Did CREW Go Overboard By Placing Grimm On Corruption List?

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, released its annual list of the most corrupt members of Congress and, wouldn’t you know it, our own Rep. Michael Grimm has earned a place on it according to the nonprofit political watchdog group.

The reasons Crew gives for awarding Grimm with this dubious distinction?

On their website, CREW cites two:

• While running for office, Grimm used the insignias of the Marine Corps and FBI – which according to CREW illegally implies an endorsement – on campaign literature, even after being asked to stop.

• After being elected, the Congressman appeared in a promotional video for a private security firm.

Colin Campbell over at the Brooklyn Politics makes the point that, while both acts were, at the very least, “improper” –  and in this blogger’s opinion, unethical – neither action really screams corruption.

From Brooklyn  Politics:

Although both may have been improper, it seems awfully bold to arrive at the term “corrupt” from that, at least without laying out more evidence.

From Dictionary.com:

corruption –1. Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.

2. The action of making someone or something morally depraved or the state of being

Now, don’t get us wrong, Bensonhurst Bean has covered at least two different instances of alleged misconduct by Grimm. Each accusation, by itself, certainly warrants a closer look:

• Being accused by an ex-cop of intimidating an entire nightclub full of people, with FBI muscle, over a personal dispute is a serious charge which certainly begs further investigation.

• As is Grimm’s business relationship with disgraced fellow former FBI agent Carlos Luquis.

A closer look into either of these ethical red flags may very well produce evidence of corruption. But unfortunately, neither has been properly examined – and therefore no solid evidence has been produced.

Of the main reasons CREW gives for Grimm’s inclusion on the list (insignia-gate?), no actual bribery – the very definition of corruption – has been proven, at least not yet.

It appears CREW has done a favor for their own critics.

Until stronger evidence is brought forth, Republican pundits who say CREW is nothing more than an attack dog for wealthy Democrat donors like George Soros – rather than the political watchdog they claim to be –  have just been given plenty of ammo.