Former Republican Ethics Chairman repudiates his own party

Well apparently even some Republicans have had enough of the Hammer's bullshit, corrupt politics.
Todays Washington Post editorial has a public repudiation of the new House ethics rules. While I would have used stronger language this editorial is important because the FORMER ETHICS CHAIRMAN, a Republican is publicly repudiating the new ethics rules.
Closing a Credibility Gap in Congress
Op-Eds Authors
Joel Hefley is a Republican representative from Colorado. Alan B. Mollohan is a Democratic representative from West Virginia.

Gentlemen I commend you for your courage. Especially you Mr. Hefley.

Why is repealing these new rules so important? There are two major reasons:

* There cannot be a credible ethics process without genuine bipartisanship, yet these changes were made without consulting the House minority and were passed on a straight party-line vote.

* These changes will, at a minimum, seriously undermine the ability of the ethics committee to consider and act on complaints.

•  I live in Hefley's district...

  At least for 5 more weeks.  I have always resented the man.  But I have to say, I am very proud of his stance.  It takes a lot of guts to stand up to your leadership in this environment.  Mr. Hefley, for this, I salute you.

  by RichM on Wed Apr 13, 2005 at 07:16:13 AM PDT

  •  I thought I never said it

    but that is one Republican who may care more for his country than his party and/or special interests.  

    Of course, he might be doing this to steal an issue from the D's in 2006.

    But, nevertheless, good for him.  

    by PaulVA on Wed Apr 13, 2005 at 07:21:43 AM PDT

    •  Is that necessarily so?

      He may, in fact, care more for his party than we think.

      Although I wouldn't presume -- in Hefley's case, anyway -- to say he cares more for party than country, I would point out that ridding the House of DeLay's pervasive corruption is good for Republicans. This is as much in the interest of his party as it is of his country. Which, after all, is the way these party things are supposed to work.

      That's what I commend Joel Hefley for. For rediscovering that place where partisan interests are merely differing representations of positive visions for governance.

      by Kagro X on Wed Apr 13, 2005 at 07:58:41 AM PDT

    •  He doesn't need any issue...

      Against the D's.  His district is redder than Delay's.  He won't loose his seat unless the Repugs decide to retaliate.

      by RichM on Wed Apr 13, 2005 at 08:38:02 AM PDT

•  Good for him

  There is at least one honorable Republican.

  by Steven D on Wed Apr 13, 2005 at 07:29:30 AM PDT

  •  Thats an oxymoron

    there is no such thing as an honorable repug

    by mpc 12 on Wed Apr 13, 2005 at 08:02:30 AM PDT

    •  Yes there are. . .

      Abe Lincoln - 1860s
      Teddy Roosevelt - early 1900s. . . .
      and. . .
      um,
      damn, I can't think of any more.

      by PaulVA on Wed Apr 13, 2005 at 10:41:13 AM PDT

      •  Had to

        go back aways huh? There aren't any today.

        by mpc 12 on Wed Apr 13, 2005 at 12:38:28 PM PDT

•  I'm seldom proud of Colorado Republicans

  and I've marked this occasion on my calendar.  April 13th will now be my Joel Hefley Stands up for Ethics Day.  I'm hoping it leads to a Tom DeLay Resignation Day, and then a DeLay Goes to Prison Day.

  West Virginia Dem Alan Mollohan gets April 14.  Should he decide to stop co-sponsoring a dreadful bill giving reckless gun dealers and manufacturers sweeping immunity from civil suits -- and making it easier for killers to get guns --I might give him a full week.  About the bill

  by coloradobl on Wed Apr 13, 2005 at 08:46:18 AM PDT