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AP
Republican David Rivera speaks to supporters in Coral Gables, Fla. on Election Day 2010.
Republicans criticized Nancy Pelosi when she was speaker for not draining the swamp, as she pledged. They were particularly critical of her handling of the ethics cases involving Reps. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and Maxine Waters (D-CA).
When Republicans took over the House this year, Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) committed to a "zero-tolerance policy" on ethics violations.
Now it looks like that policy is getting its first test.
Freshman Rep. David Rivera (R-FL) is being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for "alleged financial improprieties" related to his financial relationship with a dog track and a condominium he sold days after winning election to Congress. The Federal Election Commission is also looking into Rivera’s 2010 campaign finances, Politico reported.
Rivera’s office did not immediately respond to e-mail inquiries from NBC News.
Heather Smith, spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed a "public integrity investigation" into Rivera, being handled out of the state's Executive Investigations office in Tallahassee. It opened the probe in October of 2010 and is working in conjunction with the Office of the State Attorney and the Miami-Dade Police Department.
“As I understand the allegations against Mr. Rivera, they don't involve any of his congressional service,” newly installed Speaker John Boehner said at a news conference today after being asked about Rivera. “These are activities that took place before he was elected. And I think we are waiting to see how this plays out.”
A Cantor spokesperson said, "Unlike Leader Pelosi and the previous majority, Eric has said that Republicans will have a ‘zero tolerance’ policy, and we are currently awaiting the results of the investigation in Florida."
But Boehner and Cantor’s responses -- and their declining to rebuke Rivera -- has drawn criticism from Democrats, looking to paint Republicans as hypocritical and backing off their pledge.
"[I]t's increasingly clear that the campaign pledge from Republican leaders ... didn't really mean 'zero tolerance' for what's now a growing criminal investigation into their own member of Congress," said Jesse Ferguson, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "Now they're going to tolerate it, but tell us, 'It's just this once.'"
A Democratic House aide said, "Speaker Boehner and Leader Cantor should live up to their pledge."
Boehner’s statement also drew comparisons to Pelosi’s statements about Rangel. As speaker, after the ethics committee admonished Rangel last February, Pelosi said, "Every member is entitled to have his day before the ethics committee. They have said he did not knowingly violate the rules. And again, if this were the end of it, that would be one thing, but there's obviously more to come, and we'll see what happens with that."
The difference, however, is, “Those actions [Rivera’s] pre-dated his Congressional service," Boehner spokesman Michael Steel told First Read.
That’s true, and the ethics committee’s jurisdiction is only over members while they are members -- though it’s not clear if that also applies to potential campaign-finance violations for freshmen who win election. (The committee did not immediately return a phone call.)
And, in fairness to Boehner, as minority leader, he moved quickly to deal with a sex scandal involving former Rep. Mark Souder of Indiana, who resigned.
In addition, Republicans would also point out that sitting Democratic members have had their own ethical issues before coming to Congress. Alcee Hastings, for example, was removed as a federal judge after he was impeached. He later served as chairman of a subcommittee on the House Rules Committee.
But James Thurber, who teaches ethics at American University, points out that Hastings’ prior ethical issues had an impact on whether he could continue on the intelligence committee and if he could be chairman. Thurber also said those Democratic leaders, who at the time did not condemn the actions of members who had prior ethical issues, are also deserving of criticism.
The House rules back up Boehner, in that the ethics committee does not have jurisdiction over matters that pre-date a member’s service, Thurber said. But, he added, Boehner’s office is “being overly legalistic. ...
"If they’re interested in shining a light on how much more ethical they are, unlike the Democrats, then it sends the wrong message."
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Did majority leader Cantor say if this would include the Supreme Court?
Ethics and Republican in the same sentance? Now THAT'S funny! ;o))
Who wants some popcorn?
Draining that swamp, right all?
Good one Fiesty, from the great and very ethical state of ILL. How many governors has it been. In a row?
With LOTS of Butter Feisty! This is going to be a long fun filled two years..
So we are going after Kagan as well?? Great.
