Dickey and Huckabee weren't the only sorry performers. At a time when Jay is being publicly challenged for an apparent shakedown of constituents, he calls public officials on stage to jump through his hoops in a quid pro quo for his help in Washington. Jay Dickey's pattern of behavior is why the House of Representatives had to adopt ethics rules in the first place. Public testimonials about the results should not distract us from the unethical conduct which produces them. The people of the Fourth Congressional District deserve better.
Union County deserves better.
That rule is that government officials, including House members and staff, are prohibited from taking or withholding any official action on the basis of the partisan affiliation or the campaign contributions or support of the involved individuals, or the prospect of personal gain either for oneself or anyone else. House Members and staff are likewise prohibited from threatening punitive action on the basis of such considerations. . . .