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House ethics panel clears Hughes
80 comments | Read story
CeeCee | 5:10 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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!!!
Concerned Citizen | 5:12 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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.
Told You So | 5:14 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Been saying it from the beginning: October Suprise. Draper, it's time to
re-elect Greg Hughes.
Comments continue below
lucky | 5:15 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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.
Bill | 5:16 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Good news--weasel whiners who spread gossip to news media contrary to rules and
good manners should be the ones to face ethics charges.
Really?? | 5:22 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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."
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."
I. Barrus | 5:36 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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!
notshocked | 5:36 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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.
further proof of the need for an independent ethics panel.
50+Citizen | 5:42 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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.
It's hard not to gag... | 5:44 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
When reading that Hughes will get off with just a slap on the wrist.
Let's get real ethics reform in the legislature!!
Let's get real ethics reform in the legislature!!
Stenar | 5:45 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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.
Russell | 5:48 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
"Gagged one another." That's good, because our legislators
efforts often make me gag as well.
Anonymous | 5:51 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Riesen should be dump for this stunt. More media hysteria without basis.
Unanimous vote | 5:59 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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.
Be a good reporter | 6:02 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Show us the letter.
Doggie | 6:03 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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.
Despite this, they saw this for what it was, an October Suprise!!
And it backfired.
Anonymous | 6:05 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
And the people of Utah will sit back and re-elect all of the good ole boys
Lisa | 6:17 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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.
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.
Draperite | 6:27 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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.
To our Utah State Legislators- | 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
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.
Oh Please | 6:31 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
It's tough to break a code of ethics when there isn't one; therefore,
Hughes is cleared. But Riesen, you're toast...
Bill Keshlear | 6:32 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Well, not exactly unanimous.
The vote was split 4-4 on charge one, the bribery charge. Democrats voted "Nay;" Republicans, "Yea."
What was unanimous, with even Gov. Huntsman and Hughes weighing in, is the need for ethics reform.
The vote was split 4-4 on charge one, the bribery charge. Democrats voted "Nay;" Republicans, "Yea."
What was unanimous, with even Gov. Huntsman and Hughes weighing in, is the need for ethics reform.
Outrageous | 6:33 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Proof that there is no honor among thieves. Susan Lawrence went through all that
for this? Hughes and his ilk MUST be voted out. Please, Draper!!!
Anonymous | 6:34 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
From reading the article I would say that they agreed Hughs offered a bribe, but
they couldn't find it in the ethics guidelines that that was bad. We have
to get rid of these corrupt legislators. Start with Hughes, Bramble, Curtis.
County man | 6:43 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Anyone surprised that the chickens would clear the fox of any wrong doing? The
fox is still watching the hen house. Where was Curtis to defend one of his own?
Oh he, "knows when to hold 'em, knows when to fold 'em".
I'll be voting out the incumbents but the Rs will still win because they can be corrupt, evil doers but Utahns will still vote for them. They must be better than voting for a Utah D, right?
I'll be voting out the incumbents but the Rs will still win because they can be corrupt, evil doers but Utahns will still vote for them. They must be better than voting for a Utah D, right?
Anonymous | 6:50 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
50+Citizen stated "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."
Ignorant perspective. Anyone can lie or make false accusations and those allegations should be tried in the public? Riesen should be punished for making unsubstantiated complaints. Hearsay and innuendo should never be tolerated.
I hope the legislature brings the hammer down on Riesen, both Democrats and Republican. I also hope Utahns wake up to the reckless media sludge from which Reisen oozed.
Ignorant perspective. Anyone can lie or make false accusations and those allegations should be tried in the public? Riesen should be punished for making unsubstantiated complaints. Hearsay and innuendo should never be tolerated.
I hope the legislature brings the hammer down on Riesen, both Democrats and Republican. I also hope Utahns wake up to the reckless media sludge from which Reisen oozed.
