Jefferson digs in

Rep. William Jefferson, faced with allegations connected to a bribery probe, denies any wrongdoing.

Federal investigators found $90 thousand inside a freezer in Jefferson's home. They say the serial numbers on the cash match those on money Jefferson is caught on videotape accepting from a woman wrapped up in the bribery probe.

In an earlier post, I suggested strongly that if Jefferson is guilty, he should spare his district, his party and his country the spectacle of fighting the allegations. I wrote that he should resign immediately if he is guilty.

On Monday, Jefferson declared his innocence.

"There are two sides to every story. There are certainly two sides to this story," Jefferson said, adding, "This is not the time; this is not the forum" to discuss it.

Jefferson again declared his innocence and said, "I expect to continue to represent the people who sent me here."

I hope he really is innocent. If he is, I hope he is publicly exonerated with all due haste.

But if he is not innocent, and only he knows for sure, I urge Congressman Jefferson again to take the honorable path and resign. The governor of Louisiana can appoint a Democrat to serve out the remainder of his term and then run a strong race as an incumbent from Jefferson's district in New Orleans.

If William Jefferson is guilty of accepting a bribe, the road to redemption begins with resignation. There is no other path.