Dixie Chicks, Hockey Games Could Figure in Next Congressional Scandal (Rep. John Doolittle (R-Ca)

[Omaha Steve]

Source: ABC

By EMMA SCHWARTZ

Dixie Chicks concert tickets, ringside hockey seats and a private suite at Camden Yards. These are just a few of the gifts lobbyists allegedly gave a top lawmaker and his staff in exchange for help securing earmarks and other political favors for their clients -- a relationship that could lead to criminal charges against this Republican heavyweight, new court papers show.

The details are part of a 10-count indictment released today against former lobbyist and Capitol Hill staffer Kevin Ring that sheds new light on the alleged involvement of Rep. John Doolittle (R-Calif.), who is not running for reelection, in the wide-ranging influence peddling investigation stemming from the activities of now-convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

The document also highlights contacts between Abramoff and former Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Ok.) -- identified only as Representative 4 -- whose chief of staff plead guilty to taking gifts while securing a series of earmarks for Abramoff's clients.


A10-count indictment was released today against former lobbyist and Capitol Hill staffer Kevin Ring (center) that sheds new light on the alleged involvement of Rep. John Doolittle (R-Calif.) (right), in the wide-ranging influence peddling investigation stemming from the activities of now-convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The document also highlights contacts between Abramoff and former Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Ok.) (left) -- identified only as Representative 4 -- whose chief of staff plead guilty to taking gifts while securing a series of earmarks for Abramoff's clients.


The 46-page document appears to highlight how Doolittle -- identified only as Representative 5 -- helped Abramoff's team win earmarks and funding while the congressman and his staff took numerous gifts and fundraisers from Abramoff and his team.

Read more: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5756866&page=1

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4 page story

[tanyev]

1. Republicans sneaking in to Dixie Chicks concerts?

That is scandalous! Freepers might even get mad about this one.

:rofl:

[Lucy Goosey]

2. Oh, I love it!

yeehaww!!

[Hissyspit]

3. And when everyone said irony was dead right after 9/11, I said "oh, pshaw."

Nonsense. There will be more irony than ever.

[LaStrega]

9. Exactly what I thought! k&r n/t

[wildeyed]

4. Two more pubbies going down on corruption charges.

Very timely, especially with all the recent talk of earmarks in the presidential race.

[Bennyboy]

5. This comes two years too late......

Doolittle is gonzo and now the reps have come in with some heavy hitters so Charlie Brown may have his hands full winning the seat. had this been two years ago this would have sealed the deal in what turned out to be a very close election.

That said as soemeone that has lived in his district since he was in office, GOOD I HOPE THEY NAIL THE FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT TO THE WALL!

[Greyskye]

8. What you said - and Charlie Brown really needs help right now!

You are so right. If this election was being held while Do-Little was still, or at least more recently, in office; Charlie would have a much easier time of it. As it is, he has an uphill battle ahead of him. This is a heavily republican, very rural district. Recent pundits have predicted a narrow loss for the Democrats here, even with all of Do-Little's baggage. :banghead:

I know that you know all of this Bennyboy, but for everyone else out there...

To contribute to his campaign: https://www.charliebrownforcongress.org/contribute.php
5% of all 2008 campaign contributions go Veteran's organizations:

http://www.charliebrownforcongress.com/article.php?uid=762
Throughout the 2008 campaign, Brown for Congress will allocate 5% of every dollar raised to our Veterans Charity Challenge. We will identify both local and national organizations meeting critical veterans aftercare needs, and will describe their work on our website. We will then ask the public to learn more about them, and vote for their favorite. Funds will be distributed on an ongoing basis, and recipients will be listed on this page.

Charlie's website: http://www.charliebrownforcongress.com/index.php

[CitizenPatriot]

6. kriminals in the repuke party?

I'm shocked!

Wait, maybe we should be trying to find one who ISN'T guilty of a felony....anyone?

anyone?

echo....

:puke: :puke:

[Nambe]

7. Natalie Maines must be glad she´s not from Alaska.

Seems to be a lot of brain melting up there.

[Doremus]

10. Man, that dude on the right is some kind of weird. That turkey neck is out of control.

Androgynous Pat, is that you?

[olddad56]

11. Doolittle has always been a scumbag...

and the people in his district will never vote for a democrat. The elected him last time, knowing full well he was corrupt and the FBI was hot on his trail. The brainwashed are such a weird group.