"Duke" Keeps His Pension, Floor Access



(image via photos1.blogger)

Disgraced former Congressman "Duke" Cunningham will keep not only his pension, but, incredibly, unlimited floor access to the House of Representatives, which, ironically, could allow an admitted bribe taker to actually lobby members of Congress at a fat salary after he gets out of the pokey. From Jackie Kucinich of TheHill:

"Rep. Randy 'Duke' Cunningham (R-Calif.) will soon relinquish many of his properties and his freedom after pleading guilty to charges of fraud and conspiracy, but he will keep his government pension and could retain the privileges enjoyed by other former members of Congress.

"Cunningham has served in the House 17 years, and his right to his federal pension will not be affected by his crimes, according to a senior House aide familiar with the rules.

"... Ordinarily, upon leaving Congress, former House members, like former senators, get lifetime floor privileges, access to the gym and a parking space."

The floor privilege access would make The Duker a gold prospect for any lobbying firm on K-Street. Come on, Congress (The Corsair intones for posterity): Revoke his privileges!