CREW keeps track of ethics violations and investigations for you

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has compiled a list of Congress members likely under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (House ethics committee), the Senate Select Committee on Ethics (Senate ethics committee) or the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE). Due to the secrecy surrounding these investigative bodies, the list is compiled from press reports. Most recently, on October 30, 2009, The Washington Post revealed a leaked House ethics committee memo documenting the investigative activities surrounding House members by the House ethics committee and/or the OCE. The OCE was created in 2008 to review allegations of misconduct against members of the House and refers matters to the House ethics committee for further action. As a result, it is not always clear which body is investigating the Member. [CREW]

This new project by CREW appears to be helpful in keeping a grassroots eye on congressional members in Washington. For those of you who may not be familiar with CREW a visit to their website can be an educational experience. CREW has some six projects which can keep you informed about how your congressional representative is doing in Washington. The projects are:

1. Under Investigation: Explained above in the opening paragraph.
2. Ethics in your state: CREW has primarily kept an eye on politicians at the federal level. Then in 2006, they launched a state-based project called Colorado Ethics Watch (CEW). CEW has been effective in holding public officials and organizations accountable for unethical activities that undermine the integrity of state and local government. Here in Nevada CREW has enlisted The League of Women Voters of Nevada, the Nevada Center for Public Ethics,  and the Nevada Freedom of Information Coalition.
3. CREWS Most Corrupt: CREW follows those they identify as the 15 Most Corrupt Members of Congress.
4. You Don’t Know Jack: Is an interactive graphic illustrating the intricate web of special interests Representative Jack Murtha (D-PA) has spun around him. For many years, Rep. Murtha has been treating our tax dollars like his own personal piggy bank, doling out funds to donors, friends, and family members who ingratiate themselves, currying his favor. In exchange, Rep. Murtha greedily demands and receives tribute in the form of generous campaign donations, employment for relatives, and charitable contributions.
5. CREW Reports: CREW provides an overall report to its readers on a broad range of topics to help keep you informed.
6. CREW Newsletter: Readers of CREW can subscribe to their newsletter to keep abreast of notable activities of people in Washington, D.C.

CREW isn’t a passive organization. Melanie Sloan, Executive Director of CREW, writes “Since 2003, CREW has closely monitored government ethics, bringing egregious conduct to light and holding public officials accountable for their misconduct. On our website you’ll find exhaustively investigated reports on corruption prepared by our research staff, high-impact lawsuits filed by our legal team, as well as the latest national ethics news. Thank you for your support.”

I frequently visit their website. CREW is a reputable outfit and nonpartisan so far as I can see. Not a bad place to keep track of your elected officials. You can follow CREW on Twitter and become one of their fans on Facebook.

Related posts:

1. CREW Files Ethics Complaint Against Sen. John Ensign
2. CREW: The 15 Most Corrupt Members of Congress
3. CREW seeks answers from Senator Ensign
4. CREW names Nevada Senator John Ensign as one of “The 15 Most Corrupt Members” of Congress
5. Obama to post White House Visitor Records online