By GottaLaff
Today's Quickie:
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, D-Conn., is calling for a federal investigation into the "Lehman situation" and other companies that may have fudged their balance sheets, contributing to the financial crisis.About time. I can't wait to see which Congress members defend Lehman.
By GottaLaff
Robert Gibbs had something to say about Cheney's remarks on the investigation of the BushCo Torture Machine, posted here. Zing:
Today, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs responded to these accusations, wondering whether it’s really useful to listen to anything Cheney has to say on foreign policy:I’m not entirely sure that Dick Cheney’s predictions on foreign policy have borne a whole lot of fruit over the last eight years in a way that have been either positive or, to the best of my recollection, very correct.
By GottaLaff
Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, who left office in disgrace July 26th under a cloud of ethics charges, is now being accused of a federal claim of attemped bribery. See federal claim (PDF 52 kb)
To clarify a previous complaint, the motion also accuses Palin of a violation of Alaska's constitution.
From the motion to amend:
"2.Plaintiffs wish to add a very serious federal claim of attempted bribery and other violations of similar federal and state statutes under supplemental jurisdiction....
....offering state funds and support of legislation to third parties in exchange for them convincing Plaintiffs to drop this lawsuit in federal or state court."
Oh my. Big fat federal claims. Bribery. This can't end well. Tisk, tisk.
Sarah the Quitter better watch her step or next thing she knows, she may have to go before a death panel.
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By GottaLaff
I should hope so!
Rachel explains:The Justice Department has announced an investigation into whether federal crimes were committed in connection with the murder of Dr. George Tiller.
In a press release, DOJ writes that it will probe whether there were violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act or other federal statutes in the case.
The release explains:
The FACE Act was enacted by Congress in 1994 to establish federal criminal penalties and civil remedies for violent, obstructionist or damaging conduct affecting reproductive health care providers and recipients.
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Questions have been raised -- including by us -- about whether the FBI responded aggressively enough to tips about those incidents. And it looks like DOJ is concerned to push back against that criticism. The release continues:
"The Department of Justice will work tirelessly to determine the full involvement of any and all actors in this horrible crime, and to ensure that anyone who played a role in the offense is prosecuted to the full extent of federal law," said Loretta King, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "We will conduct a thorough investigation that will complement and build upon the fine work of the Sedgwick County District Attorney and other state and local law enforcement agencies."[...] DOJ's announcement suggests that this is being prioritized as a national matter.
By GottaLaff
Federal investigators "are sifting through the records of money that helped John Edwards' presidential campaign to determine if any was used to keep quiet his affair with Rielle Hunter," the Charlotte Observer reports.Sleaze Factor: Rising. John Edwards' star: Fallen.
"Records show that Hunter was paid by a political action committee aligned with Edwards. She received $114,000 to film Edwards as he hopscotched the nation to rally crowds in the fight against poverty."
Edwards acknowledged the investigation to the Raleigh News and Observer: "I am confident that no funds from my campaign were used improperly. However, I know that it is the role of government to ensure that this is true. We have made available to the United States both the people and the information necessary to help them get the issue resolved efficiently and in a timely matter. We appreciate the diligence and professionalism of those involved and look forward to a conclusion."
Who broke the story? Once again, it was the National Enquirer.
By GottaLaff
Whoever torched Gov. Sarah Palin's home church tried to start fires in several places around the building, the federal agency assisting in the investigation said today.So far, nobody's speculating on motive. But it was awfully selfless of Also Palin to pre-emptively apologize for the cameras, wasn't it? What a gal.
Accelerants were found in multiple locations on the outside of Wasilla Bible Church, including around entrances and exits, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
What is it with these guys "welcoming" the investigation or scrutiny? Shouldn't they know by now that's a signal for karma to bite them in the butt?
Federal investigators are looking into allegations that a longtime friend and benefactor tried to steer money to U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, the Pioneer Press has learned.
Agents with the FBI have talked to or made efforts to talk to people in Texas familiar with the allegations, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Houston is where the first of two lawsuits was filed alleging Nasser Kazeminy, a Bloomington financier, tried to steer $100,000 to Coleman via his wife's Minneapolis employer. The second suit, filed in Delaware, alleges Kazeminy initially tried to get money directly to the senator.
Both Coleman and Kazeminy have denied any wrongdoing, and Coleman last month said he welcomes an investigation.
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