Ethics Committee Members' Public Stance on Gingrich Unprecedented, Democrats Say

Strategic Insights -

A day after two Republican House ethics committee members opposed a censure for Speaker Newt Gingrich, a former chairman of the panel called such a public stance unprecedented. The move has raised concerns among Democratic lawmakers, who pointed out that ethics committee members have historically been cautious about making public statements on unresolved issues. The controversy comes as at least 13 GOP House members have expressed worries about re-electing Gingrich while he's under an ethics cloud.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reps. Porter Goss (R-Fla.) and Steve Schiff (R-N.M.) sent a letter to the GOP leadership, expressing their intention to vote for Speaker Newt Gingrich and opposing a censure.
  • The letter stated that they knew of no reason why Gingrich would be ineligible to serve as speaker, citing the lack of evidence to warrant a severe penalty.
  • The move has been criticized by Democratic Rep. Julian Dixon of California, who called it unprecedented for ethics committee members to publicly prejudge a pending case.
  • At least 13 GOP House members have expressed concerns about re-electing Gingrich while he's under an ethics cloud.
  • Gingrich acknowledged on Dec. 21 that he violated House rules by failing to seek proper legal advice and providing inaccurate statements to the ethics committee.
  • The full ethics panel has yet to announce a decision on punishment and is not scheduled to meet until two weeks after the election.

Statistics:

  • At least 13 GOP House members have expressed concerns about re-electing Gingrich while he's under an ethics cloud.
  • 2: The number of Republican House ethics committee members who opposed a censure for Speaker Gingrich.
  • 1: The number of public statement made by Reps. Goss and Schiff, which has been called unprecedented by Democratic lawmakers.
  • 2 weeks: The time frame until the full ethics panel is scheduled to announce its decision on punishment.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • "Capitol Hill" (no specific date mentioned)
  • Julian Dixon, Democratic Rep. from California (no specific date mentioned)
  • Porter Goss, Rep. from Florida (letter to GOP leadership on Tuesday)
  • Steve Schiff, Rep. from New Mexico (letter to GOP leadership on Tuesday)