National Enquirer retracts claim of Obama sex scandal

By GottaLaff

I knew this was coming. But first, before that all-important retraction, make sure the word got out there, right?

The National Enquirer, which published a report this morning that “investigators are attempting to obtain a tape” that proved an illicit rendezvous between President Barack Obama and former US Senate campaign staffer Vera Baker, has updated their story this afternoon to retract the claim that there is video evidence of the affair with the alleged testimony of an anonymous chauffeur.

Looks like the National Enquirer Obama sex scandal is unraveling rather quickly.

How perfectly timed to go with the bogus "Catastrophic oil slick is Obama's Katrina" meme. That librul press, always siding with the dictator!

H/t: RWRenfrew, JamieHarbor

Scandal Watch: Scott Brown Accused of Harassment in 1998

By GottaLaff

But will the Senate ethics committee investigate? Don't be silly:

Jennifer Firth, a local mortgage banker who was elected to the Board of Selectmen in 1999, filed a civil defamation suit against Brown in July of 2000, alleging that he had harassed her when she worked on his campaign in 1998, and then tried to smear her reputation around town with forged letters and emails.

I can see the attraction, what with his affinity for the pink leather shorts and all. Who could resist a guy like that?

She also alleged that Brown told several people that he'd had an "intimate relationship" with her and that he had a stack of sexually explicit letters that Firth had sent him. In her suit, Firth says that she'd never been sexually intimate with Brown, nor did she ever send him the aforementioned letters. A 2000 article in the local paper, the Sun Chronicle reported that Brown had denied the charges; for her part, Firth said she felt that filing the suit was "the only way I could stop this."

Allegedly.

But wait! There's more! Two days later....

Two days after the lawsuit was filed, Jennifer Firth's lawyer, Harvey Schwartz, filed a motion to withdraw as her counsel, saying that "to the best of [Schwartz's] knowledge, information and belief, the above allegations [by Firth] are not supported by 'good grounds.'" The next day, Jennifer Firth withdrew her suit. It was dismissed with prejudice, which means it can never be re-filed. Brown told a local newspaper that her lawyer had decided to withdraw after he was presented with letters and e-mail messages that proved she'd been harassing Brown.

Maybe Firth should go before the ethics committee.

Come to think of it, maybe the ethics committee should go before the ethics committee.

Who paid Firth off, I wonder... Or maybe she had no case. Or maybe ... Or maybe...

Rushpublics are so good at making a lot out of allegations and conjecture, enough to ruin careers. Dems on the other hand....

More details, speculation, and the court documents here.

Staffers Knew of John Edwards Affair

By GottaLaff

Marc Ambinder quotes from John Heilemann's and Mark Halperin's book Game Change, the same book that called out O'Palin for her failure to remember Joe O'Biden's last O'name.

My mind keeps drifting back to Chris Kofinis (who I enjoy a lot when he's on Countdown, et al.) and what he says about his former boss when he's not on air:

Not only, it turns out, did many senior Edwards staffer suspect that John was having an affair, several confronted John Edwards about it, and came away believing the rumors. At least three campaign aides resigned because of their knowledge of the affair well before the national media picked up on those early National Enquirer stories." [...]

The authors describe a moment where Elizabeth, in a such a state of fury, deliberately tears her blouse in the parking lot of a Raleigh airport terminal, 'exposing herself. 'Look at me,' she wailed at John and then staggered, nearly falling to the ground.' (That's page 142.)

And that didn't make it to ClusterFox or TMZ? No amateur cell phone journalists caught that?

I can't begin to imagine what Elizabeth and the kids went through... nor what the Democratic party would have gone through had Edwards won the primary. "Disgusting cad" doesn't begin to describe him.

And what happens to sleazy politicians like him who get busted after deceiving voters, cheating on their wives, and hurting their children? Their legacies are defined by scandal and the pain they've caused. Via New York magazine:

"For all the high drama of the Obama-Clinton battle and the historic import of the former's general-election victory over McCain, Edwards's story is equally, lastingly resonant: an archetypal political tragedy in which the very same qualities that fuel any presidential bid -- ego, hubris, vanity, neediness, a kind of delusion -- became all-consuming and self-destructive. And in which the gap between public facade and private reality simply grew too vast to bridge."

