Rep. Cunningham to Plead Guilty

Rep. Cunningham to Plead Guilty
By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Writer

Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham will plead guilty to tax violations, a source close to the investigation of the California Republican has told The Associated Press.

Cunningham has been under investigation since his sale of his home to a defense contractor at an apparently inflated price in 2003 attracted the attention of federal investigators.

A hearing in the case was scheduled in federal court in San Diego on Monday, and two sources close to the investigation said Cunningham would enter a guilty plea. One of those sources said he would plead to tax violations related to the home sale.

Cunningham, 63, is an eight-term congressman and Vietnam War flying ace.

<SNIP>

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051128/ap_on_go_co/congressman_s_house

Sweet </sarcasm>

Screamers, one and all.

I couldn't be happier that "Duke" is biting the dust.

bunch of divas. You'da thought RDC was a rock star or something.

As an admin w/a speaker's bureau, I used to do quite a bit of work with both parties and I could always tell a politician by his or her staff. His was horrible. Same with Duncan Hunter. Some good ones: Alan Simpson was marvelous; so was Joe Biden.

I wholeheartedly agree with you on the staff thingy.
Good riddance.

RDC was my representative for way too many years. Hopefully my home district will think long and hard during the race for a replacement. My family is still living in Escondido and environs. I moved to Vermont and w/Bernie Sanders have no worries. He and his staff are fab.

This doesn't sound like much of a charge. More like a slap on the wrist.He pays some back taxes and walks?

and pled guilty to such. He will be sentenced next Tuesday and could get up to ten years....

I wonder if He'll be popular in Prison?
LOCK'EM UP!

So he'll plead guily to not paying taxes on what he stole and walk away clean. :grr:

:shrug:

:grr:

Cuz it's not like a real crime when a politician pleads guilty to a misdemeanor.

Just punihsment for yet another of these disgusting pigs who voted for the Clinton impeachment.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg of the grand jury investigations and potential charges against him. By pleading to one count he will likely be defending against the others from prison.

Congressional seat.

And in that event, the most important thing about this is that it will force an early runoff for his seat, 3 months after the date of his resignation.

That means trouble for Francine Busby, the democrat running for his seat. She is up against 2 right-wing nutjob Repuke smearmongers (the third moderate Repuke just dropped out) one of which will end up being heavily funded by the RNC, and will need all the support she can get to win the 50th district. Please visit her website and contribute/volunteer all you can! If DU'ers can help Paul Hackett, they can do wonders for Busby.

Visit: http://www.busbyforcongress.com/

And we should demand he resign before February!

It is the only chance she will have at facing a potential "split" opposition in a plurality wins special election. There is no primary or runoff for this election. The Rethugs may try to launch a smear campaign, but they've not organized and got behind one candidate of their own. They are *scared* of this scenario, which is like the two previous mayoral elections where arguably Donna Frye got the most votes. Perhaps, knowing that his resignation at some point will be inevitable, they will try to pressure him to resign now early too, so that they have time to solidify support behind one candidate. But I really don't see the various candidates "taking it for the team" that much around here. Folks like Steve Francis, etc. will always think "they" are the best solution. It's probably good that the moderate pulled out, leaving two right wing nutjobs to compete with her. Just imagine if Donna Frye had to face Steve Francis and Mike Shelby instead of going only up against Jerry Sanders (which is more analagous to the two RW folks you say are left in the race). I think she'd have won decisively!

One way or the other (special election or 2006 election), Busby's going to get smeared in the first election where arguably she's more the "incumbent" candidate than her opposition will be. And it would be better in 2006 if she's the "real" incumbent then, to have a track record that will help get her support from those here in the middle. Believe me, she's aware and prepared for this special election scenario. I've talked to her on a few occasions earlier, and you have folks from Democracy for America, etc. looking to help her out in this battle. It will be a good battleground for the Dems to win, and this will be a good opportunity to do so!

Also, look at it this way. If she loses badly, better to do it now, so perhaps another heavy hitter can be brought in to compete in 2006 election than waiting to later, if that is the destined outcome. I don't think that will happen though. Busby's a great lady, and will do fine for this district if she's given the chance.

at a private residence (wine & cheese event)?

