# Congressman Bob Ney pleads guilty, postpones resignation for $$$ **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 13, 2006, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360 "2006-10-13T21:18:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/1 "2006-10-13T21:18:23Z")
Congressman Bob Ney (R-Ohio) [pleaded guilty today to charges of conspiracy and making false statements.](http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061013/ap_on_go_co/ney_corruption_13) But he declined to resign his seat in Congress, reportedly because he needs the money: > [@](#): > > Ney did not resign his seat. Several officials have said the congressman is financially strapped and needs his $165,200 annual paycheck and benefits as long as he can continue to receive them. > > Ney’s lawyer, Mark Touhey, told the judge he would resign before sentencing on Jan. 19. That’s another three months away, or more than $41,000 dollars in salary and benefits. It takes a lot of nerve to admit you are guilty, but continue to pick the pockets of the the people you betrayed. Let us hope the judge sentences him to the maximum fine of $60,000. The Culture of Corruption knows no shame. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Cid\_Viscoso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/41988e/32.png) [@El\_Cid\_Viscoso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Cid_Viscoso)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/2 "2006-10-13T21:30:52Z")
[QUOTE=Fear Itself] The Culture of Corruption knows no shame. [/QUOTE] I looked at this and I thought, you know, you’re right. But then I saw this > [@](#): > > Ney’s lawyer, Mark Touhey, told the judge he would resign before sentencing on Jan. 19. and then I remembered this > [@Ellsworth Toohey](#): > > “Don’t set out to raze all shrines – you’ll frighten man. Enshrine mediocrity, and your shrines are razed.” and then I thought to myself _Cid, you picked a bad day to quit drinking Nyquil_. :feeble yet wholesome grin smiley?: ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/3 "2006-10-13T21:54:36Z")
Awww, c’mon guys, have a heart! Do you really want to see a former Congressman standing by the side of the freeway with a sign reading “Will Whore for Food?” ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/4 "2006-10-13T22:25:35Z")
[QUOTE=elucidator] Do you really want to see a former Congressman standing by the side of the freeway with a sign reading “Will Whore for Food?” [/QUOTE] Yes. Yes, I do. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/5 "2006-10-13T22:26:26Z")
[QUOTE=elucidator] Awww, c’mon guys, have a heart! Do you really want to see a former Congressman standing by the side of the freeway with a sign reading “Will Whore for Food?” [/QUOTE] Perhaps his recently departed associate, Mark Foley, might find some work for him to do. Not that there’s anything wrong with it! ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/6 "2006-10-13T22:42:20Z")
January 19th is my birthday. I think that money being sent to me would restore my faith in Congress. I mean, y’all don’t want a young voter feeling apathy towards the system, right? Right? _taps mic_ Hel-lo? Eh, it was worth a shot. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/7 "2006-10-13T22:43:32Z")
> [@](#): > > Ney did not resign his seat. Several officials have said the congressman is financially strapped and needs his $165,200 annual paycheck and benefits as long as he can continue to receive them. > > Ney’s lawyer, Mark Touhey, told the judge he would resign before sentencing on Jan. 19. Touhey added, “I told him this was the best course of action, because without his paycheck he can’t pay my retainer.” 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/8 "2006-10-13T22:45:32Z")
Hey, he has to pay for rehab, too, you know. Isn’t that the drill? I did it. But it was the booze (or drugs or sex or whatever) and I’m gonna go to rehab and get all better. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/9 "2006-10-13T22:46:10Z")
[QUOTE=DiosaBellissima] .I mean, y’all don’t want a young voter feeling apathy towards the system, right?.. [/QUOTE] Was hoping more along the lines of outrage, fury, fierce committment to change… ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/10 "2006-10-13T22:46:46Z")
[QUOTE=Fear Itself] The Culture of Corruption knows no shame. [/QUOTE] Look at it from Ney’s perspective: everybody already hates him and knows he’s a crook, so what’s he got to lose? He ran out of shame many, many bribes ago. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/11 "2006-10-13T22:50:32Z")
[QUOTE=John] …I did it. But it was the booze (or drugs or sex or whatever) and I’m gonna go to rehab and get all better. [/QUOTE] **John** , I’m sure I speak for all when I assure you of our unstinting support in this difficult time. ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/12 "2006-10-13T22:51:06Z")
Another one bites the dust, or at least will soon. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/13 "2006-10-13T22:57:05Z")
[QUOTE=elucidator] **John** , I’m sure I speak for all when I assure you of our unstinting support in this difficult time. [/QUOTE] Oh, I wasn’t talking about me… I’m going to get filthy drunk tonight-- and I’ll be all better!! ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/14 "2006-10-13T23:25:38Z")
[QUOTE=elucidator] Awww, c’mon guys, have a heart! Do you really want to see a former Congressman standing by the side of the freeway with a sign reading “Will Whore for Food?” [/QUOTE] If he does, I’ll take pictures. (Pity me, for I am in his district.) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/15 "2006-10-13T23:31:34Z")
[QUOTE=jsgoddess] …(Pity me, for I am in his district.) [/QUOTE] Why? Have you no dancing shoes? ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/16 "2006-10-13T23:34:51Z")
[QUOTE=elucidator] Why? Have you no dancing shoes? [/QUOTE] Oh, I can celebrate his downfall, but he’s still not gone. His handpicked successor hasn’t lost (pleaseletitbeyet), and I’m in Ohio, dammit, that’s enough reason to pity me right there! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/17 "2006-10-13T23:37:53Z")
Oh, yes, of course. Ohio. How thoughtless of me. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/18 "2006-10-13T23:40:42Z")
[QUOTE=jsgoddess] …and I’m in Ohio, dammit, that’s enough reason to pity me right there! [/QUOTE] Come out to CA! We can never have enough goddesses out here!! ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/19 "2006-10-13T23:45:43Z")
[QUOTE=elucidator] Awww, c’mon guys, have a heart! Do you really want to see a former Congressman standing by the side of the freeway with a sign reading “Will Whore for Food?” [/QUOTE] That would be SO demeaning to the actual hard-working whores walking that pavement trying to turn an honest trick… ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2006, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360/20 "2006-10-13T23:55:45Z")
[procedural aside] Got news stories busting out right and left about Pubbie Congresslime…Ney, Kolbe, Hastert, Wheldon…oh, dearie me! There is such a thing as too lavish a cornucopia, four, five, six or more seperate Pit threads. No, that simply won’t do. Perhaps we could proclaim this thread the Corrupt Pubbie Derision and Outrage Thread, and then have a handy catch-all as revelations unfold? Is there an established procedure for that sort of thing, or is it simply a mutual and cooperative hijacking? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-bob-ney-pleads-guilty-postpones-resignation-for/376360.md?page=2)