If Ney's defenders are going to continue to push the "he's innocent and hasn't been even officially accused of a crime" defense, then they should tell Congressman Ney to stick to that script.
Ohio GOP to Ney: If indicted, resign!
However, in today's Cincinnati Enquirer, Ohio GOP Bob Bennett, perhaps one of the most effective and powerful political chairs in Ohio history, said today that if Ney is indicted, then he should resign.
Ney to GOP: If I go down, so will you.
In response to the Ohio GOP chairman's admonishment that Ney should resign if indicted for the Abramoff affair, Ney responded:
Ney said: "I would say if he asked me to step down that he'd better look in the mirror because glass houses break easily."
Update [2006-1-20 13:58:22 by ohdemvoter]:
Ohio GOP to Ney: "Never mind, then.... (hat tip:RBH)
From the
Guardian:
Ohio GOP chairman pledged full support Thursday for Rep. Bob Ney, a day after he said the party would ask Ney to leave Congress if he were to be indicted for his alleged role in lobbyist Jack Abramoff's influence peddling scheme.
(..)
Bennett backed off Thursday, saying: ``Rep. Ney has said he believes a fair and thorough investigation will help to clear his name, and I take him at his word. It's important to let that process play out and to get all the facts on the table.''
Sounds like a man who has alot knowledge of criminal or ethical improprieties...
So, it looks like Ney is ready to spill the beans on his knowledge of Ohio Republican Party and he believes it could be embarassing [update: and apparently Bennett agrees!]