Santos would mean an even narrower Republican majority, and then a strong possibility he’s replaced by a Democrat – either in a special election or in the 2024 general election.The whole Santos episode is an embarrassment – for the Republican Party, for his voters, for the major news outlets that didn’t pick up on the local reporting that raised important allegations long before Election Day.Still, it points to the resilience of American democracy. When Representative Traficant was convicted in 2002, the House voted to expel him three months later. If convicted, he could legally continue to serve from prison.The moment presents a test for the narrow House GOP majority. He has also already declared for a second term. Santos has long withstood calls to resign – including from many Republicans – and faced countless jokes. Santos’ constituents, and for Congress itself, it’s a sad moment. Now he’s in legal jeopardy, and the stakes are much higher.For Mr. He has pleaded not guilty to 13 criminal counts of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements to the House of Representatives.Ī summary of the federal charges can be read here. The most serious charge, wire fraud, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.Representative Santos admitted months ago to “embellishing” his résumé and told British TV host Piers Morgan that he’s a “terrible liar.” But owning up to lies is one thing. The first-term member of Congress – already infamous as a serial fabulist about, apparently, pretty much every facet of his life – was indicted Tuesday and turned himself in Wednesday. James Traficant of Ohio was expelled from Congress after a 10-count felony conviction on charges including racketeering and the filing of false tax returns.Today, it’s Republicans grappling with the alleged criminal behavior of one of their own, Rep.

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