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Tsk-tsk: Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-Long Beach) has been formally reprimanded by the House Ethics Committee for "ethical misconduct," reports the L.A. Times. Additionally, Richardson has agreed to pay a $10,000 fine out of her own pocket.The scolding and disciplinary action stems from allegations Richardson, now serving in her third term in the post, "improperly pressured her congressional staff to work on her campaign, used taxpayer-funded resources for personal and political activities, and obstructed the investigation."
The investigation into the accusations unearthed some uncomfortable findings for Richardson. Among the stinging revelations was one disabled vet who used to work in Richardson's office who said, in her resignation letter, she would “rather be at war in Afghanistan” than stay working for the Congresswoman. Other staffers are said to have issued "desperate, sometimes emotional, pleas for help" during the investigation. Ouch.
“I do take these findings very seriously and do accept the responsibility,” said Richardson in DC.
Richardson represents California's 37th District, which includes the communities of Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrook and Signal Hill, as well as parts of the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County.