‘Culture of Corruption’ Is Real, Not Just a Campaign Attack Line

By Norman Ornstein
Roll Call Contributing Writer

June 28, 2006, 12 a.m.

As I have mentioned many times in this column, I have been kicking around Congress since the fall of 1969 — more than 36 years. I have a strong stomach and I have seen a lot: real corruption, as in ABSCAM; petty corruption, as in former Rep. Dan Rostenkowski (D-Ill.) and the House Post Office; lots of alcoholism; and sex offenses of every variety, petty and grand, occurring in places as varied as Senate elevators, the steps of the Capitol, the Tidal Basin and House offices.

Schumer Advocates for Many on Panel

Nov. 16, 12 a.m.

As Senate Majority Leader, Lyndon Johnson once said of the Joint Economic Committee, “It’s as useless as tits on a bull.” But as that panel’s chairman during the 110th Congress, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) seized the opportunity to elevate the traditionally low-profile post to the forefront of shaping policy. Read Full Article