Federal Bingo Probe News - Arrests In Alabama Snag Democrats, Republicans, and Lobbyists.

A round of champagne for everybody! (4.00 / 1)

 I am absolutely loving this! 29 days until the election and people are being arrested for a gambling issue. Who does this hurt more, Sparks or Bentley? I'd say, since we played the handcuff game 4 years ago, this kicks Bentley, square in the knuts. People are going to be saying "Hey! Wait a sec! What the fudge??!!" It's going to be interesting to see how all this plays out. Stay tuned people. Stay tuned.

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 15:19:01 PM UTC

How this helps Sparks is beyond me... (0.00 / 0)

His biggest donor is in JAIL!

Do better.

Dale, I have to say you were right - mooncat

You're an entertainer son! -Parker Griffith

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by: DaleJackson @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 18:10:47 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You have said yourself Dale (0.00 / 0)

 Too many uninformed voters. They don't take the time to read all the fine print. Many of them, are going to be thinking about (in November) the fact that this is two governor races in a row involving handcuffs. Maybe they did the right thing 4 years ago. Maybe not. But two elections in a row? I'm not saying this will win the election for Sparks, but he will pick up some undecided votes as a result. Ask Dr Jess about this. I think he would agree with me.

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 18:21:16 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

you're going to a Sessions TH? (4.00 / 2)

eeeeeeeeeeew

wear raincoats :P

When in doubt tell the truth. It will confound your enemies and astound your friends.---Mark Twain

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by: julie @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 15:26:10 PM UTC

More info available (4.00 / 2)

at The World Around You.  Kristopher is following this closely and has good updates.

There are no "safe" Republican districts. You can run but you can't hide.  - Rahm Emmanuel

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by: countrycat @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 15:48:11 PM UTC

Gotta agree with Dale Jackson on this one... (4.00 / 2)

(hang on a sec...  gotta let the nausea pass...)

It's a great day for Alabama.  Maybe this will wake up the voters (finally).  Of course, I'm not holding my breath, but still.

Of course, Sparks is a little more pro-bingo for obvious reasons, but remember that both gubernatorial candidates were (and still are) backed by gambling and AEA.  And I wouldn't be shocked to see Hubbert land smack dab in the middle of this.

Somewhere out there, Artur Davis and Bradley Byrne are having their coffee and laughing their asses off.

The astroturfers on al.com...  Who will pay them?  Do they have broadband in prison?  Oh noes!

Love how they're trying to spin this as a Riley issue.  Sorry folks, but this is an Obama DOJ investigation.  Obama doing exactly what Artur Davis said that he'd do two years ago when several Dems dared to presume that they were off the hook now tha the big bad GOP was gone.  Have I mentioned that I'm a big fan of Obama right about now?  Don't put up with corruption-- even from your own and especially not from your own.

I've yet to hear a thank you from the local conservative pundits directed at the Democrat-run federal government, by the way.

One final thought...  Jerrod Massey.  I have heard that name before, but it's evading me atm.  Someone help.

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by: Almoderate @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 16:03:27 PM UTC

Jerrod Massey (4.00 / 4)

Lobbyist for gambling interests, esp. Country Crossings.  He runs a fleet of PACs.  In the primary, Luther Strange's website had some great diagrams showing the flow of PAC money (much of it from gambling sources) to Troy King.  King is out of it, but the PAC connections are still useful.

Click on the images to see larger versions.

 

 

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 16:25:38 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Got to love the flow charts (4.00 / 3)

It's like the Grand Unification Theory of Corruption!

"The War in Iraq is not the disease. The War in Iraq is a symptom. Arrogance is the disease" - Bill Richardson

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by: herding old cats @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 02:07:11 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Well said! (4.00 / 3)

It's a mixed-bag day. Good they were busted -- bad they needed to be busted in the first place. 

I also hate how some people try to frame this as a "Riley" issue. Not only is this a result of the Obama administration, it also isn't a left, right, or center issue in the first place, and it certainly isn't the result of a single politician.

If anything, this is a corruption issue, and corruption has no place in a legislature regardless of which little party letter is beside who it's coming from. Sniffing corruption out is a good thing no matter who does it or where they stand on the political spectrum.

Either way, politicians on both "sides" of this are thoroughly corrupt to brim. And the other's comeuppance is (hopefully) coming too, so they would do well to think twice before they try to sanctify themselves. 

