It’s Time For Chuck Larson To Resign
A tip to the Iowa Bacon Blog on Chuck Larson’s “extracurricular” activities.
Bacon’s post focuses on a budding controversy over political ads claiming to represent “truth in Iraq” or other such stuff we’ve seen for the past three years. (Why is it that people telling the “truth” need to produce slick 30 second advertisements full of sapppy music instead of arguing a case?)
Several groups that are active in lobbying Larson at the legislature – and would be interested in currying favors from the former chairman of the Republican party and chair of the Nussle campaign – have contributed to Families United, including the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, the Iowa Motor Truck Association, Barr-Nunn trucking, Casey’s, Handi-Mart Food Stores, and Guaranteed Roofing. Elsco, a tech company in Linn County that employs Larson as general counsel, also contributed. It’s uncertain whether they would be as eager to contribute if Larson didn’t hold some sway in the statehouse. It’s also uncertain whether Larson draws a salary for his work.
Something important to note: Larson is co-chair of the Senate ethics committee.
Evidently, ethics does not preclude taking “non-campaign” donations while serving as a sittiing State Senator. It’s time for Senator Larson to decide if he wants to be a Senator or a political fundraiser – it is inherently unethical to do both.
Addendum: Thanks for further information from Iowa Bacon. Comparisions to make: Families United Donors in Iowa, Follow the Money’s list of Chuck Larson’s Campaign donors (from 2002, his most recent Senate run – there have also been donations since then but naturally, not as many) – plus it would be interesting to compare donations to Nussle’s campaign – where Larson is the state chair.
Addendum II: This resignation call is very simple – either lobby or govern. It’s not that difficult – and one that Larson himself seems to notice by not running for re-election to his Senate seat this year.
- Sousy
February 23rd, 2006 at 3:10 pm
I wanted to thank you for heads up on your information about the Pro-War commercials airing in Minnesota. I took excerpts from your blog and posted them to our site with links to your blog. Great job on flushing this out!
February 24th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
[...] Then, Sousy Hawk of the Iowa Underground Blog has a post up where she calls for the resignation of Sen. Larson — chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee — for his involvement. Sousy writes: “This resignation call is very simple – either lobby or govern. It’s not that difficult – and one that Larson himself seems to notice by not running for re-election to his Senate seat this year.” [...]
February 27th, 2006 at 1:10 pm
Maybe Vilsack should resign too since he’s too busy “lobbying” lobbyists for campaign donations so he can run for Prez in 08…
August 24th, 2006 at 9:35 pm
The rules that govern federal and state lobbying are nebulous. There is no way that Sen. Larson would ever compromise his reputation for a few lousy dollars. Of course, it is absurd to condone lobbying for a state or a state-based organization by a representative of a district within the state of Iowa. A national group is a separate entity and should be treated as such. Is he to be denied his right to speak out on issues that concern the nation as a whole because he has been elected to the Iowa Legislature? That is silly. He did not lose his national citizenship when he accepted his seat in the Iowa State Senate.
Sen. Larson has served his district and this state for many years and was never subject to question prior to the conflict in Iraq. I am suspicious of any question raised against him considering his participation in that conflict, his unwavering support of the President, and the vulnerability of the Republicans in the next election. To smear Larson personally is base and unjustified. He is an honorable man and a credit to the state of Iowa.
August 18th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I wanted to thank you for heads up on your information about the pro-war commertials airing in Minnesota.
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cadeburton
Iowa Drug Treatment