The House Ethics Committee calls for Long Beach Democratic Rep. Laura Richardson’s reprimand for violations such as improper staff and resource use. A rare yes vote could further harm her campaign.
She reportedly made congressional staffers work on her campaign into the night — and when one asked to go home at 8 p.m., she ordered that person to make more phone calls. Staffers described her as verbally abusive and intimidating. And she used taxpayer money when planning a political fundraiser called “Democratic Idol,” featuring members of Congress singing karaoke.
For this and her “callous disregard for her staff and the resources entrusted to her by the American people,” the House Ethics Committee recommended Wednesday that Rep. Laura Richardson (D-Long Beach) be reprimanded, a rare and embarrassing punishment that would deal a severe blow to her already lagging reelection bid.
The House is expected to vote as soon as Thursday on the reprimand for violating standards of conduct. If approved, it would be the fourth House vote since 1997 to discipline a member for ethical lapses. Richardson also faces a $10,000 personal fine over the misuse of government funds.
In a scathing report, the ethics panel found Richardson improperly compelled her congressional staff to work on her campaign, used taxpayer-funded resources for personal and political activities, and obstructed the investigation.
“Her disrespect for boundaries between the offi
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