Oh, and I thought Ms. Smith's response was particularly ridiculous:

This is an outrage. This is a nakedly political move, coordinated by prosecutors in cahoots with the Governor's office to deny the people of the Wiregrass their right to vote and their lawful representation. We are not going to allow this to happen! I am committed to fighting these charges, and winning this election.

First they (The Alabama Republican Party) tried to throw me off the ballot, and now they are trying to throw me in jail," Smith said. "There is no limit to what these people will do to stop me from fighting for your right to vote, and standing up for The Wiregrass.

*circles his finger around his ear and rolls his eyes* 

This hasn't got anything to do with the personal war between you and your party, sweetie, and I'm sure you've got more than enough sense to know better. Nobody with even the most tenuous grasp of this situation would ever believe that. And even if you did nothing wrong, your dramatics and persecution complex only makes you look guilty as charged. Do the classy thing and just be quiet.

Hell, the sheer asininity of her statement almost makes me wonder if she's trying to sow the seeds for an insanity defense...

"I don't do drugs. I am drugs." — Salvador Dali

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by: shykid @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 17:45:39 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I have long felt there were some folks in Montgomery who were doing wrong (4.00 / 1)

Perhaps wrong to the extent of belonging in jail.  Perhaps this DOJ investigation will get things out into the open so that we can either know that no one behaved improperly or start the cleanup and begin restoring faith in state government.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 16:28:36 PM UTC

(4.00 / 1)

If you get to talk to Beauregard, ask him about COICA. It's an internet censorship program that makes China and Iran's web restrictions look like Net Nanny.

What shocks me even more is that Ron Sparks wasn't indicted as well. Milton McGregor is Sparks' biggest donor.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." ~ Dr. Seuss

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by: bamanewsguy @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 16:33:59 PM UTC

Ron Sparks statement (4.00 / 3)

Suspiciously similar to that of the bingo bots and those who were involved:

"These are accusations, not convictions. And just because these indictments have been handed down does not mean that gaming is going away.  That is why I have been so relentless since day one that we must strongly regulate and tax gaming. If we had a plan to regulate gaming 7 ½ years ago, these kind of things would not be happening today.

"Anyone who loves democracy and freedom should be concerned with the timing of these indictments. Waiting to announce indictments after the election would have had no impact on the cause of justice. The timing of this, regardless of how you feel about it, is suspicious and must be questioned."

Epic /facepalm, Sparky.

1. Just because you have legalized X doesn't mean that you'll no longer have illegal X.  Alcohol has been legalized for years, but we still have bootleggers.  Guns are legal, but there's still a black market.  There will always be some dealing under the table, and that's exactly what the problem is here.  Don't tell me that Miltie would have been squeaky clean if only we had legalized gambling.

2. Everyone loves democracy and freedom, and nobody gives a rat's ass about the timing so long as it's a valid indictment.  The police and FBI don't shut down every other September-November just because it's convenient to politicians. 

3. I'm sure that President Obama has no hidden agenda to stick it to his own party in Alabama-- particularly considering that both parties were involved.  When folks start using the "politically motivated charges" card, it's usually because they're guilty.  And even though you've not been charged, you sound suspicious be even insinuating it.  I understand that you're backed by these people and it looks bad already, but it would have sounded much better with something like this:

"This is an ongoing investigation, but hopefully we can get to get to the heart of this matter and make sure that the truth comes out.  The people of Alabama deserve to know, and if I'm governor, I'll make sure to do what I can to make sure that these things are handled properly."

There you have it.  It's ambiguous, non-evasive, take charge, and it sounds like you actually care about justice and not saving your own hide.  Go tell your PR guy now.

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by: Almoderate @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 18:09:08 PM UTC

(4.00 / 4)

If anything, a Democratic president and administration-- wanting a Democratic governor to be elected-- would have waited until after the mid-term elections to indict.

Ron Sparks can say this is politically motivated all he wants, but if it were, then the national Democratic Party is purposely hurting their own Democratic candiate for governor. Doesn't make much sense.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." ~ Dr. Seuss

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by: bamanewsguy @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 19:12:02 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

How does the left-over Bush-appointed US attorney figure in all this? (4.00 / 1)

Legal Schnauzer: Leura Canary's "October Surprise" Becomes Reality

I have been reading with great interest Legal Schauzer's concerns about Leura Canary for several months.  These arrests certainly seem consistent with those concerns.  Is there a real possibility Sparks will be indicted?

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by: Smedley @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 18:22:51 PM UTC

If it walks like a duck.... (0.00 / 0)

Sparks has been quacking for a while now.