Reformer | 7:04 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Wow, Phil Riesen throws out a bunch of accusations and Hughes is supposed to
apologize. I can't believe the members of the committee actually signed
that.
Re: Reformer | 7:18 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Are you actually saying that Hughes has nothing to apologize for? Riesen is not
the only one who needs to apologize. They have both hurt people in their
actions. Be fair.
Anonymous | 7:19 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
County Man:
Yes, anything is better than voting for a Utah D. They are too weak to govern, too weak to take meaningful policy positions, too weak to balance the budget, and too weak to shift the debate. Utahns don't respect them. The national party doesn't respect them. Even their own candidates distance themselves from the party. Truly embarrassing.
Yes, anything is better than voting for a Utah D. They are too weak to govern, too weak to take meaningful policy positions, too weak to balance the budget, and too weak to shift the debate. Utahns don't respect them. The national party doesn't respect them. Even their own candidates distance themselves from the party. Truly embarrassing.
sob | 7:27 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
we in utah have the best government that money can buy
ElkMan. | 7:39 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Chalk another one up for the power brokers in South Valley. It was forgone
conclusion that they would let Hughes off the hook. Power is all the GOP
Leadership knows. It is now time for the voters in Draper to finally put Hughes
out to pasture. He and Curtis both need to go and fast. Save Utah and vote
Democratic!!!
Corruption at its finest | 7:53 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Ethics and politics is like a unicorn - doesn't exist. The committee still
found Hughes unbecoming (political speak for your are corrupt but we wont charge
you but now you owe the powers that be some favors).
Be smart and vote the clowns out, all of them.
TERM LIMITS!!!
Be smart and vote the clowns out, all of them.
TERM LIMITS!!!
The Truth | 7:58 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Finally Riesen gets what he deserves, a muddied name. What goes around, comes
around Phil. You need to make sure that you focus your actions on what you are
doing for your constituents not on what someone else is doing on your neighbors
side of the fence. Don't lie to us and tell us you were doing a favor and
telling us about the allegations. You were simply being one of the good ole boys
on the Democrats' side. You are all the same. Let's see you fight for
your name like you made others. I have an idea; next time you think that we want
to know about other legislators from you, rather than leak the papers, like a
coward, to the News, go ahead and eat them instead.
District 51 Conservative | 8:00 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
The voters in our district will not be duped into giving up our representation
in the house. Greg has a proven track record of being good for Draper, good for
Sandy and good for Utah. Our district is one of the most conservative in the
valley and much better represented by Greg than his opponent. Her unethical
actions in the name of ethics are shameful. Her claim that her colleague on the
executive board of Utahns for Public Schools never mentioned the complaint he
was preparing against Greg is laughable. She will not represent the citizens of
our district. She will only represent the labor unions that fund her campaign.
Our district is smarter than that and will go to the ballot box with our eyes
wide open.
Draper | 8:13 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
to District 51 Conservative: the only Draper residents Hughes represents are
those who are uneducated like he is, right-wing nuts like he is, and charter
school/voucher fanatics like he is. Everyone knows Hughes is guilty, just as OJ
was. Since only 30% of Draper residents are educated and Draper is full of
idealogues who probably love a redneck like Palin, Hughes will probably be
reelected. When Draper has the demographics of Holladay (well-educated
professionals instead of real estate agents/MLM losers), they will get a classy,
intelligent rep like Lisa. As long as rednecks like you are in the majority,
Draper will be stuck with Hughes.
SRD | 8:13 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
I have an idea. Why don't we have a real investigation with an independent
procecutor with real power to review the allegations. The standard of proof
might be based on the law and not the legislature's "code of
conduct."
Look what happened to Mark Walker. He was innocent too.
Look what happened to Mark Walker. He was innocent too.
October surprise- he's an idiot | 8:47 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
The October surprise is this: Greg Hughes is still a power-abusing conceited
sycophant.
