November Surprise: Abramoff Indictments - Early Holiday Gifts

[CorpGovActivist]

If the Senate doesn't flip on Tuesday, does that mean that the GOP will actually hold the majority come January 3rd?

http://www.fec.gov/finance/disclosure/norindsea.shtml

Type in Abramoff in the first box. Type in Jack in the second.

For example, Jack Abramoff is among the Friends of George Allen: http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/com_detail/C00344853/

If Allen ekes out a victory here in Virginia, he may have to resign almost immediately - meaning that Democratic Governor Tim Kaine would get to appoint a temporary replacement: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+24.2-207

My guess is that he'd give serious consideration, in that event, to filling the vacancy with his (very popular) predecessor as Governor, Mark Warner.

There are other states where this "Abramoff Problem" may present a Democratic Governor with the rare opportunity to make a temporary Senate appointment.

- Dave

[napi21]

1. HA! Although I really want Allen to lose, that situation would be

hysterical!

[CorpGovActivist]

2. The GOP Firewall...

... for the Senate may yet be breached, between November and January.

- Dave

[radfringe]

38. speaking of firewall -- worth a repost

more of my toons are here:
http://www.comicssherpa.com/site/feature?uc_comic=cscwc&uc_full_date=20061102

[DURHAM D]

3. Like Montana??? n/t

[CorpGovActivist]

4. Conrad Burns? Corrupt?

Surely you jest!

; )

:sarcasm:

- Dave

[williesgirl]

5. For a change, bless VA law! recommended

[CorpGovActivist]

6. It's Anchored in...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventeenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

- Dave

[stop the bleeding]

7. 2007 is gonna be a rough year for the GOP

Libby Trial aka Fibby
SEC and Halliburton/Cheney
Jack Abramoff and Just about anyone with an "R" before their name.



and these don't even include what could develop out of the House

[CorpGovActivist]

10. The Pre-Party Begins in 06, Though ...

... trust me on that one.

; )

- Dave

[seemslikeadream]

8. Look Who's Talking - Jack Abramoff

and talking and talking


Look Who's Talking - Jack Abramoff
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1434519

Senate panel probes claims pair bilked tribes of millions - ethnic slurs
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=875095

Casino Lobbyist Won't Answer Questions
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=873883

Choctaws mum on lobbyist ties
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=882412

Tribe says it will sue lobbyists over huge fees
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=882522

Scanlon ‘is hiding out’Federal marshals cannot find former aide to DeLay
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=875208

Pair Under Inquiry May Face Tribal Action
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=889455

Policy Analyst Is Said to Have Rejected Plea Deal - Larry Franklin
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=887170

DeLay says he won't step down
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=891237

Ethics Rebuke to DeLay Prompts Democratic Calls for Ouster
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=889937

Abramoff Allies Keeping Distance Scrutiny for Dealings With Indian Tribes
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=969291

Actions by Delay Cited in Lawsuit -NYT
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1295700

Probe of lobbyist expands to charity Abramoff
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1322522

Tom DeLay's Problems Prompt Expanded Coverage by USPoliticstoday.com
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1321753

Inquiries of Top Lobbyist Shine Unwelcome Light in Congress -NYT
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=1385059&mesg_id=1385059

Inquiries of Top Lobbyist Shine Unwelcome Light in Congress -NYT
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1385059

'Delay Knew Everything. He Knew All the Details.'
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1383901

Lobbyist is target of calls for inquiry into millions in fees - Abramoff
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1396990

Boulis Investigation Dredges Up Big Names - Abramoff
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1839596

House ethics panel silent on scandals
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1967623

[CorpGovActivist]

11. And Then the Secret Recordings...

... will start to be played for the American people, catching the BushCo. "Board of Directors" with their pants down.

: )

- Dave

[conscious evolution]

13. 'And Then the Secret Recordings...'

:spray:
Can't wait to hear them.
Copies on youtube by chance?

[CorpGovActivist]

14. Hey, These Things Have a Way of Leaking...

... out, despite the prosecutors' best efforts!

; )

- Dave

[conscious evolution]

16. was someone wired or

did their own 'wiretapping of overseas calls' deciisions come back to bite them in the butt?

[Blackhatjack]

15. If true, It Shows They Learned Nothing From Tricky Dick Nixon....

... when you record conversations, or transcribe them into written form, those 'memorializations' tend to take on a life of their own, travelling to parts unknown, and they tend to multiply among people who feel they "might need a copy sometime."

This is born out by the fact that 'organized crime' has suffered most of its devastating takedowns because of people wearing 'wires' and insiders keeping written records of their wrongdoing.

The words most feared by a defendant are not allegations to be made or witnesses to be called to give testimony, but rather the pronouncement "let's go to the videotape."

Now I know arrogance makes corrupt actors feel bullet-proof, and those of lesser intelligence just do not recognize the danger of technology, but could there be 'tapes' in this matter??