Good grief, lets find out what the results of the investigation are before we hang the guy. Jeffers was given that benefit, if he's guilty throw him out
I wish, If nothing else everyone should vote to make sure the Supreme Court Justices can no longer get involved in the political arena. As evident by their vote with Citizens United, they failed to remain objective. They also should be prohibited from attending political gatherings. Their role is to insure fair and impartial justice within the parameters of the Constitution. They are not there to interfere with our political process and stifle individual rights to vote. Corporations are not human. The individuals who work in the corporations are.
Good one Feisty. Those wacky republicans like Rangel, Waters, Blago....oh wait....
Ummm. 'Zero tolerance' applies only to Ds. Rs get a free pass.
Fiesty
From a person of a state that "leads" the Country in ethics. Unless I missed something in this story the investigations were on going. Did you see anything that said that Riveria was being charged with anything? Now lets go back to Rangel, he was just about flaunting his transgressions.
How about Waters, she hasn't even been dealt with yet. How about Sanford Bishop of GA. Marcy Kaptur of OH, Jim Moran of VA, or Norman Dicks of WA. How about the ones that lost their Primaries in the last election like Mollahan of WV or Burris who didn't run because of the different versions of why Blagovich picked him to fill Obama's Senate seat. How about Murtha. If he hadn't died he would surely be under investigation right now.
The point is both sides have their problems but you conveniently overlook the Dems and are ready for action to be taken against a freshman Republican even before any kind of charges have been leveled against him. I guess that's what libs do though right?
Another broken promise?
What's that? Like the fifth or sixth in 3 weeks?
What a great START!
Let the hypocrisy begin. Is Ensign ever going to resign?
Geez Deacon John B-That's unlike a church going man to accuse somebody that is alleged. How about if he's found that he did do this, then kick him out of Congress.
Typical, you people jump on the band wagon and don't have any proof, kind of like Tusan, don't you think? What is your famous saying for before you knew the truth? ahh ya "Language as Consequence"
Hey all, we all are innocent until proven guilty. To do anything from the federal level for a states violation is illegal in itself. Let us give him, just as you are given the right, to prove his innocence.
Broken promises and hypocrisy are a specialty of this Administration. let's not talk out of both sides of our mouth.
Oh, say it isn't so, an ethics charge against a Rethug. in Florida? We just elected Rick Scott, Govenor, guilty of the largest fine for Medicare fraud in the history of the entire country. We just love unethical pols. here in sunny Florida. This guy is just a minor player, can't believe they are even investigating him, must be more to this story.
least after two years of obama, the democrates know the meaning and spelling of "broken promises". Yeah it's going to be a interesting two years.
Uh oh. Well there goes the neighborhood. Now we shall see how this dance plays out.
Like Dan Akroyd said. "Now that wasn't very good. Now was it?"
Rep. Boehner, Rep. Cantor and party are so busy doing High End Fund Raisers and Cocktail parties that they probably did not notice. We will see what this "Zero Tollerance Policy" includes. Evidently it does not include Sen John Ensign because no one has said a word about him. I live in Nevada and we are just waiting for him to run for re-election.
Keep us posted, Rick. Too bad he didn't have to run in 2010. Maybe Nevada will do a better job of voting out their misbehaving legislators than Lousiana did.
The fact that Dirty Harry is still in the Senate shows that the people of Nevada have no common sense or morals. Amazing how a guy who has never had a job paying more than $200K is a multi-millionaire with multiple million dollar homes.
Keep those earmarks coming, nobody has noticed Harry.......
Let's get them to look into Mr. Issa! He's not a good guy. Not democratic and his veracity is Really Subject to Question!. Watch out Mr. Boehner- this "strong man" will turn on you....
Show us your serious .. MR CANTOR ...... nail his a$$ to the wall !
I could have sworn the article said he was "being investigated," not that he was convicted of anything yet.
KLM, the whole idea is for the House or Senate to investigate their own at the slightest appearance of impropriety regardless of any state, federal or law enforcement investigation.
Okay, so, Congressman Rivera was just elected in November so he wasn't a member of Congress in October and you wanted Speaker Pelosi to do what, exactly?
Come on now guys, dems and repubs gotta look after their own; party always trumps ethics, right?
KLM,
It doesn't matter to Liberals, if MSNBC say it's true, it must be. Kind of like Tusan, they jumped to conclusions and ate some taste crow.
