Another Scandal Hits the GOP

Posted by Kimberly Field Oct 20, 2006

Ohio Republican Bob Ney has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and false statements. Ney is linked to the Jack Abramoff investigation that has sent the beleaguered Bush administration and the GOP spinning in this election year.

Ney faces up to 10 years in prison. The GOP plans to expel Ney from the house if he does not resign by the time they are back in session, after the November 7th elections. Embattled Republican Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Illinois, has requested for Ney to resign. Republican speaker Hastert is under investigation for the cover up of Rep. Mark Foley’s sexually charged messages to teenage male pages.

Ney has found few friends in his party. The House Republican leaders are on the defensive with too many fresh scandals and the fast approaching midterm elections. Continuing the motion to remove Ney is F. James Sensenbrenner, House Judiciary Committee Chairman. Sensenbrenner, R-Wisconsin, plans to propose a resolution to remove Ney from the House if he has not given his resignation before the November 7th.

The Justice Department has recommended 27 months in jail. Ney’s lawyers plan to recommend time served in a Bureau of Prisons alcohol treatment program, which would cut his service time.

Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle has set sentencing for January 19, 2006. Representative Ney has acknowledged accepting benefits such as; trips, tickets, meals and campaign donations from Jack Abramoff in return for official actions on behalf of Abramoff’s clients.