More fodder for voters to run the bums out of office! Washington: the incubator for our leaders to morph into white collar criminals. Nice Third World country!

It's about time that the FBI starts taking a hard look at the politicians and other decision makers on Capital Hill. Good job FBI.

That's good journalism where you don't mention that he's a Democrat until the last paragraph. Yet another instance of the very real liberal bias in the media....

I think the F.B.I.is doing a good job in routting out those corrupt politicien who pertray themselfs as being ethical and hornest.For once i appluded the goverment. Thank God something is being done to make our goverment officials accountible for thier worng doing. Thank God:

Mike Nolastname complains that the article didn't mention he's a Democrat till the last paragraph. Well, lots of times it's not mentioned at all (it happened often with Cunningham).
Yes, we Democrats can feel a sense of being ashamed by the actions of a crook. Doesn't that happen with Republicans?
My opinion: put all the crooks in jail.

There's a higher percentage of American Citizens behind you than you may assume. Please, on our behalf, continue to face corrupt politicans with fortitude.

Mike:

"It's the case of the cold cash, now heating up, FBI payoff money discovered in the freezer of DEMOCRATIC Congressman William J. Jefferson.

Over the weekend, FBI agents took the extraordinary step of raiding the Capitol Hill office of DEMOCRATIC Congressman Jefferson.

Government affidavits say the DEMOCRAT was videotaped last year accepting $100,000 in marked bills in an FBI undercover sting.

$90,000 of it was later discovered in the DEMOCRATIC Congressman's freezer, and the raid on the DEMOCRAT'S office Saturday night seems to signal the investigation is about to come to fruition."

Happy now? Yeah, if you look for a conspiracy, you'll always find it!

I'm sure he'll just say "I was setup!" ... and many will choose to believe that.

I want to second Mike's comments on good? journalism. Again "yet another instance of the very real liberal bias in the media."

I'm glad that some agency is looking into Capitol Hill for the biggest curruption. We need to make our government for the people and not for a way to become rich for a few. Our government is so full of curruption that something needs to be done. This curruption is spilling into the private sector of our Nation and needs to be stopped.

They do not mention what political affiliation he is, weather Republican or Democrat either. They mention party affiliation at the end, it would be different if they made mention of Republicans in the beginning and Democrats at the end.

Mike/5/22/06 -- At least the author mentioned that it was a democrat. Democrats from his home state probably know what party he hails from. What will be interesting is if there are others who are republican get caught -- will it truly be a bi-partisan affair or will all the republicans get off for 'lack of evidence'?

"Yet another instance of the very real liberal bias in the media...." Get a grip.. this story is only 110 words long.. It shows that corruption is a systemic problem common to BOTH Democrats and Republicans in Congress.

I recently tried to email Rep Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) as I've done before but couldnt get past the new 9-digit post code screening on her website - saying several "share" that zip code. I've noticed increasingly that other congress people I've emailed send replies that outright say they dont pay attention to residents outside their district yet apparently they "listen" to lobbyists with agendas/money. Sorry to see a Democrat, and a black one, fall victim but he was 8-term congressman - when you have $90,000 cash in a freezer you cant put anywhere else, surely he knew it was wrong. It seems they ALL have more time for lobbyists from out of their state, AND country in this case, than voters opinions in or out of their districts.

I wondered why it didn't say (D-New Jersey) or whatever state he's from also. Same should have gone for Cunningham if what the Democrat Jackie says is true.

The question is not which party got caught this time. Is it the party that is corrupt, or the individual politician? Let's look at each person as an individual. Don't forget, we are all innocent until proven guilty in this country.

So What was the "Sting" about? Shouldn't there be more information in this story? Like maybe what is going on. The FBI found money in the freezer of a person they gave it to. OK, would you PLEASE tell the public the rest of the story. It doesn't matter what party he sucks up to, we (the public) want to know what is going on.

Sorry to hear was a black Democrat who got "caught". Now when will Bush be investigated for his no-bid dealings with Halliburton et al in Iraq and Katrina? There is so much coverup and secrets in this administration, they've burned out different press secretaries, now they've employed another Snow job to prevent "leaks". With their constant obsfication and nefarious "security" excuses preventing scrutiny on their own backdoor deals and classification to "secrets" - I doubt we'll ever know in our lifetimes, only the whitewashed "legacy" version.

makes me wonder how many freezers ted kennedy has ?

