CREW Requests FBI Investigation into Rep. Laura Richardson

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: Business Wire

Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) asked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to begin a criminal investigation into Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA). Internal office emails obtained by CREW, as well as numerous press reports, show Rep. Richardson routinely forced her congressional staff to work on her campaign or risk losing their jobs. She also required staff to perform personal errands.

CREW’s complaint alleges Rep. Richardson intimidated staff into making political contributions, solicited contributions on federal property, improperly used appropriated funds, and made false statements to Congress.

“Rep. Richardson presented staffers with an odious choice: work on her campaign, or lose their jobs,” said CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan. “Astonishingly, in just three short terms, Rep. Richardson has been the subject of at least two ethics investigations. Now a criminal investigation should be added to the list. Although there is some competition for the title, Rep. Richardson may well be the most ethically challenged member of Congress.”

Internal emails regarding a fundraising event dubbed “Democratic Idol” show Richardson Chief of Staff Shirley Cooks told employees they were required to attend the event, wearing staff shirts embroidered with the phrase “37th Congressional District.” In an email from her official House account, Ms. Cooks stated that spouses and interns were expected to attend as well.

Read more: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110628006502/en/CREW-Requests-FBI-Investigation-Rep.-Laura-Richardson

[Proletariatprincess]

1. anybody know

what district in California she is represents?

[TheWraith]

2. California 37th: Long Beach, Compton, Signal Hill.

43% Hispanic, 25% Black, 17% White, 11% Asian. Roughly 3 to 1 Democratic advantage.

[Proletariatprincess]

9. thanks for responding....

interesting.

[Freddie Stubbs]

10. All of that could change with redistricting

[TheWraith]

3. Interesting, since many congressional staffers work on the reelect too...

I'm guessing that by "forced" them to work, they probably mean she required them to volunteer their time. If that's the case, she deserves what she gets.

[EC]

4. When does she run for re-election?

She needs to be primaried and pushed out, if she can't learn from her mistakes. This is the 3rd time for a violation, this time an illegal charge. We don't need this kind of Dem. This is the kind of thing repubs do, requiring their staff to attend affairs to make it look like they attracted a good crowd or other dirty work i.e. 2000 voter rioting in Florida (Brooks Brothers Riot).

[Freddie Stubbs]

7. 2012

[TheWraith]

8. Every two years, like all other members of the House. nt

[DreamSmoker]

5. What the hell is this???

Think about it???
Of all the ethics violations by all members in Congress and the FBI is asked to investigate this???
For 8 years the Repukes ran this Country into the ground.. With No accountability what so ever to date....

[Freddie Stubbs]

6. CREW is a liberal watchdog group which mainly Republican targets for its investigations