Here's a copy of an email I sent to Rick Larsen

[pscot]

Your congress critter needs to hear from you. Use my note as a model or draft your own (I'm sure you can improve on my poor effort) but please write. Rocks don't roll uphill on their own. Put your shoulder to it.

Congressman Larsen

I am writing to request that you lodge an ethics complaint against Representative Hastings (WA 04). The suggestion that Representative Hastings chief of staff may have attempted to influence Federal Prosecutor McKay's entry into the 2004 gubernatorial election controversy cries out for further investigation. Representative Hastings' position as head of the House ethics committee at the time makes the action seem like an especially egregious violation of the House ethics rules. As the Chairman of the House ethics committee, Representative Hastings had a duty to behave, like Caesar's wife, in a manner that was above reproach. I understand that there is currently a sort of gentleman's agreement in the House to limit partisan ethics complaints. I also understand the reluctance of members to risk further damage to the already tattered collegiality of the body. But the issues involved here are too important to ignore. Use of the law for partisan ends is wholly unacceptable. The actions of Representative Hastings and Representative Heather Wilson both need to be subjected to further scrutiny either by the House ethics committee or a special prosecutor.

[baby_bear]

1. That's not a poor effort at all!

Pscot, way to go! I will write to Jim McDermott myself.

Someone told me yesterday that Hastings has already hired an attorney regarding this matter.

Of course none of this would have come to light if the Dems hadn't gotten control of the House and held these hearings where the fired attorneys were required to testify. Just think of all the nefarious things that got swept under the rug the past six years.

b_b

[pscot]

2. Good thought

McDermott may actually have the balls to file a complaint. Frankly, I'm not expecting all that much from Larsen.

[baby_bear]

3. McDermott got burned over the leaked phone transcript

In fact, he is still getting burned over it. I think he wouldn't mind a bit of tit for tat, as it were.

b_b

[pscot]

5. My thought exactly

n/t

[SeattleGirl]

4. Great email, pscot.

This is something that definitely needs investigating.