Thank you FBI. Let's not stop with this one, there is plenty more of this going on and we all know it. The next generation sees this happening and thinks it is alright, especially when they know they will only get a slap on the hand. When someone commits a crime, they loose their rights, that most lawyers think they have, and should be punished accordingly.

I agree with Mary Pratt. Where is the rest of the story? What was the sting all about? I don't know if we will ever rid the government of corrupt politics/politicians, it has been going on since the beginning of time. I just wish that when found guilty(which is seldom),they receive the same treatment/sentence as the little folk back home who can't afford first class legal representation.

One more reason the Democrats should not be so confident that they will win the majority in '06.
Scandals, not backing the English language, and no strategy plans does not sound like a good recipe to me.

Michael Demmon's fixation on the fact that Sen. Jefferson is a democrat is like fixating on the fact that he is black. If WE the PEOPLE would fixate on the extensive corruption pervading the executive and legislative branches of our government (e.g. corporate influence peddling and the failure of campaign & lobbying reform) and VOTE OUT the morally weak and corruptable, then we will remove the cancer which threatens to sink our country.

I'm glad they caught William Jefferson..It just goes to prove that they're a lot of corrupted people in congress..I'm not saying they're all no good but I do believe that the F.B.I. should investigate them from time to time. Good Job F.B.I.

It's good to see these politicians get what they deserve but If the FBI really wants to do the right thing they would kicked in Bush's door and kicked him out of office

I think that things like this go on in every day life, mabye not on this scale but on lower levels but every one in the government is currupt! no doubt. my local government just over taxed us over 3 million dolars to build a new city office building. also the voters did not want a super walmart and guess what we are getting a super walmart!

I am sick of all of the politicans. They spend all their time time trying to stay in office and sticking it to us. Mike Jones.

I have OFTEN had to actually look up a congressman's or senator's website to find out their party affiliation, because the media outlet didn't provide any at all. More often than not, it was in the case of a Republican official. Keep your eyes open aways, Mike, don't just pay attention where it suits you to do so.

Sounds like, at last, the FBI is on the right track.....oh by the way, they might make a house call on Rep. Cynthia Mckinney while they are at it !

Democrat, Republican, who cares. If an elected official of our government breaks the law they should be held accountable, period. Additionally, accountability should be at all levels of government, all the way to the top, democratic or republican! If all we read is the individual’s party affiliation, we are missing the point and should be ashamed of ourselves!

Mr. Jefferson accepted $100,000 in cash from a FBI informant for bribing a african official to help in a telecommunications deal. Jefferson then stashed the money in his freezer and told the informant he paid the money to the african official. $10,000 of the money has yet to be recovered.

I served in the Navy to protect the rights of individuals. One of those rights is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. We try to many cases through the media these days. Just because someone is under investigation doesn't mean they are guilty. However, I applaud the FBI for the investigation. It does not matter who, everyone should be held accountable for their actions and if proven guilty of the charges made against them, be punished accordingly.

About time! Ever since Katrina, he thought he was above the law (re: the National Guard trucks used to gather personal belongings from his residence in N.O.). I'm proud of the FBI for stopping this type of corruption!

When an article cites "(D-La)" that's telling you both party affiliation and state. In the case of this article, that would be after the 11th word, i.e. in the very first sentence. That's where it always is--immediately after the first instance of a Congressperson's name in any article mentioning them. Basic high school journalism class lesson.

This is funny. No mention that the congressman held up the Katrina effort by making the National Guard take him by boat to his house to rescue his personal belongings (Sept. 2). He does this, while others are trying to be rescued off of their roofs? It is disgusting behavior, and completely indefensible.
This guy needs to go to prison for a long, long time.
ABC's attempt to aid in damage control by omission of fact is aiding the Democrat's “Culture of Corruption”.
Fire a few of your Liberals, ABC!

i think this congressman is the one who commandered a coast guard helicopter to take him to his house during Katrina--can anyone confirm?
i agree--jail the crooks!! all of them.

