The Daily Background

In case you’ve been living under a rock, the case against Congressman William Jefferson (D-LA, almost certainly corrupt) is going to be extremely strong. At the moment, the FBI is wrapped up in an attempt to get permission to use the documents they obtained in an unprecedented raid of the Congressman’s office several months ago, but they could easily indict him without the evidence obtained then.

Although earlier in the year, it looked as though an indictment might be secured by prosecutors in August, that rough timeline obviously didn’t pan out. It is unlikely now that Jefferson will be indicted before the midterm elections in November. Having read what is known about Jefferson, I frankly want the guy indicted ASAP.

Not only does he seem to be corrupt as hell, but also arrogant as hell as well. The Democratic party cannot afford to have such criminals lingering in its midst, especially not in this crucial midterm election year. From a political point of view, there are two scenarios which would benefit Democrats.

If he’s indicted soon, Dems can condemn his actions and call for his resignation (many already have) to demonstrate the difference between Democrats and Republicans when one of their own is accused of felonies with ample evidence. It’s an opportunity to show a difference between Dems and Republicans.

Democrats have the courage to call out the corrupt amongst them (as many already have with Jefferson), while Republicans continue to shelter their corrupt members until the very last moment (Republican mega-lobbyist Jack Abramoff for example, or Tom DeLay whom the President has already proclaimed innocent before trials have begun). If an indictment came early enough, the story would fade away until the trial went to court, which likely wouldn’t be until next year anyway.

The other scenario which wouldn’t be too bad for Dems would be if the story goes away for a few months and Jefferson doesn’t get indicted until after the midterm elections. If Jefferson happens to be indicted right before the elections (apart from reeking of politics), it would provide political cover for all of the high-profile Republicans in trouble with corruption investigations and those already indicted.

If timed right (right= bad for Democrats), it could even be a miniature October surprise (though I couldn’t imagine this having the proper effect unless it was literally just days before the election– which would stink of politics anyways).

As thing stand right now however, the latter two scenarios are the most likely. He probably won’t be indicted right before elections, but if he was it might be a big political distraction.

Filed under: William Jefferson Related, Z-TDB Blog