Ethics Bob

As the Anthony Weiner affair descends from “inappropriate” (his word) messages to phone sex, X-rated photos,  and likely criminal conspiracy, Republican leaders are not passing up their chance to show off their hypocrisy and double standard. House Majority Whip Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Republican National Committee Chair Reince Priebus are both calling for Weiner to resign his House seat.

Funny, both said they saw no reason for David Vitter (R-LA) to resign his Senate seat after he admitted to hiring a prostitute (a crime under Louisiana law) and repeatedly lying about it. Or for John Ensign (R-NV) to resign his Senate seat after he had an affair, with a subordinate, paid off her husband to keep it quiet, hired her son on his staff, and lied about everything. Or for Mark Sanford (R-SC) to resign the governorship after he flew off to visit his mistress in Argentina and lied repeatedly about it. All three had run for office under the family values banner.

Two cheers for former RNC chair Michael Steele, who told Rachel Maddow today, “I heard what the chairman said today and I thought it was a little bit not right. A pox on both their houses because they violated the public trust.”

Steele would have gotten a full three cheers had he not defended Vitter, Sanford, and Ensign when their crimes and sins emerged during his RNC chairmanship.