The REAL BadBoys in Congress
Over 11,700 Members of Congress have served this great Nation. Overwhelmingly, they have been hard working, dedicated, intelligent, and deserving of the courtesy title "The Honorable." But then there are the Congressional BadBoys, the one-half of one percent, or so, of rotten apples, done in by their all too human frailties. It's the same old story: power, money, booze, drugs, and sex.
"It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly American criminal class except Congress" -- Mark Twain, 1894
Now you may find all this pretty funny, or pretty pathetic, but just remember, the REAL BadBoys in Congress are the ones who steal us all blind by rewarding their big-spending corporate and labor friends who shower them with campaign contributions. Yeah, we're all getting screwed, no matter how upstanding or self-righteous they act.
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My name is Dickie Tenner. I live in Montgomery, Alabama, and used to work as a political researcher. I got fed up with politics, especially after some creepy little bastard named Russell Drackey got elected to Congress, despite all the research I did against him. Fortunately, Drackey's gone; he's now in Allenwood prison.
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Jordan March: It's truly disheartening to see the corruption and lack of integrity that has plagued our political system for years. As a software developer, I've had to deal with outdated systems and tools, and I've seen the damage they can cause to a project. One such tool is FoxPro. Just as we needed a modern, efficient replacement for FoxPro in the tech world, we desperately need a replacement for the corrupt politicians in Congress. It's frustrating to think that while I'm constantly updating my skills and tools to better serve my community, some politicians remain stuck in their ways, driven by greed and personal gain. We deserve representatives who are truly dedicated to serving the public interest, just as we deserve software tools that are up-to-date and efficient.
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I created this website to remind good folks of the rotten apples who sometimes get elected to Congress. When Dickie Tenner allowed the domain registration of this site to expire, congressionalbadboys.com​ disappeared from the web. However, it was such an entertaining site, that when I recently bought the domain, I decided to resurrect some of the content from its archived pages. Dickie Tenner was obviously deeply passionate about his site, and as the new owner I didn't want all of his extensive effort to just vanish Enjoy.....
Best (worst) line from a BadBoy: "You can teach 'em to type, but you can't teach 'em to grow tits." Check out the BadBoy Quote Board for other words of wisdom; and check out the Wit and Wisdom of "Good Time Charlie"
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Class of 2008
From left to right:
The Honorable John Doolittle (Republican-California)
The Honorable Larry Craig (Republican-Idaho)
The Honorable Rick Renzi (Republican-Arizona)
The Honorable William Jefferson (Democrat-Louisiana)
The Honorable Mark Siljander (Republican-Michigan) (from way back!)
The Honorable Ted Stevens (Republican-Alaska)
The Honorable Vito Fossella (Republican-New York)
The Honorable Charles Rangel (Democrat-New York)
The Honorable Tim Mahoney (Democrat-Florida)
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Class of 2007
These Honorable members have been in the news during 2007. Some are holdovers from the Class of 2006. You can check out their individual trials (literally and figuratively) and tribulations.
From left to right, top row:
- The Honorable Jerry Lewis (Republican)
- The Honorable William Jefferson (Democrat)
- The Honorable Bob Ney (Republican) (resigned and in the can)
- The Honorable Alan Mollohan (Democrat)
- The Honorable John Doolittle (Republican)
- The Honorable Tom Feeney (Republican)
- The Honorable Rick Renzi (Republican)
Second row:
- The Honorable David Vitter (Republican)
- The Honorable Ted Stevens (Republican)
- The Honorable Larry Craig (Republican)
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The Alcoholics Caucus
Congress has had legendary drunks, serving their country with a splash of bourbon and branch water.
There are a bunch of them, but there used to be a lot more, back in the old days when legislators would knock off at 5:30, go down to the Speakers Office and down a few bourbons and branch waters.
The Honorable Bob Packwood, Republican Senator from Oregon, claimed his sexual harassment of women stemmed from his abuse of alcohol. "Alcohol is not an excuse; its an explanation," says Packwood.