He could have done so much more good; he was well on his way. But as so many in positions of power do ::coughTigercough:: he believed he was invincible and let his ego, notoriety, and, well, Little Johnny take over.

What a waste.

Cartoon of the Day

Click to enlarge, via.

Max Baucus: Relationship Was Not An 'Affair'

By GottaLaff

Senate Finance Chair Max Baucus (D-Mont.) wasn't really having an affair with his former State Director Melodee Hanes, see. And we believe him, because what possible reason would he have to mislead anyone?

“Mel and I have a wonderful relationship. We are living together and enjoying spending time with each other and our families. I'm as happy as I've ever been. Mel and I were both separated from our former spouses when we got together. It wasn't an ‘affair.’ As we grew closer and things progressed, we knew it was time to begin the process of Mel transitioning out of my Senate office” [...]

Baucus also didn't really nominate "Mel" for U.S. attorney in Montana.

“As a highly qualified prosecutor who tried more than 100 jury trials and as a former law professor, Mel would have been an excellent U.S. Attorney for Montana. [...] I for one did not want her relationship with me to disqualify her from applying for the position. I appointed an independent, third-party reviewer and established an open and fair process that resulted in 3 names being sent, unranked, to the White House for consideration,” Baucus said in the statement.

So they thought the better of it, you see, and Mel withdrew her name.

And then they lived together.

And then Mel applied for the DoJ job all by her lonesome. And lo and behold, she got it.

So the not-affair not-affected and not-led to the not-job that she got on her own.

Not-clear?

Aide: Baucus nominated girlfriend for US attorney

I can't even get outraged over this asswipe pulling this crap. But, as OW points out, this guy is the brain trust that has been screwing us over health care all year.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus was romantically involved with a former staffer when he recommended her earlier this year to become the next U.S. attorney for Montana, a spokesman said.

The Montana Democrat and his former state office director Melodee Hanes began their relationship in the summer of 2008 after Baucus separated from his wife, Ty Matsdorf told The Associated Press late Friday.

Baucus nominated Hanes for the U.S. attorney post in March. But she later withdrew, saying she had been presented with other opportunities she couldn't pass up.

The Senate leader who's been a major proponent of Democratic health care legislation had submitted six names to a third-party reviewer, who whittled those to Hanes and two others. Matsdorf said the senator sent the three names to the White House with no ranking to select a nominee.

Matsdorf said Baucus' relationship with his girlfriend had nothing to do with his decision.

Video- Woman at center of Tiger Woods scandal

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Just thought you'd like to see this. Lord have mercy, I guess there really is a reason I don't watch reality tv. I guess she's having a presser at 230EST to confess or reject all. Snore.

All Sanford All the Time: A Fox News chyron listed Sanford as a Democrat

By GottaLaff

The Rushpublics are so forgiving of Mark Sanford's infidelity, because, come on, "he spoke up like a man". How inclusive and Christian of them that they can forgive his lies to the media, his staff, America.

But what about the oath he took at his wedding? Will they be as lenient about breaking his vows? You know the ones, the vows that are so sacred that they don't want to share them with Teh Gay community? Yeah, those vows.

Some updates:

• Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS) -- who has also been floated as a potential 2012 candidate -- has taken over as head of the RGA.

• Jim Geraghty at the Corner writes:

There will be an effort to impeach Sanford, a Republican strategist with ties to South Carolina tells me. "He's going to have to resign. It's South Carolina." His rivals in the state legislature were among those fanning the flames of "Where the hell is he?"questions yesterday.

• A Fox News chyron listed Sanford as a Democrat.

• Sanford has also been an opponent of same-sex marriage, saying in 2004, “As Jenny and I are the parents of four little boys, we’ve always taught our kids that marriage was something between a man and a woman.” [The Post and Courier, 2/11/04]

Sanford sings, "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina": Immediate reaction

By GottaLaff

Stream of consciousness post-o'-the-day:

"I spent 5 days of my life crying in Argentina."

He apologized and apologized, oh, and he apologized. I guess his naked hiking took place in Argentina, not Appalachia mountain trails.

He's resigning from the chair of GOP Governors' Association. That's the least he can do

If he speaks from the heart, it makes it all okay, right? After all, he is a Rushpublic. Senator Jake Knotts on MSNBC just said, with admiration, "he spoke up like a man. I really feel for the man."

That's not all he did like a man.

But the Dems "shouldn't make political hay out of this", says one MSNBC punditiot.