How is Maxine Waters doing? Guess the libs couldn't slap her wrists before Piglosi was no longer speaker huh???
It is illegal for the federal Gov. to investigate at the state level of law. Why do you think the 2 are separated in the constitution......The Lefties are a live and well in their hypocrisy. Kill the repub innocent or not. But do not even hint that pres obama is a liar. Even after it has been proven time and time again.
Someone should report that blue stuff to the DEA and have it investigated.
I love how Boehner's looking for a technicality to explain why Rivera shouldn't be removed. Some of the things Rivera is accused of doing (which I believe he did) were in furtherance of obtaining his seat in congress. To now turn a blind eye and say that those actions don't count because they occurred before he became a congressman is insane and will come back to bit the Republican party. Furthermore, if the Republican Party wants to give Marco Rubio a shot they need to remove Rivera or Rubio's crediblity will be shot.
Hey you guys, don't be so mean to poor little Ricky and Weepy - you know Republicans don't lie all the time, only when their lips move.
kinda like 0bozo - huh
Oh well, who cares if a guy is a crook BEFORE he gets into congress?
Jody, I didn't say that he shouldn't be investigated. It just seems a little harsh to "nail his [butt] to the wall" before we know the outcome of the investigation. It also seems excessive/overboard for Congress to investigate at the SLIGHTEST APPEARANCE of impropriety. I would guess a high percentage of politicians on both sides of the aisle emanate slight appearances of impropriety; it would be a full time job investigating everyone.
I read a Republican guide to ethics once, while in college. It was a nice two page brochure, (two sided print)the front page was the title, the second page was the table 0f contents, the third page was the introduction and credits, and the fourth was about the author.
Republicans have ethics? Who Knew? And when were they going to inform everybody else?
Ethics and ANY politician? THAT is the ultimate oxymoron.
Finally, someone who understands politics.
I feel like this may get me punched in the face for saying... but I actually applaud Boehner for using discretion in this case. If it really happened before he was a sitting member of congress, and pending on whether or not this has anything to do with campaign financing, then by choosing to not call him on ethics violations yet, he is still upholding his zero- tolerance policy and allowing law enforcement to do their job.
Now we wait and see for one of two things: if this does involve campaign financing foul play, will this rep. be brought before the ethics committee, and if a dem. has a similar problem, will he or she be given the same discretion.
So I guess we need to ask zero tolerance about what. You would think it would mean zero tolerance about ethics violations. Does anyone ever get in trouble for doing something in congress. Isn't it usually for doing something privately? And lately I have heard a rumor about the Bush administration using campaign funds illegally in 2006 and the result would be removal of the candidate who used it. Is there anyone remaining in Congress that benefited from the campaign misuse. If so shouldn't they be expelled with zero tolerance and even if they can't be expelled now shouldn't those committing the crime have some punishment if only a public reprimand or something. Otherwise if they can hide their acitivities long enough they will be off scotfree. And it seems like more things are uncovered all the time. Ignoring it in congress is not zero tolerance.
indeed. the zero tolerance is poorly defined in this situation. I would hate to see it become politically lop sided, e.g. Boehner going after only democrats, targeting political enemies, whatever. like that has never happened before. Boehner needs to define his "zero tolerance" policy right about now.
I am just trying to support our elected officials... even if I don't agree with them, you know?
Lest we forget Boehner and ethics is incomprehensible. Who was it that was in charge of the pages under Hastert? Who was responsible for their welfare? Yes indeed it was Boehner. That should solve the question of why he cries over children, shouldn't it?
Why does any of this matter after the Citizens United case, which expressly permitted the sale of candidates to corporate paymasters?
What I found amusing was an article I read today about how republicans are planning to save huge sums of money by ending partial public campaign funding. That's apparently their idea of what kinds of things should be cut to help the deficit. And not much of a solution, considering that the last presidential election maybe cost a couple of billion dollars, mostly privately financed.
Come to think of it, however, it also serves as a fitting tribute to John McCain, who did accept public funding in 2008. A two-fer. Pays to economize, I suppose.
