Washblog

On May 18, three days after Wright rallied with supporters at Hastings' offices in Pasco and Yakima, the Ethics Committee announced it would finally open investigations into Reps. Bob Ney (R-OH), who had strong ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, William Jefferson (D-LA), and former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham. Cunningham has already pleaded guilty to accepting $2.4 million in bribes, and is currently in prison.  In a separate announcement, the committee said it would have investigated overseas travel and money laundering by former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, but will not do so because the Texas Republican "soon is leaving Congress."  

"It is no coincidence that the committee didn't budge until DeLay announced his resignation," said Wright.  "If the committee sees fit to investigate Cunningham who is already in jail, I think Americans deserve answers about DeLay who isn't leaving his seat until June 9th.  There's clearly a double standard at work here."

Hastings was appointed chair of the House ethics committee in February 2005, replacing Joel Hefley of Colorado who had led the ethics panel three times to formally reprimand then Republican majority leader Tom DeLay.  Hastings, an ally of DeLay, was given the job by Republican Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.  In April 2006, Hastings voted to stall investigations into questionable dealings between Jack Abramoff and members of Congress, including Tom DeLay.  

"As Chairman, Hastings must take the blame for turning a blind eye to the corruption that has run rampant under the House leadership of Tom DeLay," stated Wright, who pointed out that for 16 months while Americans watched scandal after scandal unfold, Hastings did nothing.  Tom DeLay has been indicted by two Texas grand juries, one with a count of criminal conspiracy, one with counts of money laundering.  "DeLay stood as leader of the most scandal-ridden Congress of the last century," said Wright, "Hastings stood loyally by his side."

Hastings has received contributions from both Tom DeLay and Jack Abramoff.

"At the very least, Hastings should acknowledge his conflict of interest in these investigations," said Wright who will continue to pressure Mr. Hastings to open an investigation into Tom DeLay.  "If he doesn't, and he refuses to step down, there will be a cloud hanging over his remaining days in Congress," stated Wright who cautioned Hastings: "There will always be a question of why no investigation was conducted.  Was it because there was a deal struck when Mr. Hastings was appointed to the Ethics Committee Chair or was it because an investigation of Mr. Delay would reveal Mr. Hastings' own links to DeLay's web of corruption?  Americans deserve answers. In particular, voters in this District deserve answers"