Who are you representing Norm?

After it was clear that it would be a while before Minnesotans knew who won the Senate election, Norm Coleman decided to take a job as a "strategic advisor" for the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), a political action committee whose mission is to "foster and enhance ties between the American Jewish community and Republican decision makers."

His excuse: "I'm not part of the millionaire's club… I still have to pay a mortgage."

It appears that, since he is no longer has senatorial influence and power, he can't find anyone to pay his rent and mortgage. Where's his good buddy Jeff Larson now?

Among the RJC's policy platforms, a belief that "states that sponsor terrorism are morally indistinguishable from the terrorists they fund, and should be brought to justice."

This is the same bankrupt principle that got us into two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan/Pakistan. (Not to mention, of course, that if our country were actually to stand by this we would be fighting wars all across the globe, including against governments we consider among our staunchest allies, such as Saudi Arabia, Colombia, and Israel.)

The RJC also holds the belief that "the U.S. has been called on to defend democracy and liberty all over the world."

Unfortunately, we can't quite figure out who "called on" us. Either way, it's a lousy rhetorical defense for implementing their half-baked foreign policy agenda.

The political action committee (PAC) also hosts friendly educational meetings such as "The Global Warming Hoax and Its Threat to our Economic Well-Being."

Now indeed, Mr. Coleman may not be involved in achieving these specific platform goals, but working for a far right-wing lobbying firm is a significant lapse in ethical judgment, and Minnesotans do recognize it.

In a press release regarding his hiring, the RJC briefly summarized his duties. "Coleman will help the RJC as it plans for the future and looks at ways to continue its historic record of growth and success." More bluntly put, Coleman will help the lobbying group expand its influence with his knowledge and connections inside Washington D.C.

No, he may not be directly lobbying elected officials because that's illegal and a direct violation of Senate rules, which is probably the only thing that is holding him back.

Coleman's need for a supplemental income while he awaits his fate in the U.S. Senate lawsuit is understandable. But, why the RJC, or any other PAC for that matter?

Although Coleman's duties as strategic consultant for the Republican Jewish Coalition may not be technically illegal (there are still concerns), that doesn't make it ethical.

With his resumé, he could have easily found temporary work somewhere that didn't create an enormous conflict of interest. Apparently, it doesn't bother him.

This is a clear sign to Minnesotans that he has low standards for himself and he does not distinguish between ethical and legal boundaries. He's willing to cheat the system, as long he won't be held accountable.

So back to the question at hand: who are you representing, Norm Coleman, and if you end up winning the U.S. Senate lawsuit, will you resume your responsibilities on behalf of your electorate? Or will you be representing PACs like the Republican Jewish Coalition - which isn't illegal, but surely unethical in the eyes of many Minnesotans.