Tennessee politicians ponder ethics

Posted by R. Neal

In the wake of the Tennessee Waltz sting operation that resulted in seven arrests including four legislators (three Democrats and one Republican) for bribery and corruption, the Tennessee Legislature is in special session to discuss ethics reforms.

I can't think of a bigger waste of time or taxpayer's money. Taking bribes is illegal. Anyone caught should be tried, convicted, and sent to jail. I don't see why there needs to be a lot of debate. Besides, as long as there are politicians there will be corrupt politicians. Instead of more panels and hearings and special sessions, we should focus on rooting out corrupt politicians from both sides of the aisle and prosecuting them.

Anyway, here's an interesting roundup of the current ethics rules and regulations in states around the South.

P.S. Two of the indicted legislators plan to attend the special session on ethics. The other two probably would, too, but they have already resigned.