In some ways I feel very bad for California Republican Congressman Jerry Lewis, and in some ways I don’t.
Let me start with the caveat that, to my recollection, I have never met the man. Which is at least a modest statement about his level of engagement in Republican politics in California given that I am a former Executive Director of the State GOP, and have been a fixture at conventions going back twenty years. Then again this is a big state, and I admit that I don’t hang out in Redlands all that often.
I have heard from a number of mutual friends that on a personal level, Jerry Lewis is a nice guy. And on a personal level, I am empathetic about what the Congressman must be going through. Right now, his professional (and personal) life is under and intense scrutiny with investigations taking place by the federal government into allegations that Lewis may have used his extremely influential position as Chairman of the House Appropriations (i.e… "spending) Committee to benefit his very close friend, former San Diego County Congressman Bill Lowery, now a professional lobbyist. Of course, now every major newspaper that covers Beltway politics, as well as the Press Enterprise, Daily Bulletin, and others back ‘home’ in the Inland Empire are now scrutinizing his every move, and performing their own extensive investigations into every aspect of Lewis’ political career. So far, Lewis has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees (from his campaign funds) and has had to endure a lot of ridicule and condemnation by inference. Certainly no fun for a Congressman who, until recently, has been scandal-free.
**There is more – click the link**
July 29th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Term limits would help to reduce the time elected officials have to get “cozy” with people who have money to spread around.
July 29th, 2006 at 12:00 am
as a constituent of congressman lewis, I would echo your sentiments jon. very nice man, but definitely too comfortable with power and spending.