If not, we may meet at my house where my wife and I will be hosting a fund raiser for her in January - February.

Mostly I would have been around when she was speaking in either Rancho Bernardo or Mira Mesa area.

These neo-con thugs are the cockroaches of humanity and will only leave when the boot of justice has been slammed down upon them with righteousness and well deserved anger!

How many of these creeps are going down? So far, I have Delay, Ney, Burns, Doolittle, Cunningham, Hastert(?).

There's some good things going on there, and I wish you would consider pitching in. There is a message string there that provides a list of scandals http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_oet&address=358x357

I haven't personally participated in that one. I've instead invested my humble efforts mostly in the 2006 House & Senate races segments.

and there will be more, goddess willing...

although not in Congress, they are Republicans:

Abramoff, Kidan, Noe, Taft, Libby, Scanlon, Gov. Ryan (and other Repubs indicted in his administration)

Not to mention those being investigated, such as Feith, Frist and Rove. It's as though we get one Republican indictment a week now.

SAN DIEGO – Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham pleaded guilty Monday morning to conspiring to take bribes in exchange for using his influence to help a defense contractor get business.

He also pleaded guilty to one count of income tax evasion.

http://www.sandiegotribune.com/news/politics/cunningham/20051128-0956-bn28duke3.html

Isn't our media just wonderful? :sarcasm:

Boy do I like the sound of those words....A little reminder to Republicans out there "If you can't do the time then don't do the crime"

What, is he Cesar Romero in Ocean's Eleven?

Another limp-dicked RWer rep. from CA.

But his real name was Marmaduke, so he was short on options.

Huh huh huh!

SAN DIEGO - Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy and tax charges involving the sale of his home two years ago to a defense contractor at an inflated price.


Admitting to a judge that he took bribes, Cunningham entered pleas in U.S. District Court to charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and tax evasion for underreporting his income in 2004.

Cunningham, 63, and his wife, Nancy, used the proceeds from the $1,675,000 sale to defense contractor Mitchell Wade to buy a $2.55 million mansion in ritzy Rancho Santa Fe. Wade put the Del Mar house back on the market and sold it after nearly a year for $975,000 — a loss of $700,000.

Cunningham answered "yes, Your Honor" when asked by U.S. District Judge Larry Burns if he had accepted bribes from someone in exchange for his performance of official duties.

~snip~
more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051128/ap_on_go_co/congressman_s_house

"Like MZM, ADCS won millions of dollars worth of government contracts while making significant donations to Cunningham and other members of the defense subcommittee."

Well, well, well. Now, has anyone asked the really important question?

<b>Which other members of the defense subcomittee?????</b>

Let's have a nice group frog march of them all!

I'm starting to run out of popcorn.

COSTCO!

Contractor pressured employees to contribute to Cunningham, three say

By Marcus Stern
COPLEY NEWS SERVICE

10:02 p.m. June 21, 2005

>snip<
They also expressed concerns about Wade's dealings with three House members who received a large portion of the money disbursed by MZM's PAC. The three ... all Republicans ... are Cunningham and Reps. Virgil Goode of Virginia and Katherine Harris of Florida.

>snip<

"The first person is Cunningham, a senior guy on the (defense appropriations) committee, and he helps them get business. Then they go to another guy on the (defense appropriations) committee, Goode, who's more junior but has the benefit of getting a facility in his district. And then they go to Katherine Harris, who isn't on the committee but needs lots of money for her Senate race and would be bringing business and new jobs to her area," Ashdown said.

Harris plans to run for Senate next year.

One of the former MZM employees quoted Wade as describing his congressional strategy this way: "The only people I want to work with are people I give checks to. I own them."
>snip<
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/20050621-2202-cnsmzm.html

"The only people I want to work with are people I give checks to. I own them."

"The only people I want to work with are people I give checks to. I own them."

"The only people I want to work with are people I give checks to. I own them."

