Thompson: Scrutiny accompanies turf
Thompson said he has no knowledge of any investigation in connection with the credit-card company hearing. He said he’s cooperating with the investigation into the Caribbean trips and denies wrongdoing, saying the ethics committee approved the trips in advance.
Whitten, once called “the permanent Secretary of Agriculture” during his tenure, received contributions from agricultural interests. Montgomery, called “Mr. National Guard” during his tenure, received contributions from defense contractors.
Neither was ever charged with ethical conduct violations.
The ethic probes of Thompson should run their full course. But heightened scrutiny of Thompson’s activities necessarily go with the political turf on a committee chairman whose power is emerging and growing.
To date, Thompson faces no formal charges of any wrongdoing.
Clarion Ledger Editorial
12/22/9
Magnolia Tribune
