More corruption? Curt Weldon (R); Harry Reid (D)

[Rach3]

Two more (unrelated) congressional scandals seem to have bloomed in the same week. Being quite jaded, I'll throw them together into one thread to save time.

Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Pa) is accused of abusing his influence in lobbying contracts awarded to his daughter in 2002-2004. The FBI opened an investigation, and state Democrats are using the accusation as a campaign point. Meanwhile, on the other end of the Capitol, Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada) is accused of falsyfing financial disclosure forms involving a 2001 real estate transaction.

None of the articles I've looked at give enough information to figure out whether these accusations are valid and interesting, or whether they're merely smear campaigns (in the theme of "Swift Boat" and "Alabama National Guard" of 2004). My main interest in this thread is seeing if any PF'ers understand finance laws well enough to explain the situation (I'm clueless).

By the way, Weldon is in a swing district, and the media sensation may very likely cost him his seat.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Harry Reid, the top Democrat in the U.S. Senate, might amend his financial disclosure forms to include more details of a real-estate transaction that brought him $1.1 million, The Washington Post reported in its Thursday edition.

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=politicsNews&storyID=2006-10-12T035226Z_01_N11429244_RTRUKOC_0_US-CONGRESS-REID.xml&WTmodLoc=PolNewsHome_C2_politicsNews-5

WASHINGTON - The FBI is investigating whether Rep. Curt Weldon, R-Pa., used his influence to secure lobbying and consulting contracts for his daughter, two people familiar with the inquiry said Saturday.

The inquiry focuses on lobbying contracts worth $1 million that Weldon's daughter, Karen Weldon, obtained from foreign clients and whether they were assisted by the congressman, they said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061014/ap_on_go_co/congressman_investigation

 

[Astronuc]

influence to secure lobbying and consulting contracts for his daughter

would certainly be corruption - but at this point, it is being investigated.

amend his financial disclosure forms to include more details of a real-estate transaction that brought him $1.1 million

doesn't necessarily constitute corruption unless the price for the land was well above the prevailing market value for similar property. Certainly such matters should be properly disclosed according to requirements by Senate rules.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

As a scientist, it is important to approach any situation with a critical and objective mindset. In this case, it is difficult to determine the validity of these accusations without more information. It is possible that these are legitimate concerns and should be investigated further, but it is also possible that they are simply political attacks.

Regardless, it is concerning to see yet another potential case of corruption within our government. It is important for our elected officials to uphold ethical and legal standards, and any accusations of wrongdoing should be thoroughly investigated.

As for the financial laws involved, it would be best to consult with a financial expert for a more thorough understanding of the situation. However, it is clear that these laws are in place to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transparency in financial dealings. If there is evidence of falsifying financial disclosure forms or using influence for personal gain, it is a serious matter that should be addressed.

In conclusion, as a scientist, I believe in the importance of critical thinking and obtaining all the facts before forming a conclusion. It is concerning to see potential corruption within our government, and it is important for these accusations to be thoroughly investigated to uphold the integrity of our political system.