Is It GOP Spin, Or Is It The Dems Engaging In Stupid Scandals?

Pelosi, Two Other Democrats Failed To Disclose Roles In Family Charities

It would appear that Pelosi and the Dems she leads are unable to avoid the trappings of power, including the penchant for scandals, that trapped the GOP in the last few sessions of congress. Perhaps it is time to cast them all out and make everyone in the government to seek their offices again, starting with the executive branch and then congress, and finally the judiciary.

Of course this scandal would have to include the first woman to serve as Speaker as well as one of my own Senators, Evan Bayh, which is no surprise to many of us from Indiana. Neither is it a surprise to see someone from Illinois wrapped up in a scandal, especially since the politics just across the border from where I live are constantly embroiled in some sort of scandalous row over money, influence peddling, nepotism, cronyism or an effort to hide matters that are supposed to be reported.

But then again, it could also be an attempt by the GOP to splatter the Dems with the taint of a scandal to place barriers in front of the legislative agendas, rock the Dems off their footing and spray the other side of the aisle with mud-slinging accusations. After all, it was an ultra-conservative GOP that began the smearing of Clinton and Obama via false accusations (c.f. Feeding Frenzy for a Big Story, Even if It’s False). Given the nature of the pundits on the conservative and ultra-conservative side of the political spectrum (Limbaugh, Hannity & Colmes, O'Reilly, Coulter, et al)

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and two other prominent Democrats have failed to disclose they are officers of family charities, in violation of a law requiring members of Congress to report non-profit leadership roles.

Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, the fourth-ranking House Democrat, and Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana also did not report they serve as family foundation directors, according to financial disclosure reports examined by USA TODAY.

All three foundations are funded and controlled by the lawmakers and their spouses, and do not solicit donations from outside sources.

Pelosi spokesman Brendan Daly said Friday the speaker will amend her reports. He said it "was an oversight" that she had not listed her position dating back to 1992.

Members of Congress and top executive branch officials are required to file yearly reports on their personal finances, including any positions they hold with businesses or non-profits. At least 16 other lawmakers from both parties have reported holding similar positions, records show.

Bayh spokeswoman Meghan Keck said it was "simply an oversight" that he did not disclose his charity role. Bayh has since amended his reports, Keck said.

Emanuel, chairman of the House Democratic Conference, does not believe the law requires him to disclose his foundation post, spokeswoman Kathleen Connery said. "We believe we're following the instructions of the (ethics) committee exactly right, but if we're not, we'll amend our report," she said.