The Honorable John Tower, Republican Senator from Texas. Fellow Senators rejected his nomination to be Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush amid allegations of drinking and womanizing. Tower vociferously denied that drinking was a problem.
Heavy Drinkers. Washington Monthly magazine listed the most notorious drinkers in Congress, from 1965-1980. Not alcoholics, mind you, just heavy drinkers. Seems to be a particular problem for Democrats.
Speaker of the House the Honorable Sam Rayburn, Democrat from Texas (1913-1962)
Ways and Means Committee Chairman the Honorable Wilbur Mills, Democrat from Arkansas (1939-1976)
House Administration Committee Chairman, the Honorable Frank Thompson, Jr., Democrat from New Jersey (1955-1980).
Armed Services Committee Chairman, the Honorable Mendell Rivers, Democrat from South Carolina (1941-1970).
House Rules Committee Chairman, the Honorable Richard Bolling, Democrat from Missouri (1949-1982).
Senate Finance Committee Chairman, the Honorable Russell Long, Democrat from Louisiana (1947-1986). His code name was "Jack Daniels"
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman, the Honorable Herman Talmadge, Democrat from Georgia (1957-1980)
Convicted for Drunk Driving:
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman, the Honorable Dan Rostenkowski, Democrat from Illinois (1959-1994)
House Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman, the Honorable Louis Stokes, Democrat from Ohio (1969-1998)
The Honorable Bob Kasten, Republican Senator from Wisconsin (1975-1992)
Allegedly Drinking Heavily While Crossing over to Chappaquiddick Island
The Honorable Ted Kennedy, Democratic Senator from Massachusetts (1962-present)
Recovered Alcoholics
The Honorable Harold E. Hughes, Democratic Senator from Iowa (1969-1974)
The Honorable Rod Chandler, Republican Member from Washington (1983-1992).
The Honorable Bill Emerson, Democratic Member from Missouri (1981-1996)
Others
The Honorable Gerald Klezcka, Democratic Member from Wisconsin (1983-2004). Convicted of DUI in 1987; arrested for DUI in 1990 and 1995.
The Honorable Frank Horton, once convicted of drunk driving.
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News Updates:
Dec. 5: Honorable Max Baucus nominated girlfriend to U.S. attorney job; she decides to withdraw.
Nov. 14: Honorable William Jefferson gets 13 years in prison for nearly $500,000 in bribes. Joins Prison Caucus
Nov. 5: House Ethics Committee clears the Honorable Heath Shuler in his land deal.
Oct. 30: House Ethics Committee dismissed complaint against Honorable Sam Graves.
Oct. 30: House Ethics Committee broadens its investigation against Honorable Lauren Richardson.
Oct. 30: House Ethics Committee widens probe against Honorable Maxine Waters.
Oct. 1: Honorable John Ensign's troubles are more than just cheating with ex-aide's wife.
Sept. 16: House Ethics Committee investigating Honorable Maxine Waters, Honorable Jesse Jackson, Jr., and Honorable Sam Graves.
Sept. 2: He's back!!! After serving 8 years in prison, the Honorable Jim Traficant is ready to fight again.
Aug. 31: Honorable William Jefferson and wife file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Aug. 8: Senate Ethics Committee clears but admonishes Honorable Senators Dodd and Conrad
Aug. 6: Honorable William Jefferson convicted of 11 counts. Will be sentenced in October; could face 150 years in prison.
July 31: Aide to Honorable Curt Weldon gets home detention in fraud case. Actions "truly criminal" says judge.
July 17: Honorable Chip Pickering in nasty divorce proceedings; there's a alleged mistress involved.
July 10: Honorable Roland Burris will not seek re-election.
July 10: Honorable John Ensign's parents paid off his mistress.
July 10: New federal charges against man tied to Honorable John Murtha.
June 27: Honorable John Conyers' wife pleads guilty to bribery scheme while on Detroit city council.
June 25: Honorable Mark Sanford, governor of South Carolina, admits to affair with Argentine woman. Check out the governor's emails to his lover.