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by: Almoderate @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 18:39:23 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Wow! (0.00 / 0)

  And the plot thickens! Laura Canary, her husband Bill and his association w/ Karl "The Kronie" Rove. Good work Smedley.

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 19:28:19 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You guys are kidding me, right? (4.00 / 1)

Again with the political motivation card?  Obama has been over the DOJ for nearly two years now.  Seriously guys, the more that card is played, the worse the AlaDems look.

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by: Almoderate @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 19:59:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Invesigate or let it slide? (0.00 / 0)

 You seem to be leaning towards the latter.

 "Leura, Bill and Karl" Almod. "Leura Bill and Karl!!!"

 If it stinks like a cronie... At least look into it.

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 20:09:02 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Remind me again... (4.00 / 1)

Who heads up the DOJ?

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by: Almoderate @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 20:21:09 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

It would not be the 1st time... (0.00 / 0)

...someone has held back vital information from the POTUS. Obama is dealing w/ 2 wars, a possible terrorist attack, climate change, the economy, jobs. I just want ALL the facts brought forth before November gets here. Don't you?

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 20:36:37 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Facts and conspiracy theories are two different things. (4.00 / 2)

I don't hold to the delusion that any of our Alabama state legislatures-- particularly when split evenly among Dems and Republicans-- rank important enough for a national conspiracy.  And that this was going on was a big ol' fat duh for anyone paying attention.

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by: Almoderate @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 01:29:34 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Blessings upon you for (4.00 / 2)

"A Big Ol' Fat Duh"!

"The War in Iraq is not the disease. The War in Iraq is a symptom. Arrogance is the disease" - Bill Richardson

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by: herding old cats @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 02:10:46 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

These are not (4.00 / 2)

as I understand it the result of an investigation done by the US Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. The investigation has been run, since Day 1, by the Department of Justice out of Washington. The last time I checked that is the Obama (BIG D) Justice Department.

So does Sparks thinks Obama is trying to undermine his campaign?

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
Edmund Burke

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by: Old Prosecutor @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 18:34:41 PM UTC

sparks indicted? (4.00 / 1)

unless there are believeable tapes of sparks committing illegal acts, like there are of at least some of those just indicted, a sparks indictment -- handled right by democrats and the sparks campaign -- would guarantee sparks the election.

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by: ivan @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 18:35:22 PM UTC

You have to wonder why Riley wasn't arrested in 2008 (0.00 / 0)

 When hurricane Ike hit in 2008 (damaging about 10 offshore oil rigs) Riley waited until gas prices shot through the roof before declaring a state of emergency. Almost just like a stock broker.....Wait for it.....Wait for it.... 5 bucks a gallon. Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Hit it! "The governor of Alabama  has issued a state of emergency" :-/

 Riley took BIG OIL money and made a government decision that put a LOT of money in their pockets. And it stuck a dagger in the U.S. economy. (many people stopped driving to the malls and such because of the long gas lines. People did not know when & where their next tank of gas was coming from)

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 19:06:51 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Was bound to happen. (4.00 / 1)

Artur Davis chimes in.

That would be Artur-speak for "I told you so."

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by: Almoderate @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 20:01:12 PM UTC

(0.00 / 0)

Boy, al.com is just tearing Davis apart. I'm kind of glad I didn't get the job with them.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." ~ Dr. Seuss

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by: bamanewsguy @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 21:49:58 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

And Davis wasn't lying either... (4.00 / 1)

The dumba**es in the ADP that have let gambling lobbyists run the show (along with the AEA) have pretty much lost the election next month for a number of Alabama Democrats.  That is a guarantee. 

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 23:41:46 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I'm just hoping they don't ruin it for some of the better ones. (4.00 / 1)

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by: Almoderate @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 01:32:00 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Secret Holds (4.00 / 2)

All of the people that are questioning Pres. Obama do not really know about the legal process. All US Senators can place what are called "HOLD" or a block of replacing federal officals. Obama cannot replace Canery because she is being held up by our two US Senators (Shelby and Sessions). Now I think that everyone knows why the holds are in place.

If Obama wants to replace any attorney, he has to send that nomination to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Do anyone knows who is the ranking member of that Comiittee? Yes that's right it is Senator Jefferson Bureaguad Session III. 

 In sense President Obama hands are tied by the action of the Senate. 

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by: AF2010 @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 20:43:00 PM UTC

The "FIVE" (0.00 / 0)

 Canary, Canary, Rove, Sessions and Shelby. A freekin' cronie basketball team. Thank you AF2010.

