The last time I reported on Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), the House freshman was celebrating the demise of the Rocky Mountain News, a conservative newspaper. Polis, or at least his family, has a wallet that matches his mouth, the Denver Post reported last week:
U.S. Rep. Jared Polis last month steered almost $150,000, most of it from his family, into the coffers of 28 Democratic members of Congress facing tough re-election bids and a key party campaign fund.
Analysts said the infusion will increase Polis' influence in Congress and provides a vehicle for his family to easily contribute large amounts of money to politicians.
"It can be a pretty effective way for an individual member of Congress or the Senate to build clout by sharing the wealth, so to speak," said Paul Ryan, associate legal counsel for the Washington, D.C.-based Campaign Legal Center.
A Polis spokeswoman said the congressman has developed a rapport with his fellow freshmen and wants to use his fundraising skills to help get them re-elected.
I'm sure this is legal, but is it ethical? Is Polis, through his family, buying future favors from his Democratic colleagues?
Oh, the things they get away with...
Related post:
Colorado congressman boasts about "killing" Rocky Mountain News
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I'm surprised that no one commented on this article. Jared Polis made all his money. He's the rich one, not his family.
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