According to Bloomberg and
many other sources, William Jefferson has been videotaped accepting a bribe. Yes, his office was raided, and yes, it was the first time a congressional office has been raided by the FBI, but still. For the good of the nation, and for the good of the Democratic party, Mr. Jefferson must step down.
Our party has been fighting the good fight and we are making gains and have every right to expect to win at least one body of Congress in the 2006 election. However, William Jefferson should not be a part of the triumphant return to a Democratic House majority.
If we all agree that the Culture of Corruption does exist and that it is much bigger than a $100,000 bribe, we must demand of Mr. Jefferson that he relinquish his office and give someone else a chance to run in his stead.
If we all agree that even one counterpoint will be clung to with dear life by the Right Wing Noise Machine, we must excise that counterpoint and show what a responsible party does when one of its own is legitimately corrupt.
If we truly want to wear the mantle of reform, we must not hesitate to demand ethical activity amongst our own party. And for this reason, William Jefferson must say goodbye now. Tom Delay quit so he could use campaign contributions to pay for his defense. Mr. Jefferson could do the same, could he not? William Jefferson must be publicly denounced and strenuously advised to take an early retirement.