The Oklahoman's website said Coburn's action was not a violation of federal law or of senate rules. But while it probably isn't a violation of law, I have to think it was a violation of senate rules. After all, if it's not a violation of senate rules to meet with a banned lobbyist and discuss business, then what's the point of banning lobbyists in the first place.
The Ethics Committee considered it a violation of something, saying the meeting was "improper conduct" and didn't meet the "higher standards expected of a U.S. senator". The public admonishment was the least serious penalty the committee could have leveled against Coburn.
Personally, I think Coburn got off light. He knew the Senate had banned Hampton from doing any lobbying, and showed a disregard for the Senate action by openly violating the ban. He knew better and just didn't care.
Sadly, I'd bet this won't matter to voters one bit. They will be far more concerned with Coburn's public statements about how it might be necessary to raise revenue even though he signed Grover's silly pledge.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. It won't matter to voters at all. He's from Oklahoma, where being a Republican and a teabagger are far more important than silly things like rules.
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