#1 Dumbest Thing Done by Connecticut Democrats in 2007

#1 - Jim Amann's "Ethics."

House Speaker Jim Amann, like most Democrats in the state legislature, uses "ethics" as a buzzword. But sometimes we have to wonder if he even knows what that word means.

Last April Amann ran into a little hot water when it was revealed that he had solicited lobbyists on behalf of his employer, the Multiple Sclerosis Society. He has a job with the charity as a fundraiser. Using his position as Speaker to get lobbyists to contribute to the nonprofit charity that gives him his paycheck must have been pretty lucrative. But, can you believe it, some thought it wasn't ethical.

As has become the norm, legitimate criticism provoked Amann to the anger levels of a maternally outraged gorilla. He blamed everyone for the "personal attacks" against him, particularly Governor Rell's Chief of Staff, M. Lisa Moody. Then, when that didn't seem to work, he began to attempt a play at people's heartstrings, saying he would do anything for the victims of Multiple Sclerosis. He was strong-arming lobbyists not for his own personal financial gain, you see, but for the children!

The State Ethics Commission ruled that Amann indeed had a conflict of interest,and sensing he would be ruled against, he gave up fundraising from lobbyists just before the decision came down. But that didn't stop him from sending three of his staff members later that month to argue before the State Ethics Advisory Board that he should be able to continue the practice, luckily to no avail.

For being so incredibly arrogant and indifferent to the standard of ethics that must keep government clean... for pompously wagging a finger at others while not keeping his own personal house in order... for being so detestable as to try to hide behind a good charity and the sick people it helps to enrich himself, I award Jim Amann with the Number One, unquestionably DUMBEST Thing Done by Connecticut Democrats in 2007.

I can hardly wait to see what they offer us in 2008.