There seems to be no high road in politics

No matter what the outcome from the Nov. 4 election, our Alaska political pool is still polluted.

If we are unwilling to adequately probe the financial sources of every politician, how do we sink the ship of corruption without going down with it?

My question is primarily to fellow Democrats claiming the high-road. Some Democratic legislators have pocketed contributions during their careers from the very same clientele bringing down a senior senator and threatening our congressman. VECO for example, has contributed to many Alaska legislators of both parties over the years, and few even raised an eyebrow. Are our own ethics so watered down that we wait until someone is caught to stand up?

Accepting certain lobbyist contributions may be legal but it doesn't make it right - our ethical boundaries have blurred.

When candidates reply that they quit taking money from corrupt lobbyists and executives before investigations - are we really satisfied with that? Is that the extent of our morality?

No party can take the high ground on this. Sen. Ted Stevens is surely not the only one susceptible to wrong-doing.

No matter how well paid or loyal, public servants react to current constituent values and the level of accountability demanded. We, the public, must hold the ethical front-lines. We must question and investigate every candidate and every incumbent about their sources of funds regardless of discomfort or party affiliation.

Otherwise, we can't "rock the vote" if we're too timid to "rock the boat."

Diane E. Benson

Former Democratic congressional candidate

Eagle River