Problems for DeLay's Buddies

“lmao!

The money he donated to these campaigns was raised illegally.

Please note that this clown was a past president of the Republican Youth, errrr, I mean College Republicans. They sure start learnin' em' young.”

“I didn't realize Harry Reid was a republican. To be honest I didn't click on Violin's link, so I don't know what was on his all inclusive and authoritative list, But Reid was on one of those Sunday shows a couple of weeks ago and when asked about donations from Abramoff, said yes he did but of course denied that it ever effected his vote.”

“My understanding is that Reid took money from an Abramoff client.”

“Campaign donations are not illegal.

Sorry. Campaign donations are just another word for BRIBE. The system sucks. Does anyone really think those Indian tribes were throwing $$$ Abramoff's way because he was a great guy, interested in helping the average Indian?”

“"Reid took money from an Abramoff client"

Yeah, that proves he's dirty.”

“Here - I've done your work for you troll:

Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada sent a letter to Norton on March 5, 2002, that also was signed by Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev. The next day, the Coushattas issued a $5,000 check to Reid's tax-exempt political group, the Searchlight Leadership Fund. A second tribe represented by Abramoff sent an additional $5,000 to Reid's group. Reid ultimately received more than $66,000 in Abramoff-related donations between 2001 and 2004.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/13189471.htm


Reid, as a Senator from Nevada, might have an explanation for getting involved in the expansion of Indian gaming... he might not. If there was quid pro quo, that is a crime. I want criminals out of government.

What kind of favors do you think a few meals in Abramoff's restaurant, sporting events in luxury skyboxes or trips to the world's most exclusive golf courses might buy?

We'll soon find out.
last edited: 1/04/06 2:57:55 PM”

“"Republican or Democrat, they should be charged and brought to trial and found guilty if they've done something wrong.”

I agree 110%.”

“You sure seem more interested in waiting for an investigation and possibly a jury with Reid that you are with Delay and other Republicans. That's one for the "Typical Democrat Hypocracy" thread.”

“breaking news from the local paper
http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/NEWS0201/60104008/-1/NLETTER04

Frist gives money back to PAC linked to Abramoff
By BILL THEOBALD
Gannett News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist decided today to return a $2,000 campaign contribution from an Indian tribe represented by convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

The contribution was made in October 2003 by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan to Volunteer Political Action Committee, which is controlled by the Tennessee Republican.

Abramoff pleaded guilty yesterday to three felony counts of fraud, conspiracy and tax evasion. Some of those charges were related to his work with Indian tribes who run casinos, including the Saginaw Chippewas. Abramoff promised to protect the tribes from federal taxation and competition from new casinos.”

“"President Bush's re-election campaign is giving up $6,000 in campaign contributions connected to lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who faced more guilty pleas as part of a broad-ranging political corruption investigation.

Bush joined several lawmakers, including House Speaker Dennis Hastert and former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who have announced plans to donate Abramoff's campaign contributions to charity.

Abramoff raised at least $100,000 for the Bush-Cheney '04 re-election campaign, earning the honorary title "pioneer" from the campaign."

REJOICE! Rejoice, all you lawbreakers! If you're caught with cocaine, just give the drugs back to your dealer! If you're caught speeding, just drive backwards at the proper speed! All will be forgiven!

Errr...why is Shrub only giving $6K back if he got $100K?”

“When money exchanges hands something has been bought.”

“NoProb - completely. I think the fact that politicians on either side can essentially be bought is basically corruption and needs to be stamped out compltely, on both sides.
It's a more important issues than which party the 'offender's' are on.
And I'm not talking about juggling the rules a little, this needs to be stamped out. They are there to represent you, not the people and groups who write the biggest checks.
At the very least, even without convictions, this matter will make them be a little more carfeul as to who they accept money from, and what they offer to do in return.”

“It's time to get rid of both parties.”

“No it's not, but it's time to get rid of corruption, for that's what it is. For example, if the elected officials feel it's important to give energy companies tax breaks and ease pollution controls to allow them to provide for America's future, then they should vote for it. But this vote shouldn't be influenced by Exxon, BP and Chevron throwing cash around Washington.”

“Exactly why we need to get rid of both of them. Neither side will every agree to get rid of the lobbyists. That's where they make the real money.”

“well that's true. The way forward is to capwhat cap be spent in a campaign, level the field, and ban all those idiotic supposedly thrid party organizations from running ads.
A reasonable cap, say a couple of dollars per voter in any given area will stop the need for campaign finance being the top of any representative's agenda. Also make the house elections every four years.
Capping what is spend will avoid all these stupid loopholes in how money can be raised.