And just think: it was Russ Feingold that was voted out of office, while the rest of these sleazeballs stayed. Don't you just love the irony?
Gonna miss Russ. One of the last truly honorable politicians we had left.
Don't you love how they spun the McCain public money thing? As if it is worse to accept money from private individuals to run a campaign than accept public money. They tried to make a big deal because Obama didn't accept public money that would limit the money he spent only because Mccain I guess since he had no money of his own (sarcastic comment) borrowed on his early on and had to take it. They said Obama went back on his word as f 1. he ever promised, and 2. if it is not morally, ethically and legally okay to change your mind. It was one of those nobrainer, no traction moments than they haven't figured out yet didn't work. I wish the GOP would try something like state what you stand for, be honest and truthful whiile you are doing it and at all times be respectful to your own party and the other party (s). Especially when many say they are Christians to boot.
Only FR and MSNBC would even consider this an issue that should be reported on. I guess we might have to get use to FR and MSNBC to report on every democrat complaint.
And there you go. Ethics violations shouldn't even be reported on. What we don't know ....
Sheesh.
See Anna this is were you're wrong. Was he found guilty or is it alleged? Didn't Libs learn their lesson with Tusan? If it's proven, then kick him out, if not, find another other half truth story and run with it and hope it's true.
I'm usually wrong everywhere, Paul. But crime allegations are surely worthy news, don't you think? It's certainly newsworthy that Jared Loughner has been accused of shooting Gabrielle Giffords and all those other folks. Whether there are lefties who got his motivation wrong doesn't affect the newsworthiness of the accusations that he did it. That's all I'm saying. Besides, I don't think it's clear yet what his motivation actually was. I heard today that he was studying up on assassinations for a long time. I'd be interested to hear more about why. Was it just personal vendetta against someone he felt had disappointed him, or was there more? We really owe it to ourselves to find out the real answer and not sweep that under the rug.
Now, as for your implied assertion that I wouldn't consider ethics allegations against democrats to be as important, guess again. You're barking up the wrong liberal tree if that's what you think.
Anna,
You're 100% right, crime allegations are news worthy, but on this site they are guilty no matter what. Yes, the Tusan incident is new worthy too, but look at the treads on this blog site when it happened. The Liberals jump on the bandwagon and blamed the TEA Party and Republicans with no proof. This turned into a political issue within 2 hours of the shooting and drivin by Liberals. Just like you, I don't know what drove Loughner to do what he did, but to accuse a politcal party for this is just as bad as the crime itself.
I've said this many-many times, my voting card in my wallet says NPA. R or D, you violate the rules or break the law, pay the price-too easy.
Maybe we should wait until he's found guilty of something, before you hang him
The left is just looking for someway to try and balance things out since they lost so badly last fall. They have been cranky ever since.
Or maybe (since he's a Republican) you'd just prefer that everybody should just, well, look the other way?
Which seems to be the substance of Eric Cantor's "zero tolerance" program...
sfcret, if you so hate this site, why do you come here? Just to make snarky remarks? Go visit your buds on Fox.
I believe we should wait and see . No one knows now , I thought you have to wait until he is charged with something. I thought Rangle and Waters was investigated by the house ethics .
Hey Commies , What happened to the Rangel criminal case. Delay has gone to prison for a few pennies. Rangel is still walking the streets of the Bronx with his trillions. I guess only Repubs go to jail. Nice going Commie Dems.
1. I don't think Delay has gone to prison yet.....you lie
2. Rangel is walking the streets with trillions....you lie
3. only repubs go to jail.....you lie .....there have been dems sentenced
why not get back to us when you can include any "truth"..
btw - what did happen to the Rangle criminal case.....since it took 7 years to finish with Delay why not
give Rangel the same amount of time?
Hey First Read and Commie Dems and Far Left friends, The Bama said that he wants to build a super duper bullet train to the major cities of America. Good idea. Why not use it to send the illegal aliens in super time back to Mexico. That way we can swiftly solve the transport problem for the illegal aliens.
You wouldn't know a "Commie" if one bit you on the behind, but you do a remarkable job of regurgitating everything you hear from Mount Rushbo, Savage, Hannity, Weepy Beck, etc.