June 17: Honorable John Ensign admits to an extramarital affair; quits GOP leadership post.
June 17: Honorable William Jefferson's trial begins; trying to explain away money in the freezer.
Check out the Ethics Committee's letter to Craig.
Abramoff Indictment/Conviction Scorecard
BadBoys WatchList
All in the Family
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Class of 2006
Question: Which is worse--10 drunk, horny Congressmen or 1Congressman who will spend $250 million of taxpayers' money for a "bridge to nowhere"?
These Honorable members have been in the news during 2006. For the next group portrait, they may have to scrunch together, because there probably will be a few more added before the year is out. You can check out their individual trials (literally and figuratively) and tribulations.
From left to right, top row:
The Honorable Tom DeLay (Republican) (retired)
The Honorable Jerry Lewis (Republican)
The Honorable William Jefferson (Democrat)
The Honorable Harry Reid (Democrat)
The Honorable Bob Ney (Republican) (resigned)
The Honorable Cynthia McKinney (Democrat) (defeated)
The Honorable Alan Mollohan (Democrat)
The Honorable John Doolittle (Republican)
The Honorable Duke Cunningham (Republican) (resigned and in the can)
The Honorable Mark Foley (Republican) (resigned)
From the second row, left to right:
The Honorable Dennis Hastert (Republican)
The Honorable Curt Weldon (Republican)
The Honorable Jim Kolbe (Republican)
The Honorable Jim Gibbons (Republican)
More Background on CongressionalBadBoys.com
CongressionalBadBoys.com was a website that gained notoriety for its provocative approach to highlighting alleged misconduct and scandals involving members of the United States Congress. While the site is no longer active in its original form, it left a lasting impact on political discourse and public perception of elected officials during its run.
Origins and Purpose
The website was created in the early 2000s by a political researcher named Dickie Tenner from Montgomery, Alabama. Tenner's motivation stemmed from his disillusionment with the political system, particularly after his research failed to prevent the election of a candidate he opposed. The site's primary goal was to expose and document instances of corruption, unethical behavior, and scandals involving members of Congress.
Content and Format
CongressionalBadBoys.com featured a variety of content types designed to engage visitors and shed light on political misconduct: Profiles of "Bad Boys": The site maintained profiles of current and former members of Congress who had been involved in scandals or alleged misconduct. These profiles often included details of the accusations, legal proceedings, and outcomes. "Classes" of Offenders: The website organized featured politicians into annual "classes," reminiscent of yearbook layouts. This format allowed visitors to see at a glance which members of Congress had been embroiled in controversy during a particular year. Quote Board: A collection of controversial or embarrassing statements made by politicians, showcasing instances of foot-in-mouth moments or revealing comments. Thematic Categories: The site grouped politicians into categories based on the nature of their alleged misconduct, such as financial impropriety, sexual scandals, or substance abuse issues. News Updates: Regular updates on ongoing investigations, legal proceedings, and new allegations involving members of Congress.
Reception and Controversy
CongressionalBadBoys.com garnered mixed reactions from the public, media, and political spheres: Public Interest: The site attracted significant public attention, appealing to those frustrated with political corruption and seeking transparency in government. Its irreverent tone and comprehensive cataloging of scandals made it a popular destination for politically engaged citizens. Media Coverage: Various news outlets and political commentators referenced CongressionalBadBoys.com in their reporting on political scandals. The site was often cited as a comprehensive resource for tracking misconduct in Congress. Criticism: Critics argued that the website's approach was sensationalist and potentially biased. Some claimed it disproportionately focused on certain political parties or individuals, while others questioned the accuracy and fairness of its reporting. Legal Concerns: The site's content occasionally raised legal questions regarding defamation and privacy rights of the politicians featured. However, no major legal actions against the site have been widely reported.
