Character Counts

Now that certain legislators got caught taking money during the Special Session (something which is completely forbidden during the regular 90-day session), the General Assembly is scrambling to cover their petards.

Apparently, Senator ManPerm Miller had to personally admonish his fellow Senators today not to do deposit any checks during the 90-day session, even if the money was received before it. "We have to avoid even the appearance of impropriety," said ManPerm from the dais in the Senate Chamber.

Ooooh Reaaaaally?

You mean like Senator Ulysses G. Currie getting contributions from video game and landscaping interests, right before those two industry groups were excluded from the sales tax expansion to services?

It turns out that fundraising was VERY important during the Special Session. It was SO important that the final debates over the slots scam had to be delayed so that members of the Legislative Black Caucus could attend a fundraiser for their foundation.

Appearance of impropriety?  How about the impropriety of appearing at a fundraiser?

Here's an idea:  if legislators are so incensed at this type of behavior, why not simply give the money back?  Donors can always contribute later. It's not like they would lose anything in the transaction. 

Character counts. Character in our political leaders is very important. That so many of them didn't seem to get that leads me to believe that they can't avoid the appearance of anything improper. This is one of those simple moral conundrums.

How will they handle the hard ones?