Apr 10, 2008 -- Rep. Wynn Should Leave Congress Immediately: Statement of Meredith McGehee, Campaign Legal Center Policy Director

Earlier today the Campaign Legal Center signed on to a letter with a coalition of reform groups urging Rep. Albert Wynn (D-MD) to step down from his position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The Campaign Legal Center calls on Rep. Wynn to resign from his office altogether for the sake of his constituents and Congress as a whole.

Rep. Wynn simply cannot avoid conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict while serving in Congress and waiting to join the lobbying practice at a major DC law firm. For him to stay in Congress under such circumstances does a disservice to his constituents. Rep. Wynn's announcement that he would remain in Congress after accepting work as a lobbyist undermines the integrity of the United States Congress. His actions will only serve to further tarnish the image of Congress in the eyes of the public.

Clearly continued service to Maryland's Fourth District is not Rep. Wynn's top priority or he would not be leaving his constituents without representation for the final months of his term as he plans to do under the current scenario. A lucrative career as a lobbyist awaits Rep. Wynn regardless of when he leaves office, but inasmuch as he has already accepted a position, he should leave office immediately.

To read the letter by the Campaign Legal Center, click here.