Whoa, this Mitchell Wade is really a piece of work. Company riding high with no-bid contracts in Afghanistan and the Money Pit formerly known as Iraq.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2005/11/28/state/n095437S78.DTL ©2005 Associated Press

San Diego-area Rep. Cunningham pleads guilty to conspiracy
- By ELLIOT SPAGAT, Associated Press Writer
Monday, November 28, 2005

(11-28) 10:29 PST SAN DIEGO, (AP) --

Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham admitted taking $2.4 million in bribes as part of guilty pleas Monday in a case that grew from an investigation into the sale of his home to a wide-ranging conspiracy involving payments in cash, vacations and antiques.

Cunningham, 63, entered pleas in U.S. District Court to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud and wire fraud, and tax evasion for underreporting his income in 2004.

Cunningham answered "yes, your honor" when asked by U.S. District Judge Larry Burns if he had accepted bribes from someone in exchange for his performance of official duties.

After the hearing, Cunningham was taken away for fingerprinting. He will be released on his own recognizance until a Feb. 27 sentencing hearing. He could receive a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

this.


....Cunningham is an eight-term congressman and former Vietnam War flying ace known on Capitol Hill for his interest in defense issues and his occasional temperamental outbursts

Cunningham has been under investigation since his sale of the home attracted the attention of federal authorities.

He drew little notice outside his San Diego-area district before the San Diego Union-Tribune reported last June that he'd sold the home to Wade.

The house sale was just one in a series of too-friendly deals for Cunningham. Though he denied wrongdoing when he announced in July that he wouldn't seek re-election, Cunningham himself acknowledged it didn't look good.

he announced his resignation." Go ahead and cry Dukey, because few others will cry for you.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CONGRESSMANS_HOUSE?SITE=RANDOM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

way to lengthy prison terms.

Isn't his wife charged as well?

What was the DeLay????

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy!

eom

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Congressmans-House.html

California Congressman Admits Taking Bribes

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: November 28, 2005
Filed at 1:48 p.m. ET

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Rep. Randy ''Duke'' Cunningham pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy and tax charges, admitting taking $2.4 million in bribes in a case that grew from an investigation into the sale of his home to a wide-ranging conspiracy involving payments in cash, vacations and antiques.

Cunningham, 63, entered pleas in U.S. District Court to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud and wire fraud, and tax evasion for underreporting his income in 2004.

Cunningham answered ''yes, Your Honor'' when asked by U.S. District Judge Larry Burns if he had accepted bribes from someone in exchange for his performance of official duties.

Cunningham, an eight-term Republican congressman, announced in July that he wouldn't seek re-election next year. But it was not immediately clear whether he hoped to keep his seat for the remainder of the current term. He planned to address reporters at a news conference later in the morning.

Spread the word!

NGU.

I moved - not because of him - but I ended up with Rush Holt as my congressman in any case.

Life is good.

Just heard it on the news. Will find a link ASAP.

On edit, I guess others on DU beat me to it.

the 50th Congressional district seat (Cunningham's seat). She needs all of our help NOW! Contribute anything you can, please, please, please. She's up against some really dirty Repukes and has very little time now to campaign.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/newsfinder/pulseone.asp?dateid=38684.6242121181-852464347&siteID=mktw&scid=0&doctype=806&

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif., pleaded guilty in federal court in San Diego Monday to criminal charges, including conspiracy and tax evasion, then immediately resigned his seat. "The truth is, I broke the law, concealed my conduct and disgraced my office," Cunningham said in a news conference after entering pleas to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud and wire fraud, and tax evasion for underreporting his income in 2004. Prosecutors said the eight-term congressman received at least $2.4 million in bribes paid to him by several conspirators through a variety of methods, including checks, cash, rugs, antiques, furniture, yacht club fees and vacations, the Associated Press reported.

...short blurb...

:woohoo:

One down! So many more to go!

:popcorn:

....After the hearing, Cunningham was taken away for fingerprinting. He will be released on his own recognizance until a Feb. 27 sentencing hearing. He could receive a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

He also agreed to forfeit to the government his Rancho Santa Fe home, more than $1.8 million in cash and antiques and rugs.

