The Daily Background

Dems should demand William Jefferson’s (D-La, likely corrupt) resignation, VirginiaDem and kos are right. Democrats need to impose exactly the type of no-tolerance policy for corruption in the party that Republicans have failed so utterly to do.

I want to see a full blown press conference with Democrats united in condemnation of this corrupt man - calling for him to resign immediately. And I want more than rhetoric. Strip him of his committee assignments. Pull support and sponsors from his bills. Cut off all ties between the party apparatus and his scandalous office. Return any money he has given to the party, even if given in previous cycles. Tell all Democratic candidates and officials that they must disassociate from him, too — you cannot both support Jefferson’s continued civil service while being a Democrat in good standing. Remove all of the benefits associated with being a Democrat. Don’t send him a nickel, don’t throw him a fundraiser, don’t sit around silently hoping he’ll go away - just show him the door.

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Send him (and all Democrats) a message - if you wilfully corrupt our democracy, the Democratic party wants you out of Congress. Men and women like you cannot be a representative of the Democratic party. Do what the GOP never did with DeLay and Cunningham (and won’t do with Ney, Doolittle, Lewis, Ryun, Burns, Harris, Goode, etc.), take a stand.

I’ve written much the same and extended the idea that opposing Jefferson could actually be beneficial to Dems this fall in previous posts. Related, in chronological order, most recent is last:

1. Democrat’ office raided by FBI
2. Jefferson caught on tape: $100,000 bribe
3. Jefferson’s greatest hits
4. Democratic strategy on William Jefferson (D-La, likely corrupt)
5. The latest on the William Jefferson scandal

Filed under: William Jefferson Related, Z-TDB Blog