Cleaning up Congress after the Abramoff scandal involves far more than
limits on gifts and perks. It requires barring the 'legalized bribery'
of major campaign contributions.

There ought to be a law about bribery in America, but there isn't--not a real one. Bribery is so central to our political culture that it's virtually impossible that any politician ensnared in the Abramoff scandal will actually be convicted of the corruption that makes Washington work.

House Republicans rammed through a budget bill in December that cuts $40 billion from domestic programs. Is there anyone of conscience in the Senate to defeat this?

As a handful of maverick lawmakers hold unofficial
hearings on an Iraq exit strategy, how long will it take
Democrats and Republicans on the Hill to recognize the growing distaste
for this war?

His headline-grabbing investigations are enough to give the GOP heartburn.

American elections never play out perfectly.

REPUBLICAN BLOOD SPORTS

Any election result that gives Tom DeLay cause for celebration--and, make no mistake, the 2004 election gave the dark prince of Congress plenty to celebrate--ought to send a sharp shiver through

Has Tom DeLay--a k a The Hammer--hit his last nail? Not yet, but the Republican House majority leader has sustained his own whacks recently for a series of unethical actions.

Would-be intelligence watchdogs often lack the knowledge or the will to be effective.