Perceptions of Impropriety

Perceptions of Impropriety

I know it upsets some fellow Democrats to hear me say this, but I’ve long held a grudging admiration for Christopher Rants. How could a political junkie like me not be impressed by his Machiavellian style and keen political acumen, both as a successful candidate himself and as the brains behind the winning campaign strategies of so many others? I may not agree with his political views, but I recognize in Rants a worthy opponent. That he was selected House Speaker so young is stark testimony to his political abilities.

So what was Rants thinking when he flew off to South Carolina for a few rounds of golf, dragging along a coterie of friends that just coincidentally included Kim Haus? Ms. Haus just happens to be an important lobbyist for Ameristar Casino, a leader in the fight against the Iowa Lottery TouchPlay machines, which casino interests view as unneeded competition. The flap over the TouchPlay machines just happens to be the hottest political fight going on in Iowa today. Rants, meanwhile, just happens to be one of the loudest and most public supporters of banning TouchPlay games.

Now, I’m willing to accept Rants’ explanation that the TouchPlay issue was not a topic of discussion during the infamous weekend golf outing. However, and especially in the wake of the Jack Abramoff influence buying scandal rocking Washington, one has to question the basic wisdom of Rants’ decision. After all, it certainly smacks of favoritism for Rants to spend a private weekend with the representative of business interests whose side he is currently championing in Des Moines. Why risk the taint of ethical impropriety? Frankly, it seems the kind of thoughtless gesture undertaken by someone (such as Tom Delay) too arrogant to care about appearances.

Moreover, Rants is currently blocking a vote on a bill to raise the tax on cigarettes, while at the same time accepting tens of thousands of dollars in contributions from tobacco companies for his Iowa Leadership Council. As the Sioux City Journal put it rather dryly, such obstinate opposition to a tobacco tax vote while raising funds from tobacco companies “potentially creates a perception problem for Rants” (SCJ 3/16/06).

I’m disappointed, really. I’ve come to expect better from Christopher Rants. Perhaps too much time in office does breed a certain conceit in even the most accomplished politician.

Peace!
Historian