US Senator Max Baucus of Montana is in the news with his affair proclivities. In the latest turn of events, the senator, who is Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and co-author of the Senate Health care Bill, has nominated his lover for a US Attorney position. His lover, Melodee Hanes was nominated for the position by the Senator. Although the Senator claims that the nomination has NOTHING to do with his affair, it is certainly suspicious. She made over $120,000 last year while working for the Senator and has also done very well this year. Affairs have a way of blinding one’s view and bending values beyond recognition. Perhaps people in Montana are more open minded about cheaters and how they compromise their values. Making over $120,000 is certainly a lot of money where I come from, and I am sure that it is a lot of money in Billings Montana. It is also curious how someone who was a Congressional staffer is NOW suddenly qualified to be a US attorney. Her nomination raises questions about what qualifies someone to be a US attorney in that State. Although Baucus denies any favors, actions often speak louder than words. Never mind that they currently live together, a man having an affair would not lie, would he? At least Melodee had the common sense to remove herself from the list of nominees.
Cheaters have a way of compromising their values and reputation. Infidelity often reaches into the highest tiers of government, as in the case of Max Baucus. No position or amount of money makes one immune to cheating. No one is beyond being infected and twisted by its infection.
At least Tiger Woods had the decency not to nominate his lover to key government positions. If the Senator is compromised in the area of nominations, it raises questions about how far the effects of his affair have crept into other areas of his life and policy decisions.
Best Regards,
Jeffrey Murrah
