With the noose from the ongoing Jack Abramoff investigation seemingly tightening around his neck, Ohio Congressman Bob Ney said for months that he wouldn’t resign – even if he was under indictment.
We were relieved to see that the powerful Republican committee chairman has changed his mind. Ney officially has asked to have his name removed from the November ballot.
Ney is in trouble in the influence-peddling scandal involving convicted lobbyist Abramoff. Despite his bluster, he obviously could no longer stand the heat from the investigation.
“Ultimately, this decision came down to my family,” Ney said in stepping aside from his re-election effort recently. He didn’t even score points for originality. “I must think of them first, and I can no longer put them through this ordeal.”
And we’re to believe that?
Ultimately, the decision came down to the ongoing investigation. Though Ney has not been charged with any crimes, court papers detail that Abramoff gave extravagant gifts and contributions to an unnamed House member in return for official acts. Ney is that congressman, according to officials familiar with the investigation.
The congressman is accused of taking favors including a 2002 golf trip to Scotland, free dinners and events and campaign donations in exchange for his supporting Abramoff clients, including an American Indian tribe in Texas and in Abramoff’s purchase of a fleet of Florida casino boats.
In May, Ney’s former chief of staff pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to corrupt Ney, his staff and other members of Congress.
There are precious few crimes in Washington that are more serious than receiving gifts for political favors.
Even with Ney dropping out of the race, Democrats see his seat as a possible pick-up this year. By dropping out now, however, there must be a primary election to replace him. Had he waited until Aug. 19, the party could have appointed a candidate.
A primary election is the right thing to do, and then Republicans will need to harness millions in positive advertising messages to help the eventual GOP candidate emerge from Ney’s filth.
We’re pleased Ney will no longer collect a check from taxpayers. Unfortunately for him, it won’t make his problems go away.
