For those of you who haven’t been following to date, since the end of November I have repeatedly asked North Dakota Democrat Executive Director Jamie Selzler for some information on contributions made by indicted (for trying to bribe a federal judge) trial lawyer Richard “Dickie” Scruggs.  Scruggs is a big-time contributor to the North Dakota Dems.  In fact, he was one of the largest contributors to the ND Dems in the 2006 election cycle, the majority of which the Dems spent campaigning on things like ethics, transparency and opposition to corruption.

My question for the Dems was simple: If Scruggs is convicted of his crimes, will they give his money back?  To this point, I have not received an answer.  I’ve called the Democrat headquarters and I’m always told that Jamie is busy or “on another line” at which point I leave a message that isn’t returned.  I’ve emailed Jamie directly and received no response.  I’ve talked about this issue on the air during the Hot Talk radio program on WDAY out of Fargo.  The NDGOP has sent out a press release on the matter.  Even Janell Cole, a reporter for the Fargo Forum, has admitted that the question is valid and should be asked of the Dems (though why she hasn’t asked it yet is beyond me).

I am not giving up on this matter, however, and I’ve written another email to Director Selzler:

Jamie,

I am writing you once again to beg a response to a simple question that I have been posing to you for weeks:

If Richard “Dicke” Scruggs is convicted of bribing a federal judge, a matter for which he is currently under indictment, will you return the money he has contributed to your political party?

I have heard that you will not answer my question because I am a blogger, but why should that matter?  Does the Democrat party not communicate regularly with bloggers like those at the Daily Kos?  Is it the habit of Democrats to only to answer easy questions from friendly sources?  I’d note that even Fargo Forum reporter Janell Cole feels this question is valid, so your refusal the answer is is puzzling, and shows a lack of integrity I think.

During the past year or so your party has spent a lot of time lecturing the public about ethics, corruption and government transparency.  Truth be told, the money from Scruggs is a rather small matter, but your refusal to even answer questions about it tells me that when you and your fellow North Dakota Democrats speak of ethics and transparency you lack the courage of your convictions.

I am a blogger, but I am also a member of the voting public.  When I ask a legitimate question I feel like it should be answered honestly, forthrightly and with integrity.

I will not let this issue go, because it has become larger than one donation from one shady contributor.  This is about your political party and whether or not they truly are dedicated to transparent and ethical leadership.

Sincerely,

Rob Port

So why haven’t the Democrats answered?  Who knows.  If they’re not ashamed of having taken a massive sum of money from an out-of-state trial lawyer who is now under indictment, they should just say that they’re keeping the money.  If they’re concerned about the appearance of impropriety now that Scruggs is under indictment, they should just say that they’ll give it back if he’s convicted.  But refusing to even answer a simple question about the matter smacks of arrogance, not to mention a stunning lack of transparency and integrity.