Comments about ‘House ethics panel clears Hughes’

what a joke!!! Did anyone expect anything different. Of course he would be cleared. The "good ol boys" club takes care of its own. Please, everyone out there, realize the corruption that is prevelant in our state legistlature. In just over 2 weeks you can change that. Don't vote in the same old people. Be brave, tells these crooked Reps that they don't represent you!!!

Glad to see this mess come to an end before Election Day. Let's hope that those we elect to represent us, as Utah citizens, in 2009-2010, will improve the "current code of coduct" to be more specific to what is ethical conduct and what is not. I agree that apologizes are warranted by Mr. Hughes. I hope that they will be sincere.

Been saying it from the beginning: October Suprise. Draper, it's time to re-elect Greg Hughes.

I guess it is difficult to break the law when the lawmakers refuse to pass ethics laws. Voters apparently need to rely on their own set of morals, a vigilante code of ethics.

Good news--weasel whiners who spread gossip to news media contrary to rules and good manners should be the ones to face ethics charges.

What a surprise!!! In all seriousness, can anyone ever believe that it would turn out any differently? When the committee is made up of like-minded politicians, there was never any doubt that what was at worst a bribe, and at least scurrilous and inappropriate influence would be seen as business-as-usual and undeserving of any action.

I'm sure that most of the politicians of our state could only ask themselves, "What is wrong with buying votes with money? That is the way we ALWAYS do things."

Everyone knew this is exactly what would happen. What a joke. Hughes will get re-elected build his personal kingdom of power and continue to rule. We get the exact kind of government we deserve!

what a surprise. the legislator-filled, closed-door ethics investigation of one of their own, found him innocent.

further proof of the need for an independent ethics panel.

Now, the legislature better not discipline Phil Riesen for opening the light on the filing of ethics charges, even if the accusations were determined without merit. The public is best served when ALL business of a public body, especially the legislature, is disclosed to the people it serves. It is only then that one of the most unambiguous principals of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. constitution - specifically the part declaring that Congress shall make no law against freedom of press and public expression - means anything. And, one would think that the U.S. Constitution trumps a legislative body's gag order against disclosure of its going-ons anyday.

When reading that Hughes will get off with just a slap on the wrist.

Let's get real ethics reform in the legislature!!

Of course, you know when legislators investigate each other, they find themselves innocent. They need an outside review. This is just like the Highway Patrol who did an internal investigation and found that one patrolman innocent of having used his Taser inappropriately.

"Gagged one another." That's good, because our legislators efforts often make me gag as well.

Riesen should be dump for this stunt. More media hysteria without basis.

Shame on the spineless democrats Reps. Karen Morgan, Carol Spackman Moss, David Litvack; you have absolutely no conviction or integrity. The good old boys prevailed yet again. There is no integrity and absolute corruption on the hill.

Show us the letter.

The Committe is made up of 4 DEMOCRATS and 4 REPUBLICANS. It is the only committee on the Hill that is equal. A majority of its members voted AGAINST vouchers. There are three retired teachers and a Salt Lake City liberal -- all who hate Hughes' politcs -- who serve on the Committee.

Despite this, they saw this for what it was, an October Suprise!!

And it backfired.

And the people of Utah will sit back and re-elect all of the good ole boys

The complaint against Greg Hughes was written by Alan Smith, the single largest contributor to Hughes' Democratic opponent, Lisa Johnson.

Lisa and Alan also work together, as she is the Executive Director of the UEA front group where Alan serves as an Executive Committee Member.

Connect the dots. She had Alan spring this October Suprise on Hughes to steal the election. The fact that the four democrats voted to clear Hughes tells how thin the allegations were.

30 charges where made. Lisa's attorney could not get one of them to stick.

I am one of Hughes' constituents that is amazed by his continued arrogance. Let's not forget that he was reprimanded for displaying conduct that is unbecoming of a Member of the House. Instead of hearing Hughes say he is sorry, he puts it off as "an attack of the dirtiest kind". Wait who is dirty???? Draper voters deserve better than a legislator whose conduct is unbecoming of a Member of the House. Draper vote him out in November.

Granted you have a tough job. Most of us would not want to trade places with you. But, please, no more temper tantrums and public outbursts. No more fights in the parking lot. Be kind to your constituents. Be polite out in public. Let's use the last six months as a springboard to initiate more self control as less opportunity for the media to make fun of you. Be professional.