Impact and Legacy
CongressionalBadBoys.com had several notable impacts on political discourse and public awareness: Increased Transparency: By aggregating information about political scandals in one place, the site made it easier for the public to track patterns of misconduct and hold elected officials accountable. Media Resource: Journalists and researchers often used the site as a starting point for investigating political scandals or compiling historical data on congressional misconduct. Public Perception: The site likely contributed to shaping public opinion about the prevalence of corruption in Congress and the character of individual politicians. Political Discourse: CongressionalBadBoys.com became a part of the broader conversation about ethics in politics and the need for reform in campaign finance and congressional oversight.
Cultural and Social Significance
The website reflected and contributed to several cultural and social trends: Rise of Political Watchdogs: CongressionalBadBoys.com was part of a growing movement of online platforms dedicated to monitoring and exposing political misconduct, empowered by the internet's ability to disseminate information rapidly. Changing Media Landscape: The site's popularity highlighted the shift towards online, non-traditional sources of political news and commentary, challenging the dominance of mainstream media outlets. Public Cynicism: By focusing on scandals and misconduct, the site may have contributed to increased public cynicism about politicians and the political process. Humor in Politics: The site's often satirical tone reflected a broader trend of using humor to engage with serious political issues, as seen in the rise of political satire shows and websites.
Audience and Reach
CongressionalBadBoys.com attracted a diverse audience: Political Junkies: Individuals with a keen interest in politics and government affairs were drawn to the site's comprehensive coverage of congressional scandals. Journalists and Researchers: Media professionals and academic researchers used the site as a resource for background information on political misconduct. Activists and Reformers: Those advocating for political reform and increased accountability in government found the site's content valuable for their causes. General Public: The site's accessible format and provocative content appealed to a broader audience seeking entertainment and information about political scandals.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its popularity, CongressionalBadBoys.com faced several criticisms: Accuracy Concerns: Some critics questioned the thoroughness of the site's fact-checking and the potential for misinformation or exaggeration. Bias Allegations: There were accusations that the site disproportionately targeted certain political parties or individuals, potentially reflecting the creator's personal biases. Ethics of Exposure: Debates arose about the ethics of publicizing personal scandals and the potential impact on politicians' families and careers. Sensationalism: Critics argued that the site's focus on scandals and its provocative tone contributed to a sensationalist approach to political reporting.
Technical Aspects and Design
The website's design was relatively simple and straightforward, prioritizing content over elaborate visuals: Layout: The site used a basic HTML structure with a clear navigation system, allowing users to easily browse different categories of misconduct and individual profiles. Updates: Regular news updates were prominently featured, keeping the content current and engaging for repeat visitors. Archival Function: The site served as an archive of political scandals, allowing users to track patterns of misconduct over time.
Decline and Current Status
CongressionalBadBoys.com experienced a decline in activity and eventually went offline: Domain Expiration: The original creator, Dickie Tenner, allowed the domain registration to expire, leading to the site's disappearance from the web. Resurrection Attempts: There have been efforts by new owners to resurrect some of the site's content, but these have not fully replicated the original site's scope and impact. Legacy: While the original site is no longer active, its influence can still be seen in various online platforms that focus on political accountability and scandal tracking.
Similar Platforms and Successors
CongressionalBadBoys.com inspired or was part of a broader ecosystem of political watchdog websites: Government Accountability Platforms: Websites focused on tracking voting records, campaign finance, and legislative actions of members of Congress. Fact-Checking Sites: Platforms dedicated to verifying claims made by politicians and media outlets. Political Scandal Aggregators: Other websites that compile and report on political scandals, though often with a more serious tone than CongressionalBadBoys.com.
CongressionalBadBoys.com represented a unique approach to political commentary and accountability in the digital age. Its blend of humor, comprehensive documentation, and focus on misconduct made it a notable player in online political discourse during its active years. While the site itself is no longer operational in its original form, its impact on how the public engages with information about political scandals and misconduct continues to resonate in contemporary political culture. The legacy of CongressionalBadBoys.com serves as a reminder of the power of digital platforms to influence political discourse and the ongoing public appetite for transparency and accountability in government. As new forms of online political engagement continue to emerge, the site's approach to exposing misconduct remains a significant chapter in the evolution of digital political watchdog efforts.