Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Democrats, demand ethics probe of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas

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http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/10/rep_earl_blumenauer_democrats.html


A group of liberal Democrats, led by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, will formally ask the House Judiciary Committee today to investigate “ethical lapses” by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

At issue is Thomas’ failure to report "at least $1.6 million" in earnings by his wife Virginia for her work at the conservative Heritage Foundation between 2003 and 2007. Virginia Thomas has been one of the most vocal critics of the federal health care law. The Supreme Court will hear a case this term determining the law’s constitutionality.

The letter also asked the committee to examine "air travel and yacht stays and other gifts from wealthy supporters."

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In a brief interview, Blumenauer said he was compelled to act after earlier, less formal, requests for review were ignored. That has led to a decline in public confidence of the Court, he said.

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