  With future news pending on even more criminal activity it is clear why some consider Hastings a "national embarassment".

Richard Wright will still have to raise big bucks to get the message out.  But relevations in the press may soften Hastings.  Especially if he is compelled by the media to answer questions about his stint as Ethics Chair.  These things were happening on his watch and 'do nothing' Doc has some explaining to do in this campaign.

What does Richard Wright have going for him?  Integrity, honesty and a true desire to serve a constituancy that is desperately in need of new leadership in congress.  It might not be the front row seat to a steel cage match that we will see between Darcy Burner and Dave Reichart in the 8th CD, but it is a contest that has serious consequence for the nation, and the people of the Washington's 4th Congressional District.  
(cross posted at http://www.mccranium.org)