Three stories in the last two days illustrate what's wrong with Washington.

[Cross-posted to Daily Kos]

1. Republican House Majority Leader Tom Delay was indicted for criminal conspiracy today by a Texas Grand Jury for his alleged role in illegal using corporate money to influence the 2004 elections.


2. Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is reportedly under investigation by the Securities Exchange Commission for insider trading.


3. And in Florida, police have arrested three men for the 2001 gangland-style murder of businessman "Gus" Boulis. Two of those men now accused of murder were hired as consultants by the business partner of Jack Abramoff--the Washington lobbyist who is now under federal indictment for wire fraud and conspiracy. And Abramoff is the indicted lobbyist at the heart of a larger scandal involving Conrad Burns' former chief of staff, former appropriations staffer, and former state director.

These stories might have a place in The Godfather, but they have no place in our nation's capital.

But let me tell you something. I've been a farmer my entire life, and I can tell you from experience that no matter how hard you try, you can't convince a hog to shovel its own bull.

By the same token, we can't expect those in Washington to clean up to corruption in Washington.

It's going to take all of us standing up and saying, enough is enough. We deserve a government better than this.

This isn't just about a corrupt Republican Leaderhip. It's about a Washington establishment that has become addicted to money and will do anything to gain, keep and exploit power. It's about a culture of corruption and cronyism.

This corruption affects everything. Health care. Energy. Trade policy. Bankruptcy bills. The American people get a raw deal when their representatives in Washington have been bought and paid for.

It's time for us to take it back. It's time for us to get in there and shovel the mess out of the pen.

If you agree, join my campaign or contribute.

I'm running for U.S. Senate because we need to bring Montana values to Washington D.C.. We need ethical behavior in the halls of power. A sense of honesty. A commitment to doing what's right--not doing what you think you can get away with. And a commitment from our representatives to live up to the promise of our democracy.

But it's going to take your support to make that possible. Our opponent in this race is planning to lap up $10 million in special interest money to try and retain his grip on power. We have to work together to beat them at that, even if it takes $100 at a time.

I don't promise that you'll agree with me on every issue. But I will work tirelessly to give Montanans-- and all Americans-- a government that is worthy of the American people.

Thank you for all that you do,
Jon Tester