http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20051204-9999-1n4adcs.htmlthis is going to be--well, should be--a big one, with tentacles reaching deeply into the pugparty
it really highlights the extent of total corruption unfolding under the aegis of DeLay/K Street Project
if this doesn't bring them down, I don't know what does.
this goes from the number three man at CIA to Schwarzenegger to Duncan Hunter, to numerous and nameless former DeLay aids who parlayed their staff positions into lucrative lobby positions
Even Dan Lundberg, of all people, remarked upon the huge number of lobbyists appearing at doorways in the halls of congress after 1995.
this story should be more hugh than anything I can come up with, if it gets the play it should....Google is ignoring it on its first few pages, btw. they DID give it some play on CSPAN this morning, though. that's where I heard about it
In government documents, he is referred to as "co-conspirator No. 1": a man who gave more than $630,000 in cash and favors to former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham for help in landing millions of dollars in federal contracts. ADCS has received at least $80 million in government contracts since 1996. Its $11 million headquarters is located in Poway. Poway military contractor Brent Wilkes – whom Justice Department officials identify as the co-conspirator – has long been active in local political circles, serving as the San Diego County finance co-chairman of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign and the state finance co-chairman for President Bush.
Wilkes has not been charged with a crime in the Cunningham case. The former Rancho Santa Fe congressman announced his resignation Monday after pleading guilty to charges of tax evasion and conspiracy. Three other men – Washington defense contractor Mitchell Wade, businessman Thomas Kontogiannis and financier John T. Michael, both of New York – also have been identified as co-conspirators. Wilkes' story shows how gifts, favors and campaign contributions can be used to gain lucrative business from the government.
Over the past 20 years, Wilkes has devoted much of his career to developing political contacts in Washington. He and his associates have spent at least $600,000 on political contributions and $1.1 million on lobbying beyond the gifts mentioned in the Cunningham plea agreement, as they cultivated such politicians as House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis.
And since 1996, he has received at least $95 million in government contracts for the small family of firms based in his $11 million headquarters in Poway, including ADCS Inc. and Group W.
much, much more at this link
you thought it was bad. as always, with this bunch, it's even worse