Rep. Slaughter Takes On Republican Culture of Corruption

This week, the Democratic National Committee's Podcast features an interview with U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter of New York, the Ranking Democrat on the House Rules Committee. Slaughter takes on the Republican culture of corruption, noting its growing impact despite the retirement of former Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. Slaughter also holds President Bush accountable for placing politics above the security of the American people by authorizing leaks of classified information for political gain.

"Even though [DeLay's] gone and not running the place, he set up this culture of corruption here...the culture continues, we're going to have to do some heavy cleaning to get the Congress back up in shape," said Slaughter.

Slaughter later highlights the damage done to the intelligence community as a result of President Bush's actions.

"It's one more indication that they believe the rules were not made for them," said Slaughter. "[This] damaged the entire intelligence operation because people wouldn't trust us any more. That single thing for political gain I think has cost us tremendously," she added.

This week, the Podcast also features audio from DNC Voting Rights Institute Chair Donna Brazile about a Get-Out-The-Vote plan to help displaced New Orleanians vote in their April 22nd municipal elections. The plan includes a new toll free number, 1-888-DEM-VOTE or 1-888-336-8683, which provides displaced New Orleans voters now living in Louisiana and neighboring states critical information about the process to request an absentee ballot application, new polling locations in New Orleans, and early voting satellite locations in Louisiana.

To listen to the podcast, click here.

The DNC's Podcast, an audio broadcast that listeners can download for play on portable music devices or on computers, gives listeners a chance to regularly hear from party leaders, newsmakers, strategists, policy makers, and the grassroots of the Democratic Party.