DEM DIRTY LAUNDRY: Ethics Committee: Laura Richardson Abused Her Office, Then Covered It Up

California Democrat Rebuked on Seven Counts of Forcing Staff to Perform Campaign Work, Then Destroying Evidence and Obstructing Investigation

SPIN CYCLE: Then-Speaker Pelosi Promised That Democrats Would “Demand the Highest Ethics From Every Public Servant”:

“Our goal is to restore accountability, honesty and openness at all levels of government. To do so, we will create and enforce rules that demand the highest ethics from every public servant, sever unethical ties between lawmakers and lobbyists, and establish clear standards that prevent the trading of official business for gifts.” (Nancy Pelosi’s “A New Direction for America,” Page 21)

RINSE CYCLE: The House Ethics Committee Is Reprimanding California Democrat Laura Richardson for Forcing Her Staff to Do Campaign Work and Then Destroying Evidence of Her Ethics Violations:

The House Ethics Committee says California Democratic Congresswoman Laura Richardson should be reprimanded for misusing her staff. The committee found she improperly compelled staff to perform campaign work and obstructed the internal investigation by altering or destroying evidence, failing to produce subpoenaed documents and attempting to influence testimony of witnesses.

The committee announced Wednesday that Richardson agreed to admit to all seven counts against her. The committee recommended that the House adopt its report, and said doing so would serve as a reprimand. Richardson also agreed to pay a $10,000 fine, to be paid by Dec. 1.

The committee said it discourages Richardson from permitting any staff members to work in her campaign. …

(“House Ethics Committee Says Rep. Laura Richardson Should Be Reprimanded for Misusing Her Staff,” Associated Press, 8/1/12)

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Ethics Committee: Laura Richardson Abused Her Office, Then Covered It Up http://ow.ly/cF73R #demdirtylaundry

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