There was a time in America when most politicians were honest. They were honorable, believed in our Republican form of government, and understood the importance of law and order, equal protection, and fairness. Those days are long gone. They have been replaced too often by a “win at all cost” attitude that, ultimately, causes all Americans to lose. Such is what is happening with U.S. Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz. U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva was 77 years old when he died on March 13, 2025. Pursuant to Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, a special election was held to fill the vacancy. Just over a month ago, on September 23, Arizona voters elected Raul’s daughter, Adelita, with an overwhelming 69% of the vote, to be the next Representative from Arizona. All candidates and parties agree Adelita Grijalva won fair and square. There were no election contests. There were no other disputes. In my 12-years’ experience in Congress, winners of special elections were usually sworn in within one to three days after winning their elections. Some waited a couple of weeks or until Congress was back in session. Under House Speaker Mike Johnson’s reign, newly elected winners of special elections have been sworn in as soon as the day after their election and no later than two weeks after their election ... except for Adelita Grijalva. Adelita Grijalva has asked to be sworn in for over a month but Speaker Johnson, R-La., refuses. He has no legitimate excuse for delay. From where I sit, it appears Johnson refuses to swear in Grijalva because her vote may affect whether Republican legislation passes or fails -- or, more pointedly, whether the Epstein files will be released as promised.