Black Caucus opposes Jefferson treatment

A drive by the Democratic leadership to strip embattled Rep. William Jefferson of his committee post triggered a backlash Thursday as the Congressional Black Caucus opposed the move and said the Louisianan deserves a "presumption of innocence."

The caucus chairman, Rep. Melvin Watt of North Carolina, told reporters that some black voters might ask why action was sought against "a black member of Congress" when there was neither precedent nor rule for it.

Jefferson has not been indicted and has denied all wrongdoing in connection with a federal bribery investigation that has netted two convictions. He has rebuffed repeated calls from Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and others to step aside until any involvement is clarified.

Watt spoke after a Democratic leadership group voted to strip Jefferson of his committee post, at least temporarily. The entire rank and file was then summoned to debate the issue but postponed a vote until next week.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060609/ap_on_go_co/raid_on_congress

get off your high horses

Jefferson should step down, at least for the time being.

does everything have to turn racial? He is corrupt, get rid of him.

The GOP is the corrupt party. Sadly we have a few corrupt members too. We must oust them.

And you know this because you're one of the FBI agents investigating the case? Or you have a magic mirror that tells you he is guilty?

If the FBI has him dead to rights why haven't they started any proceedings? I say wait until he's indicted by a Federal Grand Jury, then he should be asked to step down.

If after the indictment he still refuses then the leadership should remove him.

As for it being racial, when did Cunningham finally step down?

Cunningham held onto his subcommittee chairmanship until he officially resigned, which was right after he entered his plea.

So, we can at least allow Jefferson to stay where he is until an indictment.

at the least step down from the committee. He is no Cunningham. If Democrats are pushing the Republicans

with the "Culture of Corruption" slogan they are the first ones who have to come clean. This is not the

time to play the DeLay game (hold on to power). He should just cooperate with the investigation.