The Biggest Dem Scandal You've Never Heard Of

[WilliamPitt]

The Biggest Dem Scandal You've Never Heard Of
Justin Elliott | November 27, 2009, 9:00AM

Three years after Dems rode Nancy Pelosi's promise to "drain the swamp" to a congressional majority, a potentially big scandal has been simmering that threatens to cause problems for the party going into the 2010 midterms.

It's a story involving what was one of D.C.'s biggest lobbying firms (until it was raided by the Feds and closed up shop), several powerful Democratic appropriators, and the defense industry. And it appears to be considerably more serious that the allegations of financial misconduct that have dogged Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) -- allegations that have gotten the lion's share of press coverage focusing on ethical transgressions.

A federal criminal investigation has touched two House Dems, and another three, along with two Republicans, are under scrutiny by a pair of congressional ethics panels in matters related to the defunct lobbying firm, PMA Group.

The investigation appears to have two focal points, according to reports: that PMA may have funneled sham donations to members of Congress through so-called "straw donors" who would be reimbursed, and that there may have been a quid pro quo, exchanging defense earmarks for campaign donations.

Much more: http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/11/pma_group_biggest_democratic_scandal_youve_never_h.php?ref=fpb

[BeFree]

1. Color me suprised?

Nah. They are all bought and paid for, selling themselves to the highest bidder.

Oh, there are a few who don't prostitute their offices. But damn, they are few.

[aquart]

2. Do I have any use for this kind of comment?

There's nothing like sneer with a broad smear for breakfast.

[dem629]

3. Exactly.

That's a huge part of why we're in the financial position we're in right now.

The politicians on both sides get the people stirred up over contentious social issues, meanwhile they (politicians of both parties), the fat-cat financial industry leaders and special interest groups are running away with all of our money.

That's politics.

I don't know why anyone trusts these people anymore.

[bridgit]

4. And the beat goes on

[piratefish08]

5. Meet the new boss

same as the old boss.

[maxpower]

6. I'm shocked

Sarcasm off.


Peace,
max

[Dennis Donovan]

7. Lawmakers close to the Military Industrial Complex bear watching...