When applying for a job upholding law and order, it’s generally best to follow the letter of the law — and that could be a problem for Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn.
Declaring his candidacy for state attorney general, the Minnesota Democrat violated House Ethics rules. At least, that’s the argument made by the Republican Attorneys General Association. They are calling on the Office of Congressional Ethics to investigate Ellison for improper use of congressional resources.
What was Ellison’s crime? He declared his candidacy to become attorney general on social media. More specifically, it was his official House Twitter.
ding to the Member’s Congressional Handbook, congressmen cannot share any material on official webpages that is not “germane to the conduct of the member’s official and representational duties.” And that prohibition is comprehensive, meaning a member can tweet and chat and post on Twitter, Facebook, and even Instagram so long as the shared content is related to their official duties. A member cannot, however, use official accounts on any of those platforms to promote themselves or their campaigns.
Ellison doesn’t need to delete his Twitter account.
“As discussed, it appears that Rep. Keith Ellison has used official House resources for political purposes, which is strictly prohibited,” Charles Spies, counsel to the Republican Attorneys General Association, wrote to the Office of Congressional Ethics in an official complaint obtained by the Washington Examiner.
“Therefore,” Spies concluded, “we respectfully request that OCE immediately open an investigation into this violation to determine the scope of Ellison’s improper use of House resources, and refer the matter to the House Committee on Ethics so that it may impose whatever sanctions it finds appropriate.”
Maybe that is a bit persnickety. We are all painfully and overly exposed online already. Some will shrug it off. But then again, this little gaffe is illuminating. Ellison wants to be the state’s top cop, an office that requires exceptional integrity. If one accepts that virtue and excellence are the product of continual effort and habituation, then following through on the little things is an important prerequisite for the job.
Plus, it's not like any of his potential Republican opponents enjoy a social media presence boosted by their congressional office.
