Posted on 05/20/2010 9:55:15 PM PDT by Libloather
Massa backlash a concern for Democrats
Scandal seen as problem in 2010 races
By Larry Margasak ASSOCIATED PRESS
Monday, May 17, 2010
Democrats were only too happy to benefit in the last midterm elections from the uproar over the Republicans' mishandling of sexual misconduct by a GOP congressman. This time around, they're hoping they don't get trapped in a similar net.
The circumstances of Republican Mark Foley's come-ons with former congressional pages in 2006 are not a precise match with those surrounding Democrat Eric Massa's behavior with members of his House staff. But once again, a competitive midterm election year is unfolding in the shadow of an investigation that could determine whether the party in control of Congress ignored unethical behavior by one of their own.
**SNIP**
The answer depends, in part, on what a House investigation finds, and when in this campaign year it reports its findings. In the meantime, Democrats have decided to leave Mr. Massa's seat vacant until November rather than risk losing it in what would have been a high-profile special election months out.
What's established so far is that Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office took no known action when the first red flag about Mr. Massa was raised in October. When there was a second red flag in February, though, action by Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer was swift. The complaints went to the House ethics committee.
Timing is important in politics. Mr. Foley, who had sent sexually suggestive messages to former House pages, resigned about five weeks before the 2006 election, and his case was intertwined with the fall campaign.
News that some Massa employees accused their boss of groping — and propositioning — male staff members surfaced in the spring, giving Democrats time to develop a strategy to counter any Republican criticism.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Oh, I see...NOW the RATS believe in “don’t ask, don’t tell”...
Too bad that the GOP does not have the ba*** to fight dirty like the DemocRATS.
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