Abusing Authority



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“ U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd has long had a reputation as a politician of limited means — a reputation underscored, for good or bad, by recent disclosures about his dependence on friends to finance his homes. The reputation could prove difficult to sustain as Dodd begins what political operatives predict might be the toughest campaign of his 35-year congressional career — considering the dramatic uptick in his wife’s income since they married. Since the low-profile family wedding on a rise above the Connecticut River in 1999, Jackie M. Clegg Dodd’s income has quadrupled to the mid-six-figure range. All of the increase is due to her appointment as a highly compensated member of multiple corporate boards of directors.

Sen. Chris Dodd: Jackie Clegg Dodd Making Big Money As Corporate Director — Courant.com

It is possible, of course, that Jackie Dodd earned her large income because of merit.  It is possible, but it is not likely.  As Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the nonprofit watchdog group Center for Responsive Politics, notes in the article:  “In Washington, offering employment to the spouses and family members of politicians is a time-honored, if not so honorable, tradition.”

One clue that her income may have been corrupt (though not illegal):  as COO of a bank, her duties encompassed:  “administration and public and congressional relations.”  Yes, the Senator’s wife was paid to handle congressional relations.  And handle them, I’m sure she did.

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