On my suggestion for what to do about Rep. Bill Jefferson, TPM Reader JC disagrees:
Right on all points, wrong on the conclusion.
Jefferson is, by all accounts, dirty and odious. But the only thing worse for the House Democrats than sending a message of “we don’t tolerate corruption” is sending the message that “we’ll ignore the will of the voters, and abandon the principle of ‘Innocent until proven guilty,’ for political posturing.”
Like it or not, Jefferson’s constituents elected him, knowing that he’s under investigation. Unless there is evidence of election rigging, he must be seated. The Democrats can of course change the House rules and then deal with Jefferson, or wait until he is indicted and then remove him.
But your suggestion, while well-intended, is penny-wise and pound-foolish.
