G.W. on the Hill
Out Of The Shadows And Into The Light
By George Wilson
Thursday, October 5, 2006
There is a growing scandal on Capitol Hill that could have long-term implications for congressional Republicans. Former Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) abruptly resigned from the House after it was learned that he had sent several sexually explicit e-mails to a former page who was 16 years old at the time. Shortly after his resignation Foley checked himself into a rehabilitation facility to be treated for alcoholism and other behavioral problems.
Foley took the route taken by Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) whose car plowed into one of the barricades that deters immediate access to Hill office buildings and the Capitol. The general perception was that Kennedy had a little too much to drink prior to coming to the Hill to vote on an issue that did not exist.
However, the Congressman checked into rehab and was able successfully claim that his condition was caused by a medication he was taking. It seems that rehab is the place to go when you want to blunt severe criticism for inappropriate behavior.
This is not the first time that there have been alleged indecent liberties taken against young people who are enrolled in the Page Program. For those who may not know, the Page Program is comprised of high school students from all the states. In order to gain admission the student must be an excellent student and be recommended.
If chosen the students comes to Washington to continue going to school and to serve as glorified “gophers” for lawmakers. They live in a dormitory where males and females live on separate floors. Their residence is secure and does have metal detectors at the door. In spite of these precautions, pages are constantly around lawmakers in close quarters. Many desire close contact with members because they are looking to make alliances with individuals who may be able to assist them later in life.
The desire to make connections and the inherent vulnerability of youth are key ingredients in creating the problems that have surfaced once again. How many teenagers who are in an environment comprised of powerful individuals are able to resist the trappings of power and influence wielded by a member of Congress. Mr. Foley used his power in a way that is shameful. He feigned interest in this page when it appears that his real motive was to satisfy his apparent carnal urges.
It has been said that in politics “timing is everything.” For Republicans, the Foley scandal comes at a time when they are trying to hold on to control of the House and Senate. The current problem falls on top of the controversy surrounding former House Majority Leader Tom Delay, the prison sentence handed down to former U.S. Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham of California and a guilty plea by U.S. Rep. Bob Ney of Ohio that could result in a jail term.
There is no telling how voters across the nation will react to what Democrats like to describe as a “culture of corruption.” The potential outcome surely has Republicans wiggling on the edge of their seats.
There is a great deal of infighting among Republicans. Some say that House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) was told about the seedy e-mails early, but he chose not to tackle the issue. Hastert claims he knew nothing about the e-mails until he read about them last week. There are now some who are calling for the Speaker to step down because of how he chose to handle this growing problem. If he is forced to step down, Republican chances to remain in the majority are greatly reduced.
The culture on the Hill is one that protects members of Congress as well as the institution. It is doubtful that the wholly inappropriate actions of several lawmakers will force dramatic changes in how the Hill operates.
George W. Wilson hosts the nationally-syndicated political talk show “GW on the Hill.” He is heard from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on XM Radio’s Channel 169 THE POWER.