Federal judge backs FBI raid on Jefferson office

Despite the protests from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, a federal judge Monday backed the FBI's raid on the office of Rep. William Jefferson, D-La. Legislators felt the raid, which was held in conjunction with a criminal investigation into Jefferson's activities, violated the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas Hogan, in a 28-page ruling, rejected all the arguments, saying their theories, if carried to their logical conclusion, would allow members of Congress to hide evidence of criminal activities.

While all care should be exercised to make certain the executive branch does not misuse this power, it seems ludicrous to stop an investigation into corruption at the House door, if that door is being used to shield the Congressman from prosecution.