Tolka Rover photo, Creative Commons

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington just released their list of the most embarrassing re-elected members of Congress. Although these awards are for Congress, since poor Rod Blagojevich is only the Governor of Illinois, he doesn’t qualify. But, since he seems to have been one of the more outrageous politicians of last year, I’d like to ensure he’s given the top honor by re-naming the awards after him.  No, I’m not referring to just the embarrassing news that his special Paul Mitchell black hairbrush needed to be ready for action at anytime by his aides and was referred to as “the football” but his more sinister behavior that led him to try to auction Obama’s Senate seat to the highest bidder.

Top winners in the “Blagies” include Rep. Michele Bachman (R-MN) who invoked the ghosts of Senator Joseph McCarthy by saying President-elect Obama was anti-American.  Rep. Don Young (R-AK) who was tied to the Jack Abramoff scandal continued to be ensnared in bribery charges last year that he steered earmark funds to family and friends who donated to his Political Action Committee (remember how often John McCain brought up the sins of earmarks? I guess Young didn’t listen). Across the aisle, one of the Democratic Party’s icons, Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY), was outed as possibly violating House ethics committee rules and campaign finance laws.

While it’s amusing to read about these politicians who thought they could surreptitiously pass below the radar, it’s important for citizens like you and me to make sure they’re held accountable. takepart with Citizens for Responsbility and Ethics in Washington to learn how you can make our government open and accountable to all citizens.