Fifty and fabulous!

Just one addition to the Upper Left Scandal Scorecard this week, because that brings us to fifty - count 'em - separate instances of reportable wrongdoing by the DC Republicans. I've done my best to keep a balance between the Executive branch and the Congress, but it's been largely a thankless chore. With the Execs logging 36 of the first 49 entries, it's hard to believe that the GOP Congresscritters are even trying.

Still, there is on standout player - an all-star on anybody's scandal scorecard - who deserves a day of his own, a time to shine in the scandal spotlight. He's the guy that's offered more help in balancing the score than you could expect of mere mortal man. Of course, I'm talking about Tom "The Hammer" DeLay.

I'm playing a bit loose with my self imposed rules to include #50 on the Scandal Scorecard.The investigation into the ethical implications of the offense hasn't actually begun. It may not, in fact, it will probably will not begin. That doesn't mean there's nothing there, though. It just leaves us wondering, who does watch the watchmen. Via Eschaton...

Of the five Republicans investigating an ethics complaint against House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, four have received campaign contributions from DeLay's political action committee, splitting $28,504 over the past seven years, records show.

Yep. Reps Kenny Hulshof of Missouri, Steven LaTourette, Judy Biggert of Illinois, Doc Hastings have all received PAC money controlled by the man whose control of PAC money they're charged with investigating. Only the Chairman, Joel Hefley of Colorado hasn't taken any PAC dollars from DeLay.

So, if we're going to hold the Committee to any reasonable standard related to appearance of impropriety, well, we'll need to go to another level, right? We need a special investigative subcommittee, with Members of Congress who have held themselves beyond conflict and above reproach, right? Members who have caught the Speaker's attention as particularly suited for such a purpose.

Oops.

In addition, DeLay's PAC gave money to most members of the "ethics pool," a group designated by House Speaker Dennis Hastert to serve on potential investigative subcommittees. The PAC contributed $65,902 to eight of the 10 Republican members...

The depth of DeLay's personal corruption is such that its stench lingers wherever he passes.

As always, you can find this particular fume logged with the other 49 entries at the Upper Left Scandal Scorecard homepage.