A felon to serve in Congress? Michael Grimm will test House

CNN ^ | Deirdre Walsh

[Oliviaforever]

Washington (CNN) - After pleading guilty to a judge Tuesday on a felony tax evasion charge, New York Rep. Michael Grimm pledged to reporters he would also stay in Congress.

Grimm pled guilty in court to one count of tax evasion and was set to submit to a "statement of facts" that admits to all the conduct alleged in the 20-count federal indictment.

[goldstategop]

If he’s black, don’t count on Boner to upset the boat.

That would be racism.

[17th Miss Regt]

Michael Grimm pledged to reporters he would also stay in Congress

In theory, Congress could refuse to seat him, and for good reason. In practice, Boehner is in charge so he is OK.

[WayneS]

He’s not black, but he is a republican.

[Lurker]

Since he’s not identified as a Pub in the first line there is a 95% chance he’s a Dem

[Conscience of a Conservative]

So much for his promise to resign if convicted, I guess....

[goldstategop]

He’s a Republican.

CNN did not lead with party affiliation.

Otherwise I would have assumed he was a Democrat.

[Roman_War_Criminal]

He’ll fit right in!

[WayneS]

Kick him to the curb.

[BluH2o]

He’s a white guy, former Marine, represents US House District that includes Staten Island/Bay Ridge, NY.

[AFret.]

He would be more at home in the NFL

[Responsibility2nd]

“...felony tax evasion charge”?

He’ll make a FINE Congressman.

Or even a very good race baiting reverend with blood on his hands.

[goldstategop]

And a convicted felon.

A disgrace to the Marine Corps.

[Baynative]

Tax evasion is a civil right!

[Cowboy Bob]

There is an impeached Federal judge in congress, so a precedent has already been set.

[goldstategop]

What’s the problem? Charlie Rangel has had tax evasion problems for years and he still sits in the House.

[Vigilanteman]

We've had at least one felon in congress since the 1990; An impeached federal judge thrown off the bench for bribery and malfeasance. Can anyone name that tune?

[lakecumberlandvet]

Republicans acting like democrats. If we got rid of all the criminals in congress they’d never get a quorum. Hmmm. We need to get rid of all the criminals in congress.

[skinkinthegrass]

Is Charlie Rangel, Could do it..
Why not Him..black Privileges?

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

A felon to serve in Congress?

Speaking strictly in general, why not?

I have never been comfortable with the idea that you lose your rights forever when you are sentenced.

While the punishment is on going, sure. But afterwords all rights and privileges should be restored.

So, you say, what about people that are still dangerous?

My question is, "if they are that dangerous,why are they being let out?"

The purpose sentence is both to punish the criminal and to protect the rest of society as a whole.