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 20:47:19 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

AF2010: You're wrong... (4.00 / 1)

Mrs. Canary serves at the president's pleasure, and had he wished, President Obama could have canned her when he took office, without any affirmation from the Senate.  He could have then appointed an acting U.S. Attorney until the Senate confirmed her replacement.

If you have a problem with Mrs. Canary still serving, you shouldn't look to the venerable Senator from Mobile; you should look to the current occupant of that big residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

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by: bhbhm @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 21:54:06 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Actually... (0.00 / 0)

Canary is in place and will remain such. Bush tried to fire attorneys, too. Remember what happened in that? He lost Gonzalez and more importantly that was the last big blow to his administration that came in before the closing of the '08 elections.

 

If Obama pulled a stunt like that the cries of "imperial president" would be outrageous, no Canary is here to stay because Obama isn't in a position of power to remove her easily as Shelby and Sessions block that avenue of approach.

Another thing of importance, Canary herself may be "recused" but two subordinates of her office are and have always been with this investigation, Canary herself was with this investigation in the beginning.

'Lest we forget all of this fuss started when Paul Sanford claimed he was offered more than a state senator receives in TOTAL of a campaign cycle nearly nine months after the alleged bribe. Sound fishy to you? Yeah.

I think Preuitt is guilty as sin (after reading the plea agreement of Pouncey) but they essentially have nothing on the rest of the state senators. But with Preuitt and his guilt goes a very powerful part of the the pro-bingo, Sparks, and all-around Dems contribution structure. 

I truly do believe in my heart of hearts that this was a Hubbard/Riley/Mississippi Casinos/Canary witch hunt to can some Dem contributors, botch Sparks election, and seize the senate. And one actor they needed to pull it all off, the Obama department of Justice played into their hand perfectly.

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by: RollBamaRoll @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 22:50:47 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Regardless (4.00 / 2)

The ADP leadership should have more common sense than to enable their rivals to take their "precious" gubernatorial candidate and the reelections of so many state senators.  Chasing after the "carrot" of gambling while other problems were pending in the Alabama legislature is why so many Alabamians hate the legislature (and pretty much Alabama Democratic officials since they are the majority party of both houses).  There are too many idiotic power-tripping ignoramuses in the ADP leadership and their offish behavior pretty much has cost the Alabama Senate.  Until the ADP realizes that divorcing lobbyists (gambling, AEA, and corporate landowners) from themselves they will continue to feel the razor sharp edge of destruction. 

One thing I can say about Democratic party officials in other states, at least they attempt to champion progressive social policy to create a diversion of their inter-party corruption.  Meanwhile, the ADP has yet to get a clue on that one, thus their undoing...

The Obama administration and the DNC has to take care of the Democrats that show discernment and attempts to champion rationale interests.  Don't get mad at them because they are forced to investigate and indict those whom blatantly commit criminal acts while in public office.  That all goes back to the ADP responsibilities.

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 00:00:51 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

NO Dragontide You are wrong (0.00 / 0)

Do you even know the process or what happen to Bush when he tried to fire federal prosecutors? I do not think so. You cannot remove anyone that has a hold. That is a Senate rule. The Senate has the power since the US Constitution gives the power of the Senate to confirm nominations of the President for all Federal appointed office. 

 Please know your facts!!

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by: AF2010 @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 23:02:06 PM UTC

I was agreeing with you AF2010 (0.00 / 0)

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 23:33:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

that was bhbhm disagreeing with you (0.00 / 0)

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 23:35:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Wasn't the hot rumor a couple years ago... (0.00 / 0)

that Artur Davis had secured a secret deal with Holder/Obama to preserve Laura Cenary's place in the justice department in exchange for BCA support in the governor's race? And that part of the reason she would stay in office was an "October surprise" to sway the state legislature towards the GOP?

I'm not saying that the conspiracy is real, but goodness, that rumormonger turned out to either be really accurate or really attuned to coincidence.

The timing of these indictments is suspect. The charges are nebulous at best (apart from diehard Republican Jim Preuett, it appears to me that the only thing any of these folks were seeking were campaign contributions and campaign appearances from country music singers). This whole thing reeks of a Justice Department every bit as rancid with insider deals and special treatment as the one run by Bush.

I'm not quite the conspiracy theorist that some are on this matter - my personal opinion is that nebulous shit like this is usually driven more by the career ambitions of prosecutors/investigators than partisan political motivations. But how can one not find it curious the way in which political corruption cases have been handled by the Obama administration? 

