Ooops, I Sold My Vote Again

The Republicans again prove themselves weak on crime -- both in the execution of the crime and the condemnation of it. Here's John Boehner's limp-dick defense of his fellow Buckeye and future cellmate:

WALLACE: On this same subject, this week Congressman Bob Ney, one of your Republican colleagues in the House, agreed to plead guilty to influence-peddling. Now, he has stepped down as chairman; he's still a member of Congress.

This is a man who is basically admitting that he sold his vote. Should he spend another day in the House?

BOEHNER: Bob Ney clearly admitted to making some big mistakes. And he's going to pay dearly for the mistakes that he's admitted to.

But he's also checked himself in for alcohol abuse. And right now my prayers are with him and his family. It's a sad day for the Congress and a sad day for Bob Ney.

WALLACE: Should he resign from the House?

BOEHNER: That's a decision that he and his family are going to have to make.

There is no longer any dispute that Ney sold his votes as U.S. Representative to those who bestowed gifts on him. Yet Boehner -- the leader of House Republicans -- thinks the decision as to whether Boehner is fit to continue in his position should be left to Ney himself.

David Obey is right. Boehner needs to improve his game if he ever hopes to be a third-rate Joe McCarthy.