Please proof/factcheck my oped before I send it (on Roy Blunt)

[usregimechange]

The Joplin Globe (Globe Nov. 21) recently lauded Roy Blunt’s re-election to the GOP minority whip position stating that he “successfully navigated through the torrent of corruption.” He did so because he was leading it.

Roy Blunt was so close to Washington lobbyists he decided to marry one after he divorced his wife of more than 30 years. While he dated her he attempted to insert a provision into a bill, without the knowledge of even his own leadership, which would have greatly benefited a certain tobacco company that she was lobbyist for. The same company is also Blunt's largest contributor. He accepted money and did favors for convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. He made Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington’s list of “20 Most Corrupt Members of Congress.”

A recent New York Times editorial summed up Blunt’s leadership by stating that he “embodies the insidious, half-legal corruption that has permeated the G.O.P. majority since 1995.” Given that corruption was a large reason why the GOP lost control of congress you would think they would have learned their lesson.

The Washington Post recently noted the following: “House and Senate GOP leaders pledged early this year to pass major lobbying reforms in the aftermath of the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal but never delivered on their promise.” Democrats promise to do so soon, let’s make sure that they do so.

[Hailtothechimp]

1. Just some suggestions for the last two paragraphs

A recent New York Times editorial summed up Blunt’s leadership by stating that he “embodies the insidious, half-legal corruption that has permeated the G.O.P. majority since 1995.” Given that corruption was a large reason why the GOP recently lost control of Congress, it would be understandable if they looked elsewhere for new leadership. They have inexplicably chosen to "stay the course" instead.
One must conclude that either Roy Blunt is the best they have on this issue, or they learned nothing at all from the recent midterm elections. Neither option speaks well of the Republicans.



For what it's worth, I would end it right there. Quoting the Times and the Post in the same letter may be overkill.

I liked the letter a lot, by the way.

[Demit]

2. There's one sentence that conjures up an inadvertent image—

" While he dated her he attempted to insert..."

I would reword that. :)