From federal indictments to sexual harassment allegations, House Democrats have spent the year stumbling from one scandal to the next. And as the controversies pile up, Democratic leadership continues to dodge meaningful ethics reform.
Here's a look at some of the scary scandals haunting House Democrats this year:
- Rep. Carol Ammons: Federally indicted on corruption charges involving an alleged kickback scheme.
- Rep. Murri Briel: Accused of sexual harassment and drug use in her campaign office.
- Disgraced Rep. Harry Benton: Removed from the House Democratic Caucus and resigned following sexual harassment allegations.
- Speaker Chris Welch: Faced questions over his handling of the Benton scandal and inappropriate social media interactions with a young woman.
While scandals continue to plague their caucus, Democrats have failed to advance meaningful ethics reform, including HB 1382, which would give the Legislative Inspector General independent subpoena power and require greater public disclosure of ethics investigations.
House Democrats have spent the year making headlines for all the wrong reasons. When they return for veto session, it's time to stop protecting their own and start passing real ethics reform.