Ethics Watchdog Group: Grayson Earmark "Unconscionable"
CREW Echoes Central Floridians: “What is Grayson Thinking?” Grayson Indicates He May Push for Same Shady Earmark Next Year
Washington– As the controversy deepens over Congressman Alan Grayson’s infamous $350,000 earmark request, a well-known ethics watchdog group is turning up the heat. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) excoriated Grayson in an article published Wednesday by The Hill:
“Given that the organization believes nothing is free, I doubt they got their earmark for free either,” said Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. “I expect there to be a quid pro quo from a guy who says nothing is free.”
“What is Grayson thinking? It is unconscionable,” Sloan said. “Taxpayers deserve an explanation.” (Reid Wilson, “Freshman Dem defends earmark request as GOP turns up heat,” The Hill, 6/24/09)
As The Hill notes, “[t]he revelations could be particularly damaging to Grayson, who portrayed himself as a defender of the taxpayer in his 2008 campaign.” (Reid Wilson, “Freshman Dem defends earmark request as GOP turns up heat,” The Hill, 6/24/09)
“Grayson, however, thinks he can win over primary voters with…one of his favorite phrases: ‘I am incorruptible.’” (Scott Maxwell, “A tale of 2 unknowns,” Orlando Sentinel, 6/4/06)
But Grayson – renowned for the depths of his self-righteousness – is still refusing to admit he did anything wrong despite fresh criticisms from local media and CREW. In fact, he indicated he may push for the same shady earmark next year:
“Grayson has not said whether he will request the earmark again next year. Instead, he said, it ‘depends on the condition of the housing market.’” (Reid Wilson, “Freshman Dem defends earmark request as GOP turns up heat,” The Hill, 6/24/09)
Grayson, an out-of-touch multimillionaire who has everything he needs, may relish the constant attention. What he doesn’t seem to understand – or care about – is that the continual controversy surrounding him surely impacts his ability to be effective in Congress and create jobs for Central Floridians.
The congressman should admit his ethical lapse, promise to never again seek this earmark or one like it, and get to work on the economy.