House Race Hotline Update: All Bark and No Bite
2006 entered like a lion with Jack Abramoff's plea and predictions of the GOP being hampered by ethics scandals. But with the first half of the year over, we're hearing more about the minimum wage and gas prices than the "culture of corruption."
Min Ldr Nancy Pelosi told The Hill this month that the "culture of corruption" theme "is at an end" and that "now it's time to talk about us." That sounds like a shift from several months ago, when ex-Maj Ldr DeLay's name was invoked in nearly every competitive campaign.
The main race where it will resonate is against Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH 18). The subpoena of Ney's district dir. and exodus of his Hill staff only add to the speculation that he'll be indicted.
But it's also possible that any indictment could come after the election. And in a release, the DCCC said his stand on domestic issues was "just as damaging" as his Abramoff connections.
The slew of member indictments that many predicted months ago hasn't materialized. Is it possible the culture of corruption message has been retired, out like a lamb? [JOSH KRAUSHAAR] 