It's apparent to me that this is nothing more than  "bipartisan cover" for the justice department. Maybe there's another October surprise on the way for Republicans in another state, or, perhaps, John Boehner himself if you believe the rumors.

 

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by: bluebearcat @ Mon Oct 04, 2010 at 23:30:05 PM UTC

That is besides the point (4.00 / 1)

If you want to be blatantly reckless about forcing such legislation through the Alabama Senate while other more important things are going down (like the voting upon the general budget, state sales tax on groceries and essential items, etc.) then that is the fault of those whom chose to be involved, period. 

I could give a d*mn of what rumor of Davis being involved, the fact that the ADP has immersed themselves so deep into this foolishness with the gambling interests of McGregor, Massey, etc. shows there is serious lack of discernment on their part.  The spoke the truth back in July about the way things run and if they want to get mad at him then need to all hold hands and kiss his a**.

Ron Sparks is just PLAIN DUMB as a box of rocks.  Otherwise, he would have known better than be associated with McGregor.  That idiots pushed him into the gubernatorial nomination and the ADP leadership has pretty much lost the election because of this crap.  The "rancidity" is associated with the power players of the ADP and they should either bow out with grace now or continue to bring the party disgrace.  This whole situation is a comeuppance that is very much deserved for their arrogance for not putting effective and socially progressive policy at the forefront of their agenda. 

Also you can't blame the entire DOJ for one division office's  investigation.  I believe the DOJ leadership (Holder) has bigger matters to worry about rather than Alabama (remember it only has 9 electoral votes). 

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 00:20:09 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

OMG, that Artur Davis! (4.00 / 2)

He is so powerful and so cunning that he connived with the Obama administration and the BCA to win the governor's office.  How come he didn't get BCA support, then?  And if he's so powerful and cunning, why didn't he walk away with the nomination?

That's a hell of a nice tin foil hat you're wearing.

 

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 01:10:09 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

The Obama administration is remiss in allowing Canary to say. (4.00 / 1)

I have made the same comment repeatedly. Obama should have appointed anyone to be the Interim US Attorney for the Middle District. Whether those who have been indicted are guilty or not, Obama bears the guilt of keeping Canary on. This may take down the the whole ticket. Sparks is not guilty of anything with bingo. He is not going to be indicted. I am very disappointed in this state and in the current administration's inability to attend to getting rid of a Republican US Attorney. 

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by: Sundog @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 02:06:51 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Obama can't fire Canary (0.00 / 0)

 Not unless Shelby and Sessions allows it. All U.S. Senators can place a hold to block the replacing of federal officals.

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 02:29:38 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Actually, if that were true, they would have already done it. (4.00 / 1)

The nuclear option could have then been used on Kagan or anyone else of more significant importance. They threatened it with Michele Nicrosi which is why she didn't get it. Therefore, an interim appointment was the way to go, just to get Canary out of there. Since this is such an ongoing investigation, with more indictments coming, they could have held off until after the election. I have it on good information that Canary was totally involved despite her remarks to the contrary. The McGregor arrest was unnecessary since he would have turned himself in. Being shacked, around both wrists and ankles, is the ultimate attempt to degrade and humiliate.

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by: Sundog @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 02:42:31 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

That deserved an 11. (4.00 / 1)

I'll say it again.  There are far bigger fish to fry than the Alabama Democrats.  Sorry guys, but you're just not that important in a state already as red as Alabama rank deserving of a national consipiracy to get you.

I'm sure that if there was some vast conspiracy, it would at least be over a story that ranks of enough importance to get more than a blurb on the 24-hour media channels.

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by: Almoderate @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 03:25:53 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

They are all big fish (0.00 / 0)

 You win a fight, one punch at a time. The GOP had a rigged system and went for it. They turned a few crimes into several charges while turning a deaf ear to other crimes.

 But I'm fine with it because this is going to turn against the GOP. Joe "The Voter" and Jane "The Voter" are going to read into this as a lame attempt against gambling and translate it into a move against Sparks. (the gambling guy) It's selective prosecution and nothing else.

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 03:43:01 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

haha ha ha ha ha (4.00 / 3)

Keep telling yourself that this is all about gambling and not about corruption and how the big bad ol' establishment is out to get the Dems.  Because, you know, the GOP has such a tough time getting their agenda to pass in Alabama.

Meanwhile you're completely ignoring the entire reason why the ADP is dead in the water.

I've been hammering on this for ages now.  Artur Davis hadn't even had time to catch his breath while warning the party of this very thing before the FBI started arresting lawmakers in Wal Mart.   The party is corrupