Status quo survives

Status quo survives
By Boston Herald Editorial Staff

Republicans pushing for new ethics reforms in the House have tossed Speaker Robert DeLeo and Rules Committee Chairman John Binienda a John Lackey-esque softball — and still they’ve managed to whiff.

Democrats on Wednesday refused to release from committee a GOP proposal for internal rules changes, missing a huge opportunity to prove that they are serious about polishing the Legislature’s heavily-tarnished reputation — and at a time when they’re facing criticism about their handling of a controversial casino bill.

Highlights of the GOP proposal include the requirement of an equal number of seats for Democrats and Republicans on the Ethics Committee (currently the majority party dominates membership) and a requirement that registered lobbyists wear ID badges while working inside the State House.

No, these aren’t the most dazzling changes, but that makes the majority party’s intransigence even more puzzling. This is a lay-up for leadership. They don’t have to approve every last idea, but they could at least prove their willingness to work with Republicans and consider creative ways to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the most honest, ethical and transparent manner.

Ah, but that would require an open discussion about the seedier side of deal-making on Beacon Hill. Better to pretend that the House is all stocked up on ethics, even after the conviction of the previous speaker on bribery and corruption charges. Rank-and-file Democrats should stop acting like sheep and join the GOP in demanding a full debate.