In a prepared statement, prosecutors said Cunningham admitted to receiving at least $2.4 million in bribes paid to him by several unnamed conspirators through a variety of methods, including checks totaling over $1 million, cash, rugs, antiques, furniture, yacht club fees and vacations.

"He did the worst thing an elected official can do — he enriched himself through his position and violated the trust of those who put him there," U.S. Attorney Carol Lam said in the statement.........

warm the place up for DeLay, Ney, Rove, Libby, and Cheney.

Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy and tax charges. He admitted taking $2.4 million in bribes in a case that grew from an investigation into the sale of his home to a wide-ranging conspiracy involving payments in cash, vacations and antiques. Appearing close to tears, Cunningham said today: "I cannot undo what I have done but I can atone." U.S. Attorney Carol Lam said: "He did the worst thing an elected official can do -- he enriched himself through his position and violated the trust of those who put him there."

http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/11/28/congressman.shouse.ap/index.html

He committed the cardinal sin (from GOP perspective): he got caught. He can now share a cell with Safavian, Abramoff, Delay, Libby, etc.

Encouraging to see there is still a line that can be crossed. That means that the corrupt GOP haven't won (yet).

There is stil hope...

And this investigation isn't over. Many more heads will roll before it stops.

off his sentence. If I was Tom Delay I would be very much worried about that... I notice in the article they said it was a far reaching conspiracy and you know (Ol' Duke) ain't liking the thought of being Bad Bart's Bitch.....Squeel like the Piggy you are...Duke...

Every Democrat should say that phrase today, especially the ones on TV.

How many investigations/indictments/convictions does it take before a bona fide pattern exists?

Let's see:

Frist
Delay
Libby
Safavian
Abramoff
Scanlon
Cunningham

And that's just off the top of my head! I'm sure I'm missing many more.

My G*d! We're not talking about a few rotten apples any more. The whole damn GOP barrel reeks.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/cunningham/20051128-1149-bn28duke6.html

Resignation statement (.pdf) here:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/cunningham/images/051128cunningham_resign.pdf

about the draft issue on the House floor night after night in "special orders" speeches. F this guy.

I used to live in that district, but I have no idea how it has changed over the last 12 years. Do we have a shot?

It's the Republican Culture of Corruption.

:grr: :grr: :grr:

I know that lots of DUers and others) hate the idea of term limits because there ARE some good senators/congresspeople, BUT Until there is REAL campaign finance reform and or banishment of corporate lobbyists, term limits would go a long way towards eliminating the money-grubbing that goes on in congress..

It's no surprise to me when one of them is caught with their hand in the cookie jar. They control the way laws are written, and they make darned sure that there are loopholes a mile wide.Every so often on of them gets caught, but there are MANY others who have not yet been caught, but are doing the same thing.

Public service should be just that..service...

We ask people in their prime earning years, to take a pay cut by going to congress to represent us. They tell us during the campaign that they are running because of a deep-seated desire to HELP THE PEOPLE, but I suspect for a lot of them, once they get there and realize just how expensive it's going to be, they start looking for ways to feather their own nest. It's probably quite easy, and after they get away with it for a while, and learn their way around, it's not hard to understand why they get bolder and bolder.

Term limits would mean that when they went there, they knew it would not be for more than a term or two, and then they would be back in the "real world"..This might weed out the greedy ones who are running for self-serving reasons, and we might even start getting some altruistic people.

The congressmen/women/senators have aides & staffs who do most of the actual "work" anyway, so a turn over in personnel would probably benefit the public.

I think that senate terms should be limited to two consecutive 5 year terms, and the house should be 3 year terms..also limited to two.

Once they have served their 2 terms, they must either run for the other body of congress or go home. That would provide some "flow", and would/could span presidential terms and would prevent any of them from getting to cozy in their position.

It's really ludicrous to think that we need a constantly sitting body of legislators who do little more than think up new laws, rules, regs. They should be there to appropriate the money needed to run the government and little more. There are 13 necessary funding bills each year, and those should be tended to religiously.

Congress has too much time to monkey around with things that they have no business meddling with.They spend too much time dreaming up divisive things to debate/study/investigate, when they should be paying attention to the actual running of the government. The cultural/religious/social issues should not be "decided" by 535 fat cats who are likely to have vested interests.