As a conservative republican resident of Greg's district, I didn't need to hear the results of this probe to find out what to think of Greg. Through my interaction with him I know him to be a self-serving arrogant jerk. Even on issues where I have been ideologically on his side, the contempt and disrespect he shows for those who don't agree with him tells me he is a very tiny man (no midget joke pun intended). Does he bully people? Absolutely! Does he use his legislative position to intimidate others and get what he wants? Worse than Bramble ordering a pizza!
It's not our fault that his behavior isn't against ethics rules in the legislature. They basically concluded there were no rules!
The guy still needs to go.
As a conservative republican resident of Greg's district, I didn't need to hear the results of this probe to find out what to think of Greg. Through my interaction with him I know him to be a self-serving arrogant jerk. Even on issues where I have been ideologically on his side, the contempt and disrespect he shows for those who don't agree with him tells me he is a very tiny man (no midget joke pun intended). Does he bully people? Absolutely! Does he use his legislative position to intimidate others and get what he wants? Worse than Bramble ordering a pizza!
It's not our fault that his behavior isn't against ethics rules in the legislature. They basically concluded there were no rules!
The guy still needs to go.
Anonymous | 9:13 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
to our legislators:
Just please remember you work for us. We don't work for you.
You shouldn't make laws that benefit you or your friends financially unless it helps ALL of us financially.
Vouchers were and are a joke.
Don't let your temper get the best of you.
Anyone want to add anything else?
Just please remember you work for us. We don't work for you.
You shouldn't make laws that benefit you or your friends financially unless it helps ALL of us financially.
Vouchers were and are a joke.
Don't let your temper get the best of you.
Anyone want to add anything else?
No Accountability | 9:15 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
When you VOTE- please ask yourself if the Hughes, Buttars, Curtis, Bramble, and
so many others represent you.
Split Vote | 9:25 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Of all the allegations that the committee voted on, there was not one Republican
who voted against Hughes. NOT ONE! Several of the votes were a simple partisan
split and never was there a Republican who joined the Dems in dissent.
Gee, I wonder what Hughes would have done if one of his own party had voted against him?
Gee, I wonder what Hughes would have done if one of his own party had voted against him?
Anonymous | 9:55 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
And democrats sided with Hughes on 90% of the charges.
Old Timer | 9:57 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Phil Riesen: Enough said. If it looks like a rat, smells like a rat, crawls
like a rat, "has done so for more years than anyone apparently
remembers" - it is probably a rat...
I'm right now looking at my voter registration card - I have one vote and I will use it. "If you don't make a choice - you don't have a voice".
I'm right now looking at my voter registration card - I have one vote and I will use it. "If you don't make a choice - you don't have a voice".
Hughes | 10:51 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
"The past is prologue"
The REPUBLICAN PARTY in UTAH is looking more like the NATIONAL REPUBLICAN PARY EVERYDAY.
ETHICS PROBLEMS, ETHICS PROBLEMS, ETHICS PROBLEMS!
The people of this state will continue to vote in the same party election cycle after election cycle and expect things to get better.
(Please remember the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome).
The REPUBLICAN PARTY in UTAH is looking more like the NATIONAL REPUBLICAN PARY EVERYDAY.
ETHICS PROBLEMS, ETHICS PROBLEMS, ETHICS PROBLEMS!
The people of this state will continue to vote in the same party election cycle after election cycle and expect things to get better.
(Please remember the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome).
Linus | 11:11 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
The UEA has proven to be the most powerful political force in the state,
reversing the state legislature and the governor on the voucher issue. All we
need now is to give them even more power by allowing them to take over the
legislature.
Utah is purported to be the most Republican state in the union, but our Republican sheep followed the tinkling bell of the UEA goat and killed the education initiative that would have greatly improved both public and private education for Utah's children. I'll tell you who I don't trust -- Utah's voters. You might as well have a ring in your nose to be better blindly led by the UEA.
Utah is purported to be the most Republican state in the union, but our Republican sheep followed the tinkling bell of the UEA goat and killed the education initiative that would have greatly improved both public and private education for Utah's children. I'll tell you who I don't trust -- Utah's voters. You might as well have a ring in your nose to be better blindly led by the UEA.
