Black leader calls on Jefferson to quit

Rep. William Jefferson, D-La.

Criticizing the Congressional Black Caucus for its defense of Democratic Rep. William Jefferson, a black minister is calling for the resignation of the Louisiana congressman, who is under FBI investigation for bribery and fraud.

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson says Jefferson "should bury his head in shame and resign from Congress."

The Black Caucus' defense of Jefferson "is a living embodiment of the 'culture of corruption,'" declared Peterson, head of Los Angeles-based BOND, Brotherhood Organization for a New Destiny.

Jefferson was caught hiding $90,000 alleged bribe money in his freezer.

Democrat House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi asked Jefferson to resign his post as a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee after the FBI raided his Washington D.C. office last week.

Jefferson refused, accusing Pelosi of discrimination, and gained unanimous support of the Black Caucus this week.

According to Roll Call, however, Pelosi later dropped her demand in exchange for the Black Caucus' promise to not campaign against her this fall.

Peterson points out Jefferson has a history of questionable ethics issues. According to ABC News, five days after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, he used the Louisiana National Guard, including a five-ton military truck and a half-dozen military police, to take him to his affluent uptown neighborhood so he could remove a laptop computer, three suitcases and a box.

"Rep. William Jefferson has to be one of the most ethically challenged lawmakers in Congress," Peterson said. "Based on the FBI's findings in his bribery case and his utter disregard for his constituents he should resign immediately."

---

Related special offers:

"Scam: How the Black Leadership Exploits Black America"

"Uncle Sam's Plantation"