“I made a career change 20 years ago to be a full-time elected official,” Mr. Capuano said, explaining his position. “I am no longer qualified to be a tax attorney. It is like saying to people, ‘Please, come into public service, give it your all, and when you are done you are completely unqualified for anything else.’
What is Mr. Capuano being asked to do that would so jeopardize his career? Are we talking about term limits? Is congress -- strange thought -- a bad place to keep abreast of current tax law? Are congressional salaries being drastically cut?
Read over the fold...
Capuano is talking about lobbying reform. Not an end of taking money from lobbyists, but simply a law that would force him, and every other member of congress, to disclose publicly when lobbyists "bundle" multiple campaign contributions.
If that simple disclosure jeopardizes his career, I'm disgusted.
This is not, just to be clear, an "I hate Capuano" diary - if you know anything about him, you know he stands up on issues that we wish more members of congress would stand up on. Of course, this is easier for him than for some members of congress because he represents one of the bluest of blue Boston districts - I don't think Bush cracked 20% here in 04.
Seems Capuano has let his secure position get to his head a bit and feels like he can say this to the New York Times:
Others say they do not see the point of doing more. “I didn’t make any of those campaign promises,” said Representative Michael E. Capuano, a Massachusetts Democrat who questions the bundling disclosure proposal and also opposed the extension of the so-called “revolving door” ban on lobbying by former members.
No, Michael, you didn't make those campaign promises. But Democrats with a lot on the line did, and you're making them look bad. In fact, by sabotaging ethics reform, you're imperilling the Democratic majority in congress.
And you're embarrassing yourself.
You can contact Mr. Capuano here., or call his district office at (617) 621-6208 or his DC office at (202) 225-5111. Be polite, of course - he's one of the good guys.
But he is dead wrong about this.