Boehner’s blood money
Posted by Charles II on April 3, 2008
In the course of the long political war that has at last exposed the massive corruption in the Republican party, no battle was more important than bringing to light Newt Gingrich’s slimy dealings. At the end of it, Gingrich reached an agreement with the House Ethics Committee to permit himself to be rebuked and fined $300,000. And then, in a classic Gingrich move, he conspired with other Republicans to spin the rebuke. He largely succeeded, setting the stage for the hubris of the Abramoff Republicans to run rampant.
But Newt almost did not succeed. Rep. Jim McDermott passed to the NY Times a recording that had been made by two Florida Democrats of the conversation of the conspirators, intercepted from their cell phones. At the time, listening in to cell phones was technically illegal, but widely done. At any rate, one of the conspirators, Rep. John Boehner, sued McDermott. He won his case and $1,111,388 in legal fees and interest.
McDermott is on the hook for over $143,000. If you want to help him, you can click here.
Phoenix Woman said
Thanks for this, Charles.
Charles II said
I only wonder how many people will understand how important it is to support those who take risks on behalf of us, PW.
The usual pattern in the United States is that everyone celebrates whistleblowers– but they don’t support them. So, it’s that much harder for the next person to stand up. If people knew that they would be backed up when they stood up, this would be a lot better country.
FWIW, people have backed McDermott 87%. That’s good, but it’s not great. He should have made money on the deal, considering the court hearings and public whipping by the newspapers and talk radio that he’s received.