For his labors, Reed's business received at least $4 million from Abramoff, but also his scorn. Abramoff wrote to his associate Michael Scanlon on Valentine's Day, 2002, "I know you (we!) hate him [Reed], but it does give us good cover and patter give him some chump change." The Senate report showed scoffing at Reed's earlier reputation as a moral leader: When a tribal public relations representative observed that Mr. Reed was an "ideologue," the report quotes Mr. Abramoff's reply -- "as far as the cash goes."

Now, we'll have to find out how many Georgia Republicans are willing to put aside questions of character and cast their votes according to rhetoric. Some are arguing that Reed is on the right side on issues they care about, so what does it matter if his character is questionable? Well, we've found out again and again in American history how voters who choose manipulators because they vote the right way eventually lose out: Republicans with Richard Nixon and Democrats with Bill Clinton had their comeuppances. Now we'll see whether Georgians have learned from history or are doomed to repeat it.

A candidate is more than his voting record or speeches on today's issues. What's most important is whether he'll respond to tomorrow's issues in a thoughtful and trustworthy way.