| You could make the argument that no one has more contempt for rules than Steve Pigeon. The Buffalo News reported yesterday that Pigeon's PACs haven't filed several of the campaign finance reports that they were supposed to file between now and 2005.
Today, Liz Benjamin reports that Pigeon may have broken Senate rules when he was photographed on the Senate floor last week.
(Photo credit: Liz Benjamin.)
This from Liz:
Pigeon said he is part of the "legal team" for Sen. Pedro Espada, one of the two turncoat Democrats whose defection to the Senate GOP led to the current 31-31 stalemate. Pigeon is an attorney, but he's also a registered lobbyist.
Senate rules bar those "interested in pending or contemplated legislation" or "employed by, or receives compensation from any public or private source for influencing legislation." In other words: no lobbyists.
Pigeon said he only registered to represent Golisano's political action committee, Responsible New York, as a "volunteer" and wasn't paid. He said he never lobbied the Legislature and has resigned his lobbying post in expectation of getting a job with Espada.
The state Public Integrity Commission Web site does not list Pigeon among lobbyists who have terminated their registration.
"I thought it was drawn up last week," Pigeon said. "I might have beat it to the floor, but I resigned as lobbyist. It's already done."
Now we need the right people to enforce these rules. Why Pigeon has been able to get away with his campaign finance dodging is beyond me. He shouldn't be able to and he should face fines for not filing, just as his partner in crime Pedro Espada Jr. has because of his own campaign finance failings. |