If the house Ethics Committee is unwilling or unable to take action then I see no other alternative than the FBI becoming involved. Congress being unwilling to police themselves has become a national joke anyway - for both parties.

Is anyone wondering why the Fed's are slow to move money into LA now? You cannot be surprised at this corruption from the state that perfected it!

Nice atta boy, now about the FBI's bit AH Sxxx aka Whitey Bulger and his corrupt brother the pol buddy of Ted Kennedy.

So where's Whitey....

here comes the race card.

I agree with those that state it doesn't matter which party a crook is affiliated with. However, I am from Louisiana, and the convicted felon, former Governor Edwin Edwards, is a Democrat and he was not bashful when it came to speaking openly about his corrupt ways. He saw no problem with taking money from a contributor in order to secure a job in his administration. Unfortunately his 12 years made many Democrats think that this SIMPLY THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE.
The next thing Jefferson is going to do is play the "Race Card". You can count on it.

Everybody now, "one, two, three", "let's hear the "race card".

ok now you want Republicans convicted without proper evidence.....lack of evidence means that "There is not sufficient evdidence to conclude a guilty verdict"....I believe Cunningham was guilty...and he admitted it. William Jefferson D-LA ditto, there is more than sufficient proof, but Tom Delay....no way...and I'm from Georgia.

Sometimes you would think our Congress is the US verison of the "Royal Family" with "Prince Hastert" and "Prince Frist" sticking it to the us taxpayer peon's at every opportunity.

LET'S FACE IT IF YOU HAVE TO PUT THE CASH IN THE FREEZER YOU SHOULD PAY THE PRICE FOR BEING STUPID.

Just wait. The next defense from Congressman Jefferson will be that this is all a racial attack.

Bill says, "I wondered why it didn't say (D-New Jersey) or whatever state he's from also."

Hey, we poor Jerseyans have more than our share of corrupt politicians -- don't push more of 'em on us!

makes you wonder if Jefferson was retreiving some ill gotten loot, after hurrricane Katrina , when he had the National guard take him to his house and was airlifted out , after flood waters got to high. ???

Amen, Judi, Amen. Catch all the bums and throw them out, or at least identify them fully so we can vote them out! Corruption in our government doesn't hurt just Republicans or just Democrats it hurts all citizens regardles of affiliation. There needs to be a non-partisan butt-kicking and house-cleaning...

Only 533 more to go! Good work FBI. Now, lets get the RICO act going on those members colluding with big business to keep the illegal tide flooding - expecially those members that want to provide amnesty to the criminals that hire illegals

REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!

There's actually not much difference between this crook, who was a bit obvious, and the rest of them. Remember when Tip O'Neill's book was bought in the thousands by the unions? There's really not much difference between that "legal" graft and what Jefferson's done.

Face it, our republican form of government is finished. Unless a leader comes along and puts things in order, it's all over but the inevitable final and likely bloody climax. But don't hold your breath waiting for someone to bail us out. Thanks to the politicians, we've lost, probably forever, the consensual nature of our society, which would be needed to get out of this mess.

I fear for my children's future.

Well:

Congressman Jefferson committed the two most serious sins that a politician could make:

1. He did not hire a "bag man."

2. He did not spread around the graft.

Why is anybody surprised anymore at these news stories? For the past 6 years, our government has done absolutely nothing positive for this country and its future. Most of the politicians paving our way only worry about their own welfare, their lies, and how to cover them up. Democrat or Republican, this country is overflowing with ignorant politicans. Instead of sitting around and watching this country fall apart at the seams, maybe some people will finally start to really dig deep and think about the downward spiral. Think about the people they are voting into office. Think about what WE, the people, can do to save ourselves from these thieves.

Thanks Judy, for stating the obvious which apparently the rest of the posters missed: "accountability should be at all levels of government, all the way to the top, democratic or republican!" Turning any corruption event into a partisan issue breeds further corruption.

I didn't see any mention of William Jefferson's (Democrat, New Orleans) trip to his house shortly after Katrina via National Guard truck to retrieve god only knows what. Anyone else remember that. John B

I'll bet you can't find a paper-shredder in D.C. right now for all the tea in China. Don't you know that if these "honorable" congresspeople see that not even their temple (sorry, office) is safe from scrutiny, then they better get rid rid of tons of documents...and QUICK!