[Blackhatjack]

9. I Have Believed All Along Abramoff Has Sung His Head Off Re: Repubs

He has stayed out of jail for so long, you would have to believe he is 'singing up a storm' about all the Republican wrongdoing to save his sorry behind, but also because he was almost totally abandoned by all the people he helped 'make' in this town who now 'don't know much about him, except what we read in the newspapers.'

It is rare to have someone like Jack Abramoff under the heavy weight of an agreement to fully disclose all he knows about every kind of wrongdoing, how it was perpetrated, and who was involved. He knows where all the bodies are buried, and IMHO it is a miracle he has not been "Jack Ruby-ed" before now. Prosecutors must have boxes and boxes of evidence, so voluminous that they must have a problem knowing where to start indicting individuals and companies.

[CorpGovActivist]

12. This Is Where the High-Tech Advantage of Progressives...

... really matters.

It's easier to parse and catalog all that stuff, when you have so many hi-tech geniuses working on your side, but not the other's!

; )

Welcome to the Information Age, Rummy!

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

17. You strike me...

... as an especially bright guy about this Abramoff stuff.

Ides

[IdesOfOctober]

18. Indictments Here...

... by Christmas?

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

19. Senator Allen...

... went to be tonight unindicted, so far as he knows.

- Dave

[CorpGovActivist]

20. ...Woke Up This Morning and Was Still Unindicted...

... so far as he knows.

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

21. anything on Corker?

I sooo wanted Harold Ford to win.

[CorpGovActivist]

22. Corker Is out...

... of my ken. Sorry. Can't help ya there.

Harold Ford will get in the Senate with the other TN seat.

- Dave

[G_Leo_Criley]

23. oh my goodness...

Dave :patriot:

"... so far as he knows." ho ho ho?

oh my goodness! oh me, oh my!

glc

[CorpGovActivist]

24. Maybe Little Lord Felix...

... should think twice before being a bad sport?

- Dave

[Buttercup McToots]

25. Did you see this...

Dunnae know if it is anywhere else

http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2006/11/payback_time_wh.html

Payback Time: Who the Democrats Will Target
November 08, 2006 8:24 AM
Rhonda Schwartz Reports:
Halliburton, the CIA and big tobacco companies are among the early targets identified by top Democratic staff to ABC News as likely targets for investigation once the Democrats take control of the House at the beginning of next year.
The staffers say Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), now expected to become speaker, has told top Democratic donors there is a "100-hour agenda" she wants to push through -- taking on the minimum wage, drug and energy prices and corruption.

Defense contractors, including Halliburton, the intelligence rationale for the war in Iraq and CIA secret prisons are what one staffer called "uninvestigated scandals."
Here's a look at who's in line to take over the most powerful committee chairmanships and the investigations they are likely to pursue:
In the House:

Henry Waxman (D-Calif.): Described as "a pit-bull with a fantastic staff," Rep. Waxman is in place to take over as chairman of the powerful House Government Reform Committee. Insiders look for this to become the powerhouse investigating committee "where the action is at." Expect Rep. Waxman to start by issuing subpoenas for top Halliburton and KBR executives. Others issues will include Iraq war contracting and Katrina and Gulf Coast re-building.
The last time executives from tobacco companies were called to testify was when Congressman Waxman was Chairman of the Health and Environment Subcommittee of Government Reform in 1994.

Jane Harman (D-Calif.): As a possibility for Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Harman is eager to pursue the ties between convicted Congressman Duke Cunningham and defense contractors. But she is far from assured of taking over as chair of the committee due to long-standing opposition by the Congressional Black Caucus and Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) who wants the job himself. Insiders say the job most likely goes to Sylvester Reyes (D-Texas).
Regardless of who is chairman, one of the first issues most likely will be the Cunningham scandal. Also on the agenda is pre-war intelligence: Who forged the Niger documents?

George Miller (D-Calif.): Rep. Miller is slated to take over the Education and the Workforce Committee. Expect a full rehearing of allegations involving convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the Northern Marianas Islands and Tom Delay.

John Conyers (D-Mich.): Rep. Conyers is in line to take over the Judiciary Committee. While one top hill staffer says, "His appetite for true investigation is untested," his new book takes on President Bush for violating the law on Iraq and secret prisons. Internet blogs are hyperventilating about possible impeachment hearings.

John Dingell (D-Mich.): In line for the Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, Rep. Dingell's office says he plans to hold oversight hearings on Medicare and energy policies. His first goal would be to push through a bill aimed at lower prescription drug prices for Medicare.

Whoopee!!
Clean up the hoose...

[CorpGovActivist]

27. BusinessWeek and Others Ran Similar Articles...

... in the weeks leading up to the election: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=businessweek+who+might+be+on+the+democrats%27+waxman+hit+list

; )

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

36. Halliburton!

Halliburton, the CIA and big tobacco companies are among the early targets identified by top Democratic staff to ABC News as likely targets for investigation once the Democrats take control of the House at the beginning of next year.