And the point before, if labor legistlation is good, then it should be passed, and not based on how much money unions chuck around.”

“What's more enjoyable for you? Watching the politicians scrurry about in fear, or watching their diehard supporters twist themselves into little knots trying to justify this association? Notice none of them praise the prosecution for bringing such an obvious criminal to justice. Wonder why?

Both ruling parties are going to work out deals in a backroom. Most of the guilty will walk. What's even worse is the fact that the abuse of the system will continue. These pigs aren't going to stop feeding at the trough. They are incapable of doing what is best for America when money is involved. No way.

"In President Bush's first 10 months, GOP fundraiser Jack Abramoff and his lobbying team logged nearly 200 contacts with the new administration as they pressed for friendly hires at federal agencies."

The sad thing is, I almost believed it when Bush said he was going to return dignity and integrity to the White House. He contrasted himself to Clinton and promised to "turn things around".

Some would argue that things have definitely turned around...
last edited: 1/04/06 4:46:01 PM”

“229 donations -- ALL to Republicans or Republican PACs.”
VioLiN
11:44:31 AM
1/04/06

Your source is Newsmeat?

I think this is exactly what Wanderer was refering to. None of the Democrats involved were listed on your source.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1545902/posts”

“Shirley you know the difference between "Abramoff" and "Abramoff-related" or "Abramoff client".

Find me data from the FEC showing that ANY Democrats took money from Abramoff. Here is the searchable FEC database: http://www.fec.gov/finance/disclosure/norindsea.shtml Get busy Nancy.

Abramoff was a GOP influence peddler. The K-Street project is a GOP-only machine. This is a GOP scandal. If it sweeps up a few slimy Democrats, I'll be surprised and delighted.”

“

GUFFAW!”

“LMAO!!!
The Vile Man stays true to hisself.

Acting like no Dems are involved.

Kennedy and Reid are in this up to their eyeballs.”

“Rush scores!! LOL!”

“The old double standard. It is not a crime if Democrats do it.”

“Almost a perfect example of the most fundamental dishonestly of the Left.”

“You guys don't read so good, do you?”

“VioLiN, report to the Crackpot Ideas thread.
LOL”

“Almost a perfect example of the most fundamental dishonestly of the Left.

And the absolute laziness (or is it see no evil, hear no evil) of the Right.

Click on the link violink posted and count the members of each party. Go ahead.”

“math is hard!





so is reading and comprehension. :)”

“V, "“Shirley you know the difference between "Abramoff" and "Abramoff-related" or "Abramoff client"."

No, as a matter of fact, I see very little difference. But I do see that you are perfectly willing to excuse ANYTHING if it's done by a Democrat while you are willing to read the absolute worst into anything a Republican does. That's what makes you such a hypocrit.”

“Let's spoon feed it to them.

A client of Abramoff could be GM.
GM donates to Bush campaign
GM donates to Barney Frank campaign.

Just because GM is a client of Abramhoff doesn't mean the money being donated to Bush's campaign or Frank's campaign is dirty.

Abramoff donates directly to Bush campaign.
Abramoff admits guilt in bilking millions from clients.
Barney Frank doesn't get a dime.

Is this really that hard for republicans to understand?”

“No, I understand perfectly. If the money goes to a Republican, it's definately dirty, if the money goes to a democrat, it's a good thing and very proper.

Did you folks bellyache like this when Gore was taking all that money from the priests, or Clinton was taking all that money from the Chinese?”

“Apparently you have "A Problem" in getting it at all.”

“No problem at all.”

“Geezus you guys are dim. No one is defending republicans taking money. It's the fact you only complain about the republicans taking money that is silly. Then again, Buddha thinks all liberals keep only enough money to live on, drive electric cars and work in homeless shelters in their spare time and would never doing anything unseemly.”

“I think everyone has said if the Dems have done anything illegal then hang em high. I've not limited my criticism to one party.
But in this instance with Ambramoff, trying to shift this away from the GOP is BS. He was a Rubuplican lobbiest first and foremost, and his history is that of using his high contacts within the GOP. It's primarily a GOP scandal. I'm sure all the Dems aren't pure and innocent on this front - but the writers, bloggers and broadcasters of the right are running around trying to find dirt to throw at Democrats - anything to defelct attention away from their own personal favorites.