Here's the reaction from the Twitterverse:

The Hyper Fix, Chris Cillizza: Relationship with a woman in Argentina...."I would ask for y'alls indulgence for Jenny and the boys." Sanford resigning as chair of the RGA....he would have been replaced by Haley Barbour in 2010 anyway.

Ana Marie Cox: YAWWWWNNNN Move along folks, nothing to see....

I'm going to use this moment to, while I can, float one of the more bizarre theories about Sanford: He's fucking insane.

dave weigel: *Quietly packing up homemade Sanford 2012 merchandise*

Yat Pundit: this guy really should have called david vitter first

markos m: Mark Sanford: "What happens in Argentina stays in Argentina!"

delrayser: Sanford admits to relationship with "a dear friend from Argentina." Gender... UNCLEAR.

melodymuses: Gov Sanford: Sen Ensign and I have been in love for a while now.

Shoq: ZOMG. Now Sanford is tearing up... lol//Don't cry for me Argentina...

mikemadden: Sanford apologizing to pretty much anyone who flits into his mind right now. (And GOP was upset with Obama for apologizing too much?)

delchoness: Larry Craig. Mark Foley. David Vitter. John Ensign. Mark Sanford.

Hunter DK: Once again, we have someone from Argentina doing a job an American doesn't want to do.

But let's not make hay out of this. After all, during Bill Clinton's indiscretion, everyone avoided the subject like the plague.

Moral: If you apologize often and early, then nobody can make fun of you. You are immune from late night jokes, and you are forgiven.

A-f'ing-men.

Ensign had earlier affair in 2002

By GottaLaff

Ooo, those family values sure do take a ::ahem:: back seat to Rushpublic urges and hypocrisy:

It is being reported that Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) had an earlier extra-martial affair in 2002. This comes to light after the national news of his recent sexual tryst with a staffer's wife.

The disclosure resurrected questions about a two-week period in 2002 when Ensign abruptly dropped from public view. A person familiar with that episode, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the senator told a close associate the absence followed an earlier affair.

Rumors, rumors...

1999: "John Ensign [...] will not be alone in a car with a woman"

By GottaLaff

Apparently, John broke the unspoken rule. Maybe somebody should have read it aloud:

"Christian politicians and evangelical leaders commonly follow an unspoken rule not to meet behind closed doors with women staff members or travel alone with them... John Ensign, who is running for senate in Nevada will not be alone in a car with a woman."

-- Washington Post, September 30, 1999

Nevada Senator Ensign (R) admits to extramarital affair

Good**, I always thought he had a real chance at '12 and this will put the kibosh on it. More as I get it (it was just announced on MSNBC) Added- Cilizza has it-

Sources in Washington and Nevada say Republican Sen. John Ensign, a rising star in the Republican Party considering a 2012 presidential bid will hold a press conference later today in which he will acknowledge an extramarital affair.

Ensign, a member of the Senate GOP leadership, flew back to his native Las Vegas today in anticipation of the public announcement, sources said, missing a vote considered key to the Nevada tourist industry.

Two senior GOP political strategists, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter, said the announcement was imminent. They declined to say with whom Ensign had the affair.

**Let me clarify for my own peace of mind, not good as in he had an affair (I wouldn't wish that drama on anyone's family) but good that he'll be too tarnished to run in '12.

John Edwards: Vomit-Inducer Extraordinaire

By GottaLaff

Via Oliver, we get one revolting revelation...

Despite feeling deeply deceived, Elizabeth Edwards nonetheless publicly stood by her husband’s side, lending his candidacy the aura of a warm, loving family life.

But she had actually wanted him to quit the race to protect the family. Edwards admitted the hanky-panky to her days after declaring his candidacy in 2006 - almost a year before the National Enquirer reported it.

... and from the AP, we get another:

Elizabeth Edwards writes in a new memoir that news of her husband's affair made her vomit in a bathroom.

Biggest understatement of the year: I am so freaking glad this jerk wasn't our candidate.

If he had been, we'd be forced to endure President John Sidney McCain today.

The Iseman settleth: Lobbyist who was subject of McCain affair rumors settles with N.Y. Times

By GottaLaff

Alrighty then:

A Washington lobbyist has settled a libel lawsuit with The New York Times over an article that implied she engaged in a romantic relationship with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), both parties announced Thursday.