Halliburton, WooHoo!

:woohoo:

[Buttercup McToots]

37. Hoots Dem

Tryin` tae keep this up fer David...

[leftchick]

26. he can not force a recount until Nov. 27

right? Will he know he is indicted by then? :)

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

28. Doolittle will be indicted soon!

Out in California, Doolittle has won his seat again even though he is under investigation for corruption. I figure he'll last about 2 months, maybe less.

Too bad Arnie will get to appoint his replacement.

[CorpGovActivist]

29. Abramoff Brings an Early Holiday...

... this year.

- Dave

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

30. Snarf!

What could be better for holiday cheer than a set of shiny new handcuffs and and orange jumpsuit?

[CorpGovActivist]

31. BOP Bling

http://www.bop.gov/

; )

- Dave

[Buttercup McToots]

32. I like this thread

an` I'm gonna keep it bumped...
Watchin` Bush...boy he really studders alot...
Keeps trippin` on his tongue...
mmmm
he don't look happy at all...
but
I AM!!!
Yeah!
:bounce:

[Buttercup McToots]

33. He should stop talking

It is embrassing to watch...

[Buttercup McToots]

34. Thumpin`

Bwaaahaaa

Hey I'm talkin` tae myself agin...

Everyboy at lunch?

[Buttercup McToots]

35. Geeze

This drops fast...
Weel, I tried...
David give me a heads up when good stuff is happenin`,k?

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

39. Dick must be holed up with Legal.

He's keeping a low profile today, isn't he? It looks like the rest of the troop just executed a left whilst our unfortunate subject kept going. Stay the course, Dick!

[Buttercup McToots]

40. Bump...up

up

[Buttercup McToots]

43. Bump...up

:)
Good Nicht...
I love ye all, but cannae keep up...
Keep a thread up top fer me so I can
keep track...but I must go read
wit the children...the bedtime stuff...
The best o` dreams tae ye...
:hug:

[CorpGovActivist]

41. Buttercup...

... hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!

- Dave

[Subdivisions]

42. DAVE! How's it goin' hero?

[Buttercup McToots]

44. Up Ye Go, Laddie

Good Mornin`:)

[CorpGovActivist]

45. I Finally Zonked...

... yesterday was a very long, but very productive, day.

How are things on your end?

- Dave

[Buttercup McToots]

46. I imagined

that ye would be exhausted, hen...
All is weel...
It's just that the front pages is movin`
so fast, I'm gettin` dizzy...
Cannae find ye, so I go tae my du...
What is happenin` wit the bush/gates thing...
Has Daddy stepped in...?

Gates ain't no different than Rummy...imo
I get a feelin` that secret pieces on the chessboard
are being put into play...
Somethin` is afoot and it ain't just Rummy
steppin` doon...
Ye kin, David?

[CorpGovActivist]

53. I Ken...

... and I agree.

- Dave

[Buttercup McToots]

47. Good Mornin`

:)

[DemReadingDU]

48. Hi Buttercup!

Quiet day yesterday, maybe something's going on?

[Buttercup McToots]

49. Mornin` Dem

The calm b/4 the storm?
Ye think?
Very quiet...

[conscious evolution]

50. Must resist urge

to continuesly hit refresh on certian sites.
:argh:
must resist
must resist.

[Buttercup McToots]

51. Just kick it up

every now and again...:)

[Buttercup McToots]

52. Like this...

UP:)

[Buttercup McToots]

54. Good Mornin`

I always keep a tin foil hat by my bed...
:think:

[radfringe]

55. Nigeria bribery case heats up again

Nigeria bribery case heats up again
Several probes active, but charges have not been filed in delta inquiry
By GREGORY KATZ -- Europe Bureau
Houston Chronicle | 11/11/06
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/energy/4327560.html


PARIS — There are new signs of life in a sprawling four-year investigation of whether a unit of Houston's Halliburton Co. and other oil-services companies paid huge bribes in the 1990s to land a $5.6 billion construction project in the Nigerian delta.

French and Swiss investigators are trying to gain access to specific bank records in Switzerland and other European countries to determine if tens of millions of dollars in suspected bribe money ended up in accounts linked to Nigeria's former military dictator.

In Britain, police and agents from the Serious Fraud Office this summer searched four homes and a business looking for links to the case, which began in 2002 when a French oil-services executive facing corruption charges told a judge about a $175 million "slush fund" he claimed had been used to bribe Nigerian officials.

The U.S. Department of Justice is looking into possible criminal offenses, and the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating possible financial misdeeds. The Nigerian government is also conducting a formal investigation.

In late October, Halliburton officials reported to the SEC that a third person has been dismissed as a result of its own investigation of possible corruption in overseas projects and indicated it had reason to believe improper payments may have been made.

[Buttercup McToots]

56. Good Monday Mornin`

:)