Bill Hobbs takes issue with current campaign finance rules, arguing that they provide insufficient deterrence to law-breakers. At issue is Senator Jerry Cooper’s alleged personal use of $95,004 in campaign funds, punishable by a maximum fine of $10,000.
But of course any fine lower than $95,004 will mean Cooper makes a net profit for his crime - and would set a terrible precedent that would only encourage other unscrupulous and corrupt legislators to transfer campaign funds to personal use.
While this case is still being investigated, a more general question remains. Does the Registry of Election Finance (TREF) intend to hold unethical lawmakers to account? Unfortunately, past experiences with Mary Pruitt’s suspect finances do not offer an encouraging answer.
Bill Hobbs does not place blame with TREF, but instead is in search of state “legislators who care about ethics” to strengthen the laws. If such a search leaves out legislators who consider their per diem travel allowance a personal slush fund, not too many are left.
J.D said,
ReplyDeleteon October 11th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Without a doubt our lawmakers have done a horrible job making sure each other behaves. There almost seems to be this wink-wink nod-nod mentality about ethics. Unless the feds get involved you can do whatever you think you can get away with.
Avid Reader said,
ReplyDeleteon October 11th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
We want William back! We want William back!We want William back!We want William back!We want William back! Please Christian Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doppelganger said,
ReplyDeleteon October 11th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
Avid,
Is mike (finally) ruffling a few feathers, dancing too close to your viewpoint? You don’t mind when questionable republicans are called out, but the Tennessee democrats are Saints, right?
Mike said,
ReplyDeleteon October 12th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Who knew rule-bending politicians would be controversial? Avid, I share your pain. I can barely stand listening to me. Doppel - I’m not sure I understand the subtle slight, but I do like salsa.
democommie said,
ReplyDeleteon October 12th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Mike:
Would you please send me my new decoder ring. I can’t figure out where what you reported showed any bias on your part. On Hobbs’ part, plenty of bias but then that’s a given. I’ve enclosed the requisite virtual box tops and three rows of dimes taped to sheet of paper with my snail mail address. Thanks, dude.
Mike said,
ReplyDeleteon October 12th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
democommie -
Your naiveté is very cute, but let me remind you of the rules again:
1. Pick a side
2. Defend all actions of those on same side
3. Pick apart the smallest miscues of those side opposite. Extra points if it is out of context.
democommie said,
ReplyDeleteon October 12th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Mike:
What you said…oh, look, something shiny!