Great job FBI! Good story. Lets see more of the people with whom we place our trust being held accountable.

If the lawyers would have turned over what was requested they would not have had to go get it. Why are these people (politicians) any different from non elected Americans? We have no problem going into Ken Lay's office with a search warrant. William Jefferson appears to be deeply involved in bad stuff and he needs to be held accountable.

I guess the only real uproar will be from people like Reid, Pelosi, and Dean who will have to bite their tongues while uttering the words "Republican culture of corruption."

Has anyone noticed that not a single Republican has held a special news conference to talk about the "culture of crime" in the Democratic party. This speaks volumes to the way politics are handled by each political party. Bet your bottom dollar that if this was a Republican There would have been two very prominant Dem's doing alot of yelling today.

The real issue is not whether Jefferson is a crook -- the courts can decide that, if he is, he should resign and be prosecuted.

The real issue here is that the executive branch sent it's police force, in the form of the FBI, into a Congressional Office, an incredible violation of the separation of powers principle.

Where was the Capitol Police? They should never have allowed the FBI entry into a Hill office building. In fact, on Saturdays, in general, you have to be either staff or a member to even be in there.

time now to clean out congress and send them all to an out house where they will certianly feel right at home>

Fr. Dick Z

To the person who said the "Democrat" label wasn't mentioned until the last paragraph -- what do you think (D-LA) means in the FIRST sentence? Duhhh.

Let's do something constructive and effective about this corruption.
Pray daily for our elected officals that they will be followers of Jesus Christ and the ones that aren't will fear God. This would immediately remove the corruption from government.

Is it any surprise we have inefective government and bribery scandals? People are more concerned with their favorite poltical team like it was the yankees vs the red sox. We are so polarized there is no room for issues not even criminal felonies, they don't matter. All that matters is which side you belong to. We need both parties and not more. We also need the people to be concerned about the things they believe and not what color they want their state to be. I want less taxes and social welfare, I want more sceurity tougher borders. Laws should be upheld, the environment should be protected, schools should be funded, but i can't have any of these on either side. Think about it you fans of a "party".

In response to Kats comment that somehow it is difficult to place the traditional (D) after the Congressmans name, given the horrid constraints of a mere 110 word article, I say..."Expletive Deleted"

"Yet another instance of the very real liberal bias in the media...."?

Perhaps if you checked, this article mentioned that Jefferson was a Democrat in its first paragraph as represented by "(D-LA)". Before criticizing something which is presented to you, please get your opposing facts straight.

I still fail to see where you find a "liberal bias" in this article however. Please elaborate without quoting "liberal bias" more than once, "fair and balanced" even once, "9/11", and "you endanger our national security by not standing with this President" and perhaps we can start a rational conversation.

Actually (D-LA)in the first sentence classifies the man as a democrat.

Perhaps if you checked, this article mentioned that Jefferson was a Democrat in its first paragraph as represented by "(D-LA)". Before criticizing something which is presented to you, please get your opposing facts straight.

I still fail to see where you find a "liberal bias" in this article however. Please elaborate by quoting "liberal bias", "fair and balanced", "9/11", and "you endanger our national security by not standing with this President" and perhaps we can start a rational conversation.

Sounds like a vast "Right Wing Conspiracy" to me.. What do members of the Black Congressional Congress and House Minority Nancy Pelosi have to say. They sure are being awful quiet. Michael Jones.

Liberal Bias in the media?

to those claiming liberal bias dues to late mention of the fact that he's a Democrat - what do you think "(D-LA)" after his name in the FIRST sentence means? Geeze.

Isn't it interesting that this "historic raid" was carried out on a Democratic politician. I wonder who pulled those strings? Can't imagine, during this administration, that this would have happened to any of the corrupt Republicans (Cunningham, for example).

In any case, I am all for weeding out any and all corrupt politicians. I wonder how many would be left?

I concur with Judi ... who cares about party affiliation, Republican or Democrat. It does not matter! Root out all the corrupt politicians. The risk we run ultimately might be no one left to represent us, but from my perspective they're not representing my values anyhow.

