nbcrusader
Blue Crack Addict
When should an elected official step down from their position? When questions are raised? When charges are filed? When evidence is presented? When a conviction is delivered?
And should race have anything to do with that decision?
Call for lawmaker to step down irks black caucus
And should race have anything to do with that decision?
Call for lawmaker to step down irks black caucus
WASHINGTON (AP) -- 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 Louisiana lawmaker 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.