There's little by way of evidence of what will be revealed yet, but looking at this guy and his history, it's very doubtful he was using his contacts with Kerry and Hillary to further his goals. Though I wouldn't be surprised if a few dems are caught in the crap too.”

“Y2 may be right. The Abramoff issue may well be mostly Republican (or may not, who knows at this point). But my question is why is this the only dirty money anyone wants to talk about. He didn't invent this crap. There was no interest in cleaning it up when Gore and Clinton were accepting all that money (how much to stay in the Lincoln bedroom?). There are lots of people getting money. I'm sure that most of the lobbyists are thinking they are buying votes, probably more like buying the right to tell the politican how the want them to vote. Not so sure it makes that much difference in how they actually vote.”

“Yep, serious reform is needed - but can we expect politicians to reform themselves and cut down their own gravy train?”

“Even if you find some polititians willing to do it, I'm not sure what reform would look like.

The tax code maybe?”

“http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060105/1035738.asp

The next 'Pres' herself took his dirty money, Queen Hillary.”

“So, no Abramoff money went into Dem pockets?
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL


http://www.capitaleye.org/abramoff_recips.asp

A few highrollers:
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Cmte $423,480
Democratic Congressional Campaign Cmte $354,700
Democratic National Cmte $65,720
Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) $42,500
Patty Murray (D-Wash) $40,980
Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) $36,000
Harry Reid (D-Nev) $30,500
Byron L. Dorgan (D-ND) $28,000
Tom Daschle (D-SD) $26,500
Democratic Party of Michigan $23,000
Brad R. Carson (D-Okla) $20,600
and many more for smaller amounts...”

“Clinton Fundraising Group Gets $35,000 Fine for Hollywood Gala

Thursday, January 05, 2006



WASHINGTON — A campaign fundraising group for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has agreed to a $35,000 fine for underreporting hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on a Hollywood fundraiser in 2000.

The organization, New York Senate 2000, agreed to a federal finding that it failed to report $721,895 spent on the fundraiser to boost the former first lady's campaign for the Senate, according to paperwork provided by Peter F. Paul, who helped finance the star-studded gala that drew Cher, Diana Ross, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

The FEC provided a copy of the signed agreement Thursday.

New York Senate 2000 lawyer Marc Elias said the agreement ends the investigation and comes with a letter from the FEC stating that Clinton did not violate the law.

The agreement was first reported in Thursday's New York Sun.

"It's a kind of vindication, but this is only one battle," said Paul, who bankrolled the gala and is suing both Sen. Clinton and her husband Bill Clinton, contending he was led to believe the former president would later work for him in a private business venture.

As part of the agreement, New York Senate 2000 maintains it "implemented and enforced reasonable processes to collect and report information regarding event expenses," according to the document.

The Hollywood fundraiser was the subject of a criminal trial of Clinton's former national finance director, David Rosen. Rosen was acquitted in May 2004 of lying to the FEC about the event.

Paul has contended the event cost more than $1.9 million, though campaign reports at the time put the price tag at about $500,000. As part of the agreement, the actual cost is now put at $1.2 million, with almost $400,000 listed as unreported for the cost of producing the concert and nearly $100,000 unreported for travel and lodging.”

““Even if you find some polititians willing to do it, I'm not sure what reform would look like.

The tax code maybe?”

No they won’t. At least until we put the right people in there who ARE willing. What reforms should we have?

*Cut the federal government by 80%.
*Abolish welfare.
*Legalize drugs.
*Abolish federal income tax and create a national sales tax.
*Reform every regulatory body.
*Privatize Medicare and SSI.
*Take away all powers the feds hold that are not outlined in the Constitution and give power back to the state and it’s people.
*unleash the free markets.

Let freedom ring!”

“Again- You guys don't read so good, do you?”

“Broken record alert. Go back to cutting and pasting V cause your own words are a bit lame.”

“reading comprehension is hard!”

“The key here seems to be not just what was given, but what was negotiated in return for the contribution. That's the big deal about Abramoff's plea deal. He's said he'll testify on these details.”

“Let freedom ring!

Nigal
7:41:55 AM
1/06/06

What.....are you NUTS?!?!”

“You're right. All that ringing just might wake up the sleeping liberals. LOL!

Y2- I think the crux of the investigation should be that they broke the law. To call for investigating the terms of said exchange seems silly as the democrats don't have any power to deliver anything. It wasn't what he expexed in exchange it's the fact they broke finance laws.”