Time to send Phil Riesen packing | 11:15 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
The problem is not Greg Hughes, but the unethical representatives and school
board employees who brought the trumped-up charges right before an election.
What party do those school board employees support? Phil Riesen's party?
Hey, Phil Riesen, the party is over.
Thanks, Greg Hughes, aka Linus | 11:36 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Thanks for your "UEA is the most powerful force in the universe" rant.
But save your breath. Vouchers have never had a plurality of support in Utah
going back in history. It's only because of people like Greg Hughes and
the cash of Mr. Overstock that you even came close to getting vouchers through.
You are trying to change how people have always viewed an issue. Don't cry
that UEA is making people do what they wouldn't otherwise be doing anyway.
You have NEVER had the support of Utahns on vouchers. This particular voucher legislation was one of the worst that's ever come up throughout the country because it didn't really help the truly poor and only would've been used by those who can afford private school without the help.
Don't blame the UEA that your bill was a pig and you didn't listen to voters at any step in the process, until they threw your new law out by almost 2 to 1 through a citizen-driven refferendum.
Sour grapes.
You have NEVER had the support of Utahns on vouchers. This particular voucher legislation was one of the worst that's ever come up throughout the country because it didn't really help the truly poor and only would've been used by those who can afford private school without the help.
Don't blame the UEA that your bill was a pig and you didn't listen to voters at any step in the process, until they threw your new law out by almost 2 to 1 through a citizen-driven refferendum.
Sour grapes.
Highlandmom | 11:39 p.m. Oct. 17, 2008
Linus,
I'm not sure where you are getting your information but you need to pull your head out of the sand seriously check your sources. The UEA has relatively little political power compared to the Legislative Conservative Caucus.
This Caucus enacted vouchers contrary to 2/3 of Utah voters most of whom rarely know anything about the candidate they are voting for except Republican is the listed party affiliation. They are the people the Legislature are supposed to be representing. But instead, the Conservative Caucus played hardball politics and forced their own agenda contrary to the will of the public. I tell you who I don't trust--The Conservative Caucus and people who blindly follow them.
I'm not sure where you are getting your information but you need to pull your head out of the sand seriously check your sources. The UEA has relatively little political power compared to the Legislative Conservative Caucus.
This Caucus enacted vouchers contrary to 2/3 of Utah voters most of whom rarely know anything about the candidate they are voting for except Republican is the listed party affiliation. They are the people the Legislature are supposed to be representing. But instead, the Conservative Caucus played hardball politics and forced their own agenda contrary to the will of the public. I tell you who I don't trust--The Conservative Caucus and people who blindly follow them.
Realist | 5:08 a.m. Oct. 18, 2008
Thats why, in most cases, I always try to vote out the incumbent who has served
for awhile.
Anonymous | 6:55 a.m. Oct. 18, 2008
WAIT FOLKS. Did you read the whole article? It says Greg did lots of bad
things BUT the ethics rules are so vague (big surprise, as they were written by
previous legistators)that his specific behavior wasn't addressed.
He's not guilty like OJ wasn't guilty.
Bear Laker | 7:46 a.m. Oct. 18, 2008
I think that since the commitee was comprised of 4 from each party and that
after hearing the evidence for a week or more they knew more about this issue
than any of the posters on this blog. To chracterize the members of this
commitee, as some of you have, shows how biased your opinion is. None of us has
word one on what was heard because it was not opened to the public. Ethics will
be a big topic of the upcomimg legislature and will be opened to the public.
How many will go and give input then? Or do you just like to rant and rave and
show your bias. Everybody that does not agree with you is not a bad person,
does not make Utah a strange place and make all Mormons weird. Get over
yourself.
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Rep. Greg Hughes embraces his wife, Krista, after being exonerated on Friday. At right is his attorney, Thomas Karrenberg.
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