There's been a lot of talk this week about former Congressman Bob Ney. His time in federal prison is over and he soon will be a regular commentator on our radio show.

As has been widely reported, Ney has been working for my friend Ellen Ratner for about 6 months while he was in an Ohio half-way house prior to release. He has been preparing research and analysis for the team of folks who work for the Talkradio News Service. The Bureau of Prisons would not allow him to go on-the-air himself, but now he can.

I struggle with how to handle this on my radio show.

I have made it clear for years that Ney is a good,personal friend. I kept in touch with him during his time in the Morgantown federal prison. I am aware of his battle with the booze. I don't think he is a bad man nor do I think he was one to "sell" his constituents' concerns away.

But he has admitted to the crimes which sent him to prison. He may not have deserved the title "Poster boy for the culture of corruption", but he was no saint either.

I expect to introduce the released Ney to my audience soon. It may well be the first time the public --anywhere in the nation--will hear from him since his plea. What do I ask? What do we need to know? As a friend, how much can I ask on behalf of the public and when do I hold the line for his personal well being?

Keep listening.