This is a letter we sent out last night, inviting people to help end the culture of corruption in Washington. This isn't just about Millionaire Cliff, though he seems to be buddy-buddy with Tom Delay. It's more about what the campaign is fighting for, the right of every American to have equal Representation, not to have that right reserved for those who can buy it.

(I almost forgot: http://blog.bruderly06.com for the blog, http://www.bruderly.com is the website. Win in 06!)



This letter is not about contributing to my cause. You can do that, as well as read our campaign blog, find out about upcoming events and learn about issues affecting our country at www.bruderly.com. Instead, I am asking you to support your nation; let the Democrats and Congress know that you do not support the culture of corruption sweeping Washington, DC.

Several weeks ago, Speaker of the House Tom Delay (R-TX), was indicted for various charges stemming from alleged contribution violations in various political campaigns. In September, David Safavian, the head of procurement for the Office of Budget and Management, was indicted for obstructing an investigation into a lobbyist who also is part of the Delay case. Finally, there is the recent indictment of the Vice President's Chief of Staff, "Scooter" Libby.

Corruption is running rampant in D.C. and is present in the highest seats of power. This is not what our Constitution had in mind. The Founding Fathers wanted true representation for all citizens, not just the rich ones. For the Real People to get that representation, the corruption must end.

Your Congressman, Cliff Stearns, donated $5,000 to Tom Delay's defense fund. He uses money you pay him to support the cover-up of big money corruption in Washington. I don't think you want your tax money supporting corruption, and I know I don't. Am I decrying Republican corruption alone? No, of course not. While the GOP seems more consistently corrupt, all those who breach the public trust by rewarding cronies and contributors for boosting them into the seats of power do not deserve the power they have been given by the People.

I believe that, and I think you do as well. Please sign the DCCC's petition, let America and our Representatives know what you think. Tell them you want the funny money to be marked "Return to Sender." Tell Cliff Stearns that subsidizing the defense of corruption is not what's best for North Central Florida!

If you could do me a personal favor, I would appreciate it. In the "address 2" blank , please type "I support Dave Bruderly, a New Voice." That's all, just one little sentence, to let the Democrats and the rest of America know that you want someone who will be beholden to you, the voter, not to special interests, and certainly not to corrupt politicians and lobbyists.

http://www.dccc.org/campaignforchange/petitions/armpac/default/

(Remember, type "I support Dave Bruderly, a New Voice" in Address 2!)

For those of you who support the cause of freedom, of representation and of a New Voice, Representing Real People, feel free to support my campaign as well! I appreciate your support for our nation, for our people and for their right to be heard,

Thank you for all your help!

These guys are dirtier than the bottom of my 5-year old's shoes.

until I heard the details of the charges. Oye vey, whatta crook.

Well the oppressors are trying
To get me down, trying to drive me
Under the ground, and they think
That they have got their battle won
I say: "HIM HIM FUCK 'em Lord
They know what they’ve done" (conspirators)

And I keep on fighting for
The things I want, though I know
That when you’re dead, man you're gone
But I’d rather be a free man in my grave
Oh, than living like a puppet or a slave....

JC

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/28/politics/29cnd-resign.html?hp&ex=1133240400&en=1949deeae2f616a3&ei=5094&partner=homepage

Representative Randy Cunningham of California resigned from Congress today after admitting to a federal judge that he had taken $2.4 million in bribes from a military contractor.

Mr. Cunningham, 63, made a brief and tearful announcement to a group of reporters outside a federal courthouse in San Diego after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. He admitted taking money from a military contractor in exchange for his supporting the contractor's efforts to secure Defense Department contracts. The eight-term Republican congressman, one of the most highly decorated fighter pilots of the Vietnam War, also pled guilty to charges of mail fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion for underreporting his income in 2004.

"The truth is I broke the law," Mr. Cunningham, and "disgraced my family."

"I forfeited my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions," and, he added, his voice breaking, "most importantly, the trust of my friends and family."

