When Does a Price Discount Become an Ethics Violation?

By C. Simon Davidson
Roll Call Contributing Writer

Sept. 29, 2009, 12 a.m.

Q: I am currently on maternity leave from a position as a Senate staffer, as I have just had a beautiful baby boy named Chase. Chase is our second child, so my husband and I have decided to take the plunge and buy a minivan. We have shopped around at a number of area dealerships and have finally found the car we want at a price that we like. The car salesman told me that the price is typically only available as a loyalty reward for repeat customers as part of a “Favorite Customers” program, but that he would qualify me anyway because I am a Senate staffer. May I purchase the minivan on these terms?

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