Comments on: Being on list of tobacco money recipients pains some Dems

By: Dirtbag Democrats Take Tobacco Money :: Rick Baker Show

Dirtbag Democrats Take Tobacco Money :: Rick Baker Show — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:50:03 +0000

[...] This article first appeared at ibabuzz.com [...]

By: Katie P.

Katie P. — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:38:36 +0000

I thought it was interesting that Sen. Leland Yee thought to send his money back, so as to not be associated with the tobacco companies. Assemblyman Jim Beall’s explanation makes no sense at all. How can he “plump up” their fund, when it wasn’t his money in the first place? He will forever be tainted for not giving his donation back. Even if he’s “spent it,” Beall should reach deep into his pocket, and do the right thing.

By: Joe M.

Joe M. — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:19:26 +0000

This is the priceless excerpt:
Assemblyman James Beall (D-San Jose) said,“I did not solicit this contribution. Why would I give it back to them and they will just give it to other elected officials who support them? I’m not interested in plumping up their fund so they can use it for their own cause.”
So the principled action is to accept a “tainted gift” so that it doesn’t end up in the hands of someone less deserving? I love it when politicians attempt to “rationalize” their self-interested behavior, but Assemblyman Beall deserves credit for at least offering an explanation.