Ex-Tenn. lawmaker faces corruption trial

[Joanne98]

Source: AP


MEMPHIS, Tenn.- As one of Tennessee's most powerful state senators, John Ford bragged that he would have little trouble getting a new law passed to benefit a computer recycling company.

However, the company turned out to be part of an undercover sting operation set up by the FBI, and he was charged with bribery, extortion and threatening a government witness.

"You are talking to the guy who makes the deals," a federal indictment quotes Ford as saying to an FBI agent posing as a dishonest businessman seeking legislative favors.

Jury selection is set for Monday in the former legislator's trial, expected to be the best courtroom show so far in the FBI's statewide corruption investigation, code-named Tennessee Waltz after one of the official state songs.




Read more: http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_5623098

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Intrapment. Bushco made sure the thugs didn't lose that Senate seat to Harold Ford. Maybe we should call these FBI agents up for questioning to see if this was Gonzo's idea!

[Dune]

1. Memphis boy

I know the Ford's first hand. You will never meet a more arrogant, crooked, narcissistic bunch of sphincters in your life. I hope the FBI gets this one real good!

[SharonAnn]

2. I don't care if it's a Democrat or Republican, if evidence indicates, then indict them.

Let the trial take place and let the court and a jury decide.

I have absolutely no tolerance for anyone who who uses politcal power and the government treasury to do improper things.

Remember, they're our employees.

If there was evidence that an employee of mine was involved in ellegal acts, I'd file a police report and provide evidence (if needed) for an indictment. Acts such as directing contracts to your friends or to companies you have an interest in, accepting bribes or favors, stealing are all examples of serious offenses. The companies I've worked for won't tolerate this kind of thing and neither should we.

We need to clean out government in many places, including Memphis and the Tennesee Legislature.

[caligirl]

4. We'll never hear Gonzales say that.

[dogfacedboy]

5. Same family as Harold Ford? n/t

[ingac70]

6. Harold's uncle....

Harold was really hindered in Tennessee because of his family and what they've gotten up to in TN. John isn't the only one.

[dogfacedboy]

8. I've heard relatives who live in Memphis ( Southaven) bitch about the Fords

These folks are somewhat conservative Dems, and don't seem to like the Fords.
At least this particular family in the Southern branch of my clan won't vote for R's.

[ingac70]

10. The Fords do crazy stuff!

Uncle John kicked a reporter in the nuts at the State Capitol several years back, a shot at some kids near, not on, his property with a shot gun once as well.

He never got into any trouble for that shit. Not to mention it was well known if you wanted legislation passed, you needed to cough up cash if you were trying to get it out of John. The sad thing is, he was really cheap! If you are going to be crooked, might as well make some real money at it!

[dogfacedboy]

9. Are the Fords some kind of powerful political family? n/t

[ingac70]

11. They are Memphis' black version of the Kennedys....

Sadly, in more ways than one.

[DeSwiss]

3. Well, I'm just one more Tennessean....

...that's been waiting a long time for this particular shoe to drop. Couldn't happen to a nicer feller...

Now he can cut deals in the prison cafeteria.

on edit: why did they put the "w" so close to the "e" on my keyboard? show, shoe... aw fer git it!

hehehehe :o

[NYC Liberal]

7. I was hoping it'd be Bill Frist

:(