<snip>

Prosecutors said Mr. Cunningham admitted to accepting at least $2.4 million in bribes paid to him by several conspirators through a variety of methods, including checks totaling over $1 million, cash, rugs, antiques, furniture, yacht club fees and vacations.

...more...

Just a matter of time before he's back to selling his brand of snake oil to the fundies.

California Congressman Pleads Guilty to Bribery

Listen to this story...(at link above)
by Scott Horsley

All Things Considered, November 28, 2005 · U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-CA) pleads guilty to accepting $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors in exchange for helping them win Pentagon contracts. Cunningham immediately resigned from his seat representing the San Diego area and now faces up to 10 years in prison.

<http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5029908>

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28 - Representative Randy Cunningham, a Republican from San Diego, resigned from Congress on Monday, hours after pleading guilty to taking at least $2.4 million in bribes to help friends and campaign contributors win military contracts.

Mr. Cunningham, a highly decorated Navy fighter pilot in Vietnam, tearfully acknowledged his guilt in a statement read outside the federal courthouse in San Diego.

<snip>

Mr. Cunningham, 63, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, tax evasion, wire fraud and mail fraud. He faces up to 10 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and forfeitures.

Prosecutors said he received cash, cars, rugs, antiques, furniture, yacht club fees, moving expenses and vacations from four unnamed co-conspirators in exchange for aid in winning military contracts. None of this income was reported to the Internal Revenue Service or on the congressman's financial disclosure forms, the government said.

NY Times Article

could you imagine Tweety's hysterics?

The Republicans worship and honor the wealthy and those who live high-life styles. That's their dream of success in every way.

It is sad to see but he and his party logic did it.

Gee... how honourable.:eyes:

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article330056.ece

A Republican congressman pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy and tax charges - tearfully resigning from office, after admitting he took $2.4m (£1.7m) in bribes to steer defence contracts to co-conspirators.

Randy "Duke" Cunningham, 63, entered pleas in US District Court to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud and wire fraud, and tax evasion for under-reporting his income in 2004. Mr Cunningham, of California, answered "Yes, Your Honor" when asked by US District Judge Larry Burns if he had accepted bribes from someone in exchange for his performance of official duties.

Later, at a news conference, he wiped away tears as he announced his resignation. "I can't undo what I have done but I can atone," he said.

"The truth is I broke the law, concealed my conduct, and disgraced my office. I know that I will forfeit my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions and, most importantly, the trust of my friends and family."

Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif., cries while reading a statement outside the federal courthouse in San Diego, Monday Nov. 28, 2005, after pleading guilty to bribery and admitting he took $2.4 million to steer defense contracts to conspirators using his leadership position on a congressional subcommittee. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CONGRESSMAN_BRIBERY?SITE=FLPET&SECTION=HOME

Her name pops up in this somewhere. Is there any way this will take her down, too?

Campaign contributions from the defense contracter that's involved? Something. Something. I'm going to go dig, but if anyone has the info handy, will you post it?

This guy get no sympathy from me at all. He was very vocal in denouncing Kerry during the campaign to the point of suggesting that Kerry service in Vietnam was questionable. Gee, where was Rove to help him spin things to his favor? He helped them out during the campaign spreading lies. Rove couldn't return the favor?

Tuesday November 29, 2005 2:01 PM

By ELLIOT SPAGAT

Associated Press Writer

SAN DIEGO (AP) - After months of insisting he had done nothing wrong, Rep. Randy ``Duke'' Cunningham tearfully acknowledged taking $2.4 million in bribes, saying: ``The truth is I broke the law.''

The eight-term Republican and former Vietnam fighting ace pleaded guilty to graft Monday and resigned, admitting he took money mostly from defense contractors in exchange for government business and other favors.

``In my life, I have had great joy and great sorrow. And now I know great shame,'' a tearful Cunningham said after the plea. ``I can't undo what I have done but I can atone.''

But Cunningham, who could get up to 10 years in prison at sentencing Feb. 27 on charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and fraud, and tax evasion, may not be the only person ensnared in the case. Prosecutors have indicated they have more than him in mind.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-5445090,00.html

and an empty room.

I hope not.

This topic has been moved by the moderator of this forum.
It can be found at:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5474130