The Cincinnati Post - Boehner has big ambition

WASHINGTON - Lobbyist Jack Abramoff's decision to squeal on some of his buddies in Congress could be bad news for former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

But what, if anything, does it mean for Ohio Congressman John Boehner?

Boehner, the West Chester Republican, has made no secret of his desire to get back in House leadership. DeLay was forced to step down temporarily after he was charged with conspiring to violate campaign finance laws in Texas, and his departure could provide the opening Boehner has been waiting for.

If DeLay is wounded further by his ties to Abramoff and is unable to reclaim his leadership post, it's widely assumed that Boehner will go after the job.

Yet Boehner may have problems of his own.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Boehner received $32,500 in political contributions from Indian tribes represented by Abramoff, who pleaded guilty this week to bilking his tribal clients out of millions of dollars.

No one has suggested that Boehner did anything illegal or improper. In fact, Boehner's aides point out that not only were the contributions legal, there is no evidence that they were in any way tied to Abramoff.

Regardless, Boehner's tribal bounty is impressive.

Only 12 other members of Congress got more donations than Boehner, according to the center. He raked in more than several congressional heavy-hitters, including DeLay (who got $30,500), Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid ($30,500), former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle ($26,500), and former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott ($22,000).

Hoping to avoid even the hint of scandal, several lawmakers who received donations are returning the funds or giving them to charity. But Boehner plans to keep the money unless he finds out that the donations were made via Abramoff, his office said.

And that may be where Boehner runs into a problem. If House members conclude it's time to dump DeLay permanently and choose a new leader, they'll probably want to make a clean break from the whole Abramoff mess.

Boehner's tribal contributions - and his decision to keep the money - might cost him the leadership job that he has wanted for so long.

Turns out Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning got more campaign money from Abramoff and his clients than originally thought.

The Center for Responsive Politics reported that the Southgate Republican had received $1,000 from Abramoff. But a review of campaign records by Bunning's office uncovered an additional $12,090 from Abramoff's firm and Indian tribes that he represented.

Bunning said he would give all of the money to St. Elizabeth Medical Center's new inpatient hospice program.

"Even though these contributions were handled legitimately and within the law, they are tainted by a guy who is simply bad news,'' the senator said.

And, finally, if you're one of those drivers who fear your life is on the line every time you get behind the wheel and head for the interstate, here's a bit of news that might cause you even more anxiety:

Ohio and Kentucky are among 34 states with serious gaps in their traffic safety laws, according to a new report by a national advocacy group that works to prevent highway deaths and injuries.

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety graded states on the progress they have made in passing what it calls 14 "essential'' traffic laws addressing drunken driving, occupant protection, child safety and teen driving.

Ohio and Kentucky are among the states the report says need to upgrade their laws.

Both states have passed eight of the 14 laws that the Washington-based group recommends. Neither, however, has a primary enforcement seat-belt law; a booster seat law applying to children 8 and under; a mandatory motorcycle helmet law applying to all riders; a prohibition on unsupervised driving by teen motorists between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.; or restrictions on the number of teenage passengers who may accompany a teen driver without adult supervision.

Michael Collins is The Post's Washington bureau chief. His e-mail address is collinsm@shns.com.