The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Naomi Seligman 202.408.5565

CREW Releases 2008 Most Embarrassing Re-Elected Members of Congress

WASHINGTON

Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) released its 2008 Most Embarrassing Re-Elected Members of Congress. The list incorporates those elected officials who have misused their position through illegal, unethical or just plain outrageous conduct.

Members are not ranked, but rather listed in alphabetical order. The list includes:

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN)
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL)
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)
Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA)
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA)
Rep. John Murtha (D-PA)
Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA)
Rep. Don Young (R-AK)

Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW, said today, "From Rep. Bachmann's smearing of president-elect Barack Obama to Rep. Buchanan's serious FEC violations -- these members of Congress stand out for their inability to conduct themselves in a manner that respects the office they hold. By highlighting those officials who have been an embarrassment to their constituents, the institution of Congress and in some cases, the United States of America, we fervently hope that they do more to better represent those who voted them into higher office."

Read CREW's report in the Related Documents section here.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting ethics and accountability in government and public life by targeting government officials -- regardless of party affiliation -- who sacrifice the common good to special interests. CREW advances its mission using a combination of research, litigation and media outreach.