I'm Shocked, SHOCKED, to Know That Money Was Tainted

As of this morning, 24 politicans have taken the pledge. You know the pledge. It begins with, "my campaign did receive money from Abramoff, BUT THERE WAS NO UNDERSTANDING OF A QUID PRO QUO, and I did NOTHING WRONG, but to avoid even the slightest taint of wrongdoing, I'm giving the money to charity."

So far, various charities will be receiving $515,199. Which, given the millions that Abramoff fed into the coffers of various politicians, is chicken feed. But hey, as the investigation continues, I have a feeling a lot more chickens will be giving up their feed.

The Charitable Politicians:
House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) will donate at least $60,000 to charity
Tom DeLay, the former House majority leader, has pledged to donate $57,000 to charity
Acting House Majority Leader Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) has pledged $8,500 to charity.

I know, I know, it looks as though Abramoff gave all his money to Republicans. Nah, there were a few dems. Of the 24 giving up their money now, 3 were Dems - Sens. Max Baucus (Mont.), Richard J. Durbin (Ill.) and Byron L. Dorgan (N.D.) are donating their combined $97,000 to charity.

On the other hand, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (Dem from Nevada) isn't giving up his $47,000 from Abramoff. And why not. He's from Nevada. This kind of exchange is just considered good business.