Feeney Makes the Most Corrupt List - Again

Surprising No One, Tom Feeney Deemed Most Corrupt for Third Straight Year

For Immediate Release: September 18, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney (FL-24) scored a three-peat today, making the list of the Most Corrupt Members of Congress yet again, according to a report issued today by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a government watchdog that targets unethical lawmakers regardless of party affiliation. Feeney is the only member from Florida on CREW's third annual list of the 22 Most Corrupt Members.

"From his constant influence peddling to his sordid personal relationship with Jack Abramoff, there's no question that Feeney's full of it. Floridians have given Tom Feeney more than enough second chances, and he's forsaken any trust the public may have had in his leadership," Florida Democratic Party Communications Director Mark Bubriski said. "Now it's time for change, and we're confident that the people will choose a responsible Democrat to replace him in 2008."

This latest dishonor comes as no surprise to those who have followed Feeney's follies throughout the years. CREW's report details Feeney's numerous ethical transgressions, including his disgraceful dealings with convicted GOP super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff and three trips he took in violation of House travel and gift rules.

Yet, Feeney shows no signs of trying to clean his act, considering the recent disclosure that he accepted $5,000 for his legal defense fund from a contributor seeking a NASA contract. Feeney is the senior Republican on the House Science space subcommittee. [Feeney sinks further into ethics swamp, St. Petersburg Times, 8/29/07]. Feeney also had yet to come clean on the cost of his 2003 Scotland golf junket or his ties with indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff [Feeney trip tied to Abramoff 'slush fund', Orlando Sentinel, 4/27/07].

For more information, CREW's full nine-page report on Feeney may be accessed at http://www.beyonddelay.org/summaries/feeney.php or visit the Florida Democratic Party's Feeney Files at http://www.feeneysfullofit.com.