Cunningham Said to Have Helped Limo Firm

Cunningham Said to Have Helped Limo Firm
Friday June 16, 2006
By ERICA WERNER

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - A limousine company involved in congressional prostitution and bribery allegations got a Homeland Security contract after then-Rep. Randy ``Duke'' Cunningham interceded on the company's behalf, the company's president has told lawmakers.

The statement by the president of Shirlington Limousine was made in an affidavit discussed at a House Homeland Security subcommittee hearing Thursday.

It prompted renewed protests from lawmakers about the Homeland Security Department's awarding of two contracts to Shirlington despite the company's history of problems.

Committee Chairman Peter King, R-N.Y., noted that Shirlington president Christopher Baker had a criminal record and business dealings with a defense contractor named as an unindicted coconspirator in the prosecution of Cunningham.

``And then we find out that the congressman at the center of all of this sends a letter on behalf of this limousine company. If that doesn't raise issues, if that isn't more than a series of coincidences, I don't know what is,'' King lectured government witnesses.

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