Vicki Iseman agreed to end her suit without payment or a retraction from the Times, the newspaper noted in a story on its website.

According to a joint statement announcing the settlement, the newspaper will publish a note on Feb. 20 stating that the Times did not intend to conclude that Iseman “had engaged in a romantic affair with Sen. McCain or an unethical relationship on behalf of her clients in breach of public trust.” The newspaper will also allow Iseman’s lawyers to offer her views regarding the lawsuit on the Times’s website. [...]

Times Washington Bureau Chief Dean Baquet made a point to his staff in a memo that the newspaper did not have to retract the story.

"Vicki Iseman has dropped her lawsuit against the Times, just weeks after it was filed. We paid no money. We did not apologize," Baquet wrote in a memo to staff. "We did not retract one word of the story, which was a compelling chapter in the tale of Sen. John McCain and his political rise."

We posted about this very story here and here. I'll be waiting for the Showtime mini-series to come out.

H/t: Fernando

VIDEO: The Iseman cometh back: "I did not have a sexual relationship with Senator McCain"

By GottaLaff

"I did not have sexual relations with that man... Gramm-pa McCain." I'm pretty sure this isn't something Grammps McTongue wants re-circulating 19 days before the Big Election:

A female telecommunications lobbyist who became part of an explosive story early this year about John McCain has broken months of silence to deny the main subtext of the account - that she was suspected of being romantically involved with the Republican presidential candidate. "I did not have a sexual relationship with Senator McCain," Vicky Iseman told the National Journal magazine.

Iseman was the subject of an article by The New York Times in February that said in 1999 McCain aides worried that the Arizona senator and the lobbyist may be having an affair.[...]

Weaver was quoted in The Times acknowledging meeting with Iseman while working as a strategist for McCain in 1999. He told the newspaper that McCain's political team worried that as a lobbyist close to the Arizona senator she might hurt his image as a fighter against special interests. [Laffy is now stifling laughter]

But her public emergence, coming less than three weeks before the election, also serves to remind the public about a story that had receded from memory. When the story broke, the allegations of sex and influence-peddling caused a sensation. McCain furiously denied the story and described Iseman as merely a friend. [...] Since then, McCain's relationship with the media has grown increasingly cool.

Paddy originally posted about it here. The video above is from February 2008.

Timing is everything.

Colorado scandal: "In bed with voting vendors"

By GottaLaff

Yes, boys and girls, it's time for the "In Bed with Voting Vendors Show"!

The abrupt resignation Thursday of a top elections official at the secretary of state's office happened in the midst of a watchdog group's investigation into her relationship with a local businessman who has contracts with that office.

Holly Lowder, 66, resigned from her post as elections director two months before what is expected to be one of the biggest elections in recent Colorado history. She held that job since 2006. Before that, Lowder served as Alamosa County clerk for about 25 years.

Colorado Ethics Watch had been pursuing documents from the state regarding Lowder's ties to John Paulsen.

Paulsen, 59, operates a software company called LEDS, LLC from his home in Castle Rock, records show. LEDS has installed voter databases in more than 30 counties and recently got two contracts worth almost $184,000 with the secretary of state's office for data work related to the current election season.

Records show that Lowder recently lived at a Cherokee Street home in Denver that is owned by Paulsen.

Chantell Taylor, director of Ethics Watch, called Lowder's resignation "no coincidence." [...]

When asked why she resigned, she said "I retired. I did not resign."

Of course, Holly dear. The absence of a gold watch makes that so obvious.

The county bought Paulsen's voter database and also uses his system for all its electronic property records. [...]

Claudia Kuhns, a local voting activist, said Paulsen was a subcontractor on the original state contract with Accenture to develop a new state voter registration database known as SCORE. The state cancelled that contract in 2005 and then hired Saber Corp. to develop the system, which was rolled out to all the counties earlier this year. Paulsen is listed as "key personnel" with the SCORE team. [...]

As elections director, Lowder was responsible for overseeing all state elections. However, Coolidge said she was mostly involved with SCORE. [...]

Online records show that Lowder and Paulsen share the same phone number at the Cherokee Street address. That phone number is also listed at Lowder's current apartment.

And why is this extra crispy important?

[This is] what promises to be one of the largest and most important --- and potentially closest --- elections in the state's history.

Rocky Mountain high-lights of things to come.