John Hope Bryant: “the $57,000-per-seat private dinner whereby the Speaker of the House is raising money for his new right- wing television…”

“the $57,000-per-seat private dinner whereby the Speaker of the House is raising money for his new right- wing television network is the latest in a long series of questionable activities that require the investigation by an outside counsel. Most Members of Congress, like the American people, are inclined to take their colleagues and fellow Americans at their word, but on the questions about whether the activities of a high public official are appropriate, ethical or legal become as pervasive as those raised about the complicated affairs of House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an independent review by an outside counsel is essential. It is in the Speaker's interest as well as the House's interest and the American people's to see to it that allegations against him of conflict of interest and inappropriate behavior are settled. The person that holds the office third in line to the Presidency should be above reproach, and serious allegations about the activities of the Speaker of the House demand swift, deliberate, nonpartisan, and above all, independent investigation by an outside counsel. Mr. Speaker, it is time for an outside counsel.”