Now would they only raid Cheneys/Bush's office's and homes and find out the real reason we are in Iraq and put them away just like Cunningham and eventually Jefferson.I can;t think of a higher crime than deliberately misleading our nation into war.

for the posters who think the media is so liberal that they don't mention whether the person in question is a democrat or republican: what do you think the (D-LA) after Jefferson's name means? it means he is a DEMOCRAT. and for the record it was the 11th word grouping in the article. democrat or republican? i agree with steinbach, they are all a bunch of crooks.

Eveyone is getting hung up on party affiliation. The real question here is whether the Executive branch of the government (FBI/Justice Dept.) has the right to invade a Legislative branch office. Was it another usurpation of power by the Executive branch? Was it a necessary move? Does the Justice branch (a judge) search warrant for the raid make it justified? What are the long-term implications of one branch of government being assailed by the two other branches??

Depressing that a group of approxiamately 30 can't even leave the partisanship part out of the arguement. You sit and wonder why Capitol Hill can't get anything done when half of these blogs have been people passing blame between the two parties.

Hello! This man, an elected official, committed a crime...isn't that what we should be focusing on?

Tsk tsk tsk on you all!

AH Yes the politicians. Democrat or Republican or Independent or Green or Black or... We The People (WTP) have allowed all of them to do whatever they please. Who's minding the store? Now we applaud The Federal Bureau Of Imcompetence for doing what WTP should have done long ago, but we will not bother. The easiest thing to ignore is government.

Um, it mentions his party affiliation in the first sentence.

Impeach "president" Bush and arrest those Felons called the Bush Administration!!! We've got bigger fish to fry than some puny congressman taking a kickback. Hell, that's part of the job description!

Strange how upset Congress gets when law enforcement wants to search one of their own but Congress has no problem giving law enforcement the ability to search a private citizens home with the "look and see" authority. Search the offices of the entire Congress & I would bet at least 50% are guilty of similar crimes - irregardless of party affiliation, race, creed, or religion.

I’m a bit surprised the Capitol Police did not contact, the Counsel’s office, The House Sargent of Arms, who is primarily responsible for the security of the House of Representatives or the Speakers Office once they were presented with the search warrant. Your story does not mention any of these offices, who are responsible to the entire House for it’s institutional interests as a part of a co-equal branch of government. Where any of them all ready aware of the warrant on a democrat’s office and turned a blind eye to it? Have you looked into this at all?

Jefferson's party affiliation is mentioned in the first sentence...(D-LA).

Marcotte's First Rule of Politics: Those who seek public office are unqualified to hold it.

These Brian Ross "investigative" stories are the shortest and least informative things I read. A few tidy and simple paragraphs. Why is this guy being investigated? This "investigative" section is such a waste.

The democrats would be thrilled if Jefferson were a republican!

Seems like Michael and others are more worried whether its a Democrat or Republican, not whether it was a crime. This is the exact attitude thats makes these politicians think they can get away with things like this! DA!

First, of all. Any elected representitive in the House of Rep. or Senate, who is caught committing a crime against his government or abusing his/her powers, should be tried as a terrorist or for treason against their country. Abusing powers which were bestowed upon you by your peers and countrymen, should be held as one of the worst crimes possible in the U.S. Whether it be financial or violent crime. Also, I'm tired of black officials getting a negative spin put on their headlines when something bad is assumed, like they're already guilty. We are all created equal, so start acting like it. If news can't be bipartisan, then what will be?

WOW! I am from Louisiana and unfortunately this is politics as usual.

I think the F.B.I.is doing a good job in routting out those corrupt politicien who pertray themselfs as being ethical and hornest.For once i appluded the goverment. Thank God something is being done to make our goverment officials accountible for thier worng doing. Thank God

"That's good journalism where you don't mention that he's a Democrat until the last paragraph. Yet another instance of the very real liberal bias in the media...."

What are you guys talking about?
The very first sentence:
"The FBI's raid on the office of Congressman William Jefferson (D-LA)"

The capital D denotes Democrat for those not in the know.

Liberal Bias?