The editorial board isn't completely pleased by the compromises made in order to move on ethics reform in the House, but they're giving Walz credit for wanting stronger measures--and approving this new step:
Thumbs up
A tepid endorsement to the House, which agreed to a compromise solution to what has been a systemwide lack of ethical oversight. Some, including Rep. Tim Walz, D-Mankato, wanted to go farther, but members did manage reform by calling for a six-member Office of Congressional Ethics made up of citizens who aren’t members of Congress.
The key is that those who sit in judgment won’t be members of Congress themselves. While critics complain that “outsiders” don’t have any more ability to judge ethics than legislators, they should represent an independence that previously has been lacking.
For too often, lawmakers chosen to sit in judgment of colleagues have appeared to be more interested in protecting their own and showing exaggerated enthusiasm for attacking those on the other side of the aisle. We hope House leaders Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner, who are charged with choosing the new panelists, will choose truly fair, independent-minded people.
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