William Jefferson (Joke--LA)

Washington Times:

Rep. William J. Jefferson's constituents here think his ethical troubles are laughable and shake their heads when asked their opinions of the congressman.
The Louisiana Democrat is the subject of a widening bribery probe, and earlier this month, he was forced from his seat on the highly coveted House tax-writing panel.
Mr. Jefferson resisted repeated calls from Democratic leaders for him to step aside, saying his Hurricane Katrina-battered district needed his help to secure funds for rebuilding efforts.
In New Orleans, mentioning his name prompts residents to grin, laugh and usually make a reference to "cold cash."
Mr. Jefferson has not been charged with a crime and maintains that he is not guilty, but investigators revealed that soon after he was videotaped accepting a $100,000 bribe, authorities found $90,000 in his freezer.
Sen. George Allen, a Virginia Republican who met with business leaders here to assess rebuilding efforts, said New Orleans "has been an important city since before Mr. Jefferson made by far the best real-estate deal ever," referring to Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase.
"First, I thought he was making a joke about our congressman," responded Mark Drennan of Greater New Orleans Inc.
Everyone in the room laughed.
Such exchanges are common in the French Quarter's shops and restaurants. Most of the people interviewed by The Washington Times didn't want to be quoted, saying the eight-term lawmaker hasn't been proven guilty, but they are happy to crack jokes at his expense.

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There is more on new potential corruption charges that are surfacing. While his constituents good humor over his mess is interesting, I don't think I would be amused if my congressman was caught with unexplained "cold cash."