Hey First Read and Commie Dems and Far Left friends, The Bama said that he wants to build a super duper bullet train to the major cities of America. Good idea. Why not use it to send the illegal aliens in super time back to Mexico. That way we can swiftly solve the transport problem for the illegal aliens.
Why didn't you complain about Bush. Facts are that Obama has done more about immigration than Bush ever thought of but I am sure you would rather engage in fantasy than facts. Like the rest of the GOP. That is why they make such a mess of things, have to blame every one else, and then plead amnesia. How else can you explain them gaining seats in the house temporarily. I guess the outside money didn't help. And they claim to have sent a message. Was it money can buy votes if you are caught unaware?
And by the way I thought he was like Hitler. I know you think he is omnipotent but those are 2 opposing sides. I guess you don't care as long as it is insulting, crass and rude.
The GOP and Tea Party has already failed their ethics test. The GOP and Teap Party are using various monitoring programs that include monitor image transfer programs that allow the viewer to see everything that the user is doing including passwords and bank accounts. The GOP is also paying ISP's to release American's IP's who they have deemed 'terrorist's' because they will not vote Republican because everyone else in the family votes Republican because that's the way everyone has always voted and there can be no difference. The IP addresses are then logged and funneled through various sub-routines to members of the GOp and Tea Party where the targeted American is then subjected to various whitewashing and flashback mechanics of stalking and harassing the person based upon their internet use so that the person can be socially engineered to be how the GOP and Tea Party wants them to be instead of the person living a life based upon the Constitution of the United States and the rights guaranteed within. The person harassing and stalking you will gather information about your screen names that you use and will then track your online browsing habits. When you return to work they will use general catch all phrases like "That is not allowed." or They will mix match phrases from your post's to make a coherently sounding sentence but the real attempt is to force you through extortion of them knowing what you are doing online is against what they believe in and until you change to who they want you to be they will continue to harass and stalk you until you conform to their slavery minded tactics. This is the GOP and Tea Party that is currently trying to force their doctrine down the throats of American's without the choice and liberty of the American being the determining factor in elections.
EWven better yet the GOP wants to replace President Obama as the President because he is the first African American President to ever hold office which means all of the GOP B.S. has been stopped about equal this and equal that. Simple minded people are lead by simple minded leaders.
I agree. And Fox News has helped keep this going. I used to listen to them all the time and I am now having to go back and consider if what I was told before was true or not. Seriously. Some of the statements their watchers make make absolutely no sense but they don't know that they are being misled and snookered everyday. And yet that network is allowed to keep doing it. We need to pray that the owner gets an epiphany or something and sets some guidelines to end the false programming of intelligent people.
Hahahahaha,,,,Talk about a 180, Republican's spent the past year screaming for Rangel's head on a platter, Then he was found guilty of NO crimes and censored for sloppy paperwork (first ever to be censored without commiting a crime) A 20 year IRS audit found he owed $10,000 (including fines) which is a paltry amount for anyone let alone someone with his income and they are STILL screaming for his head, In the end it was obvious that Rangel is quite possibly the most honest Politician in DC.
Then we had Maxine Waters,,,,,,,,,,Another political ploy to get bad publicity before the election, Of course she still won and they are still looking for something illegal she may have possilbly could have done.
Right now we have the sham of Rahm NOT being eligible to run for Mayor in his hometown because he was not there 365 consecutive days prior to the election when not one of the other candidate were either
Now Bohner is splitting hairs about when the crimes were committed,,,This article clearly states the crimes took place AFTER he was elected,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Let the investigations BEGIN!!!!!
I'll bake the brownies, Someone start the hot chocolate, This should be good, LOL
He couldn't have done it while he was in Congress because he just arrived there. YOu are either ethical or not. And the GOP doesn't seem to be concerned about that. Think of Palin and McCains past and their ethics. And they were the candidates for pres and vp. Edwards has found himself in a mess but gee he can just wait a few years like McCain and run for president and not one person will care or so it seems. It appears we do have a republican hypocrit party. About almost everything.
"Republican leadership faces first ethics test"
THEY FAILED
They failed this country over and over again and continue to fail us. President Obama and the american people are still suffering from their poor ethical behavior.