GOP candidate: Money means more than integrity

In a bizarre twist on matters of personal integrity, a challenger to Blue Dog Mike McIntyre this week showed what always matters most to Republicans: money.

Breazeale, who is making his second challenge against 7th District Democratic Rep. Mike McIntyre, announced this week that he is guaranteeing his pledge to serve no more than six years in Congress with a $250,000 check secured by personal assets written in a promissory note, Rob Christensen reports.

I know I shouldn't be surprised by stunts like this, but somehow I can't get past the moral squishiness behind Breazeale promissory note. To put it simply, we now have a candidate for federal office telling us in no uncertain terms that we the people can't trust him to keep his word unless there's money on the line. Of course, Breazeale is in good company. He knows that voters don't trust Republican liars like Sue Myrick, who made a similar solemn promise as part of her Contract on America, a promise that she wouldn't serve more than 12 years in Congress.

And the sleaziest part of all? When he defaults on his promise, Breazeale says he'll contribute all the money to a charity. What could be more twisted than a non-profit organization having a vested interest in the moral weakness of a public official?

Tell you what, Mr. Breazeale. If this charity is so damn important, how about just contributing the cash today and save us all the drama of watching you struggle with your inner demons. Most adults I know are fully capable of doing what they say without having to stage a publicity stunt like this to keep their word.

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The Dome headline says Breazeale put his money where his mouth is. I'd say it's more like putting his foot where his mouth is. How bizarre.