Panel Finds 'Credible Evidence' Cranston Violated Ethics Rules

The panel's investigation of the so-called Keating Five centered on whether they violated Senate rules in intervening with regulators on behalf of Keating's Lincoln Savings and Loan Association during a period in which Keating was raising more than $1.3 million for their political campaigns and causes.

All five senators have denied any wrongdoing, and most of them reiterated their claims of innocence yesterday. The angriest statement came from Cranston, who said, "It's clear that I have been unfairly singled out despite the evidence in all five cases."

Riegle called the decision "fair and constructive" and said he "accepts the committee's view that there was an appearance of impropriety."

Said DeConcini: "I stand by my record. I think my appearance has been proper."

"I see it as a full exoneration," McCain said.

"I have been vindicated, just as I said I would be from the very outset of this investigation," said Glenn.