I agree that Baucus should never have done this: even the appearance of impropriety lends itself to being exposed in this way. Just out of sheer curiosity: Is it an official ethics violation to nominate a girlfriend for a post like that? I'm sure it is one to nominate an immediate family member, a relative, a business associate or government vendor, ect. But unmarried romantic partners might not be covered by the official ethics rules.
Why? Why should the woman be punished for sleeping with Baucus? He put her name on a list with 5 other people and a third party affirmed that she was qualified for the role when they placed her on the three-person shortlist presented to the President. What heinous crime has been committed here?
