Two local Congressmen named on list of 20 'most corrupt'

The Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has released its annual list of the 20 most corrupt Congressman. Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, and Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, are on the list.

The Sun had previously reported that Lewis is under federal investigation and has spent more than $1 million on legal fees to defend himself. He is running for re-election.

According to the CREW report on Lewis:

"Federal officials currently are investigating Letitia White and Jeffrey Shockey and the cozy relationship between Rep. Lewis and Copeland Lowery, now know as Innovative Federal Strategies (IFS). Rep. Lewis sponsored $55 million in earmarks for IFS clients in the 2008 Defense Appropriations bill.

In October of 2007, as part of the investigation, Defense Appropriations Subcommittee staffer Greg Lankler was subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles. On October 18, 2007, Mr. Lankler sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stating that after consulting with the Office of General Counsel he had determined that the subpoena for his testimony was "not consistent with the rights and privileges of the House" and that the subpoena for documents requested records "not material and relevant."

If Rep. Lewis has traded legislative assistance for campaign contributions, he may be charged with bribery and honest services fraud and may have violated House rules prohibiting the dispensation of special favors and acting in a manner does not reflect credibly on the House."

To read the full report, click here: http://www.crewsmostcorrupt.org/