The news of a Bush administration adviser selling influence in exchange for Presidential library donations ought to make it clear of the need for transparency in these institutions. Between this case and former President Bill Clinton's shady fundraising for his own legacy palace, these projects have become no more than lame-duck slush funds.
In fact, Rep. Henry Waxman wrote a bill requiring the release of donor information, which passed the House in an overwhelming majority. Last October it went to the Senate, where it has languished because Sen. Ted Stevens has placed a hold on it. The best part is Stevens' justification: he wants the bill to apply only to Presidents coming after Bush. You really have to hand it to Stevens -- for a pol under investigation for corruption and up for reelection this year, it's remarkably gutsy to single-handedly hold up anti-corruption legislation.
--Tim Fernholz
