Indicted Congressman runs for 10th term
From Sunshine Review
7 October 2008 Despite being indicted on federal charges of bribery and money laundering, U.S. Rep. William Jefferson is determined to continue his bid for a 10th term in Congress. Two years ago, numerous scandals surrounded the congressman, yet he still managed to win with 57% of the vote in a runoff election.[1] Thus, few are counting him out this time.
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[edit] Seniority and Clout
During Jefferson's last term, with the scandals gaining ground, Nancy Pelosi removed him from the important House Ways and Means Committee.[2] In the face of this, Jefferson became resolute, stating that his seniority and clout were vital to his district.
It remains to be seen if this will be enough to keep the voters on his side. While there is a feeling among some that he is being persecuted, his re-election donations have slowed down, with some reporting his campaign to be some $250,000 in debt.
[edit] Allegations
Jefferson's trial is scheduled to take place in Virginia federal court this December. He is accused of taking some $500,000 in bribes and travel expenses, along with about 34 million shares of corporate stock. Jefferson has also been accused of misusing his congressional office for business dealings in Africa.
The Justice Department referred to these dealings as schemes where Jefferson allegedly helped businesses to secure contracts in western Africa, in exchange for payments to companies controlled by family or staffers.[3] Despite everything, he maintains his innocence on all fronts.
[edit] Family connections
Concurrently, numerous members of his family also find themselves involved in scandal. William's brother Mose and sister Betty, a New Orleans tax assessor, have been indicted on federal fraud charges. They have been accused of using family owned businesses to funnel federal and state money back to themselves for personal use. Back in June, William's sister Brenda plead guilty to helping to hide the alleged scheme.
[edit] Wins Primary, Staffers Subpoenaed
Jefferson took one step closer to his 10th term on October 4, when he finished first in the Democratic primary. The day before, word came out that four of his staffers were subpoenaed to testify at the corruption trial, scheduled to begin December 2. The staffers include:
- Stephanie Butler - Jefferson's district director
- Roberta Hopkins - acting chief of staff
- Angelle Kwemo - legislative director
- Erica Edwards-Jones - aide in Jefferson's West Bank office[4]
Jefferson's D.C. office could not be reached for comment.
[edit] References
- ↑ Associated Press, Indicted Louisiana House member bids for 10th term, August 31, 2008
- ↑ The Times-Picayune, William Jefferson: Longevity, clout matter, August 20, 2008
- ↑ The Times-Picayune, Congressional staffers subpoened to testify in trial of U.S. Rep. Bill Jefferson, October 7, 2008
- ↑ The Times-Picayune, Congressional staffers subpoened to testify in trial of U.S. Rep. Bill Jefferson, October 7, 2008
