Dear Editor:
Close attention should be paid to an extremely dangerous precedent being attempted that has nationwide implication, namely “investigation” of the legislative process of State Legislatures by Federal agencies, which is happening in New Jersey as we speak.
The US Attorney in New Jersey, Christopher Cristie, started an unprecedented “investigation” of Democratic US Senate candidate Robert Menendez at the height of the recent US Senate campaign (2006) while at the same time, his Republican opponent based his whole campaign on “corruption” in Hudson County (Sen. Menendez still won.)
Now he has launched an unprecedented “probe” of the legislative/budget process of the NJ State Legislature to see if appropriations of the State Legislature itself might indirectly “benefit” associates of individual legislators, (is the State Legislature an accomplice? Does the same rule apply to Congress? Will this lead to divisive political retaliation in coming years?)
If Federal authorities can acquire jurisdiction and control over the legislative process in one State, it can do so in all States, (starting “probes” during elections, perhaps) which would destroy democracy, separation of powers, freedom and the rule of constitutional law in our nation and society.
Power to investigate is power to intimidate and control. There can be little question that Washington was consulted before this extremely radical step was taken, and it must be fought to the death.
Very truly yours,
John Tomasin