Talk about hubris. Here’s a guy whose FBI transcripts reveal the cozy relationship he had with alleged mob connected James Galante, and a mysterious diner chat that swirled around “paying a visit” to “take care of” the wayward behavior of a relative. Senator Fred Thompson were he still on Law and Order would have no qualms about what to do. He’d prosecute and have the whole disgraced State Senator removed from office by the first commercial.
Instead we get the ponderous slow-mo action from the State Senate Leadership, and the defiant response for DeLuca. From the Advocate:
The state Senate yesterday passed a resolution appointing a bipartisan committee to investigate former Republican Minority Leader Louis DeLuca.
The six-member group will consider whether to reprimand, censure or expel DeLuca, R-Woodbury, who has refused to leave office after pleading guilty June 4 to approaching alleged mob figure James Galante to threaten his granddaughter’s husband.
The nine-term Republican, during a brief, sometimes emotional speech on the Senate floor yesterday, told colleagues he would cooperate with their probe. But he also indicated that his family and constituents, about 30 of whom watched the proceedings from the gallery, want him to remain in office.
“Those that know me, know of my respect for the process, the institution, the Senate and the entire legislature. Nothing will change that today. Nothing,” said DeLuca, who recused himself from voting. “The easy way would have been to resign . . . But I will go through this with the support of people not only in my district, but the state.”
The easy way? Try the right thing to do. DeLuca has disgraced his office. Another corruptict politico is the last thing the state needs. Resign.
source: Advocate, Senate panel will investigate DeLuca, by Brian Lockhart, August 23, 2007
