Editorial

Personal integrity paramount when electing leaders

Friday, January 27, 2006

Judging from recent failing marks the government has received in responding to recommendations from the 9-11 Commission, it is interesting that Republican Sen. Norm Coleman of Minnesota and Democrat Ben Nelson of Nebraska should cite the 9-11 Commission as a model method for dealing with Congress' latest crisis, ethics.

After super lobbyist Jack Abramoff agreed to testify about his activities and name names, members of congress have been scrambling to return money or find justification for keeping contributions from Abramoff or his clients.

"There is a crisis of confidence in how Americans feel about Congress that has been exacerbated by developments in recent years regarding abuses of Congressional ethics rules," Nelson said. "In order to adequately address this crisis in confidence, we need an independent review of the rules and laws regulating the conduct of Members of Congress and lobbyists. The Commission we are proposing will achieve that goal."

Unfortunately, the lobbying crisis probably only reinforces the skepticism of many voters more than it surprises them.

Nelson and Coleman do have a number of good ideas worth studying, however:

* Evaluate current ethics rules and enforcement and recommend new penalties

* Weigh the need for improved ethical conduct with the need for input from lobbyists.

* Determine what minimum standards are for official travel.

* Evaluate the range of gifts given to members of Congress and staff, effects on public policy and make recommendations for improvements.

* Evaluate effectiveness and transparency of disclosure laws.

* Evaluate the effectiveness of the timeframe for a ban of Congressmen and women from lobbying their former office.

* Evaluate the use of public and privately funded travel by members of Congress and staff and violations of rules.

* Deliver an overall report and recommendations to Congress.

The difficulty in maintaining high ethical standards should not be downplayed, especially in the House of Representatives where members must raise funds constantly to be ready for the next election in each two-year term.

Of course, members of Congress who have no personal scruples will find ways around the most iron-clad ethics rules. New rules may be needed, and probably will be enacted.

But nothing can serve our nation better than the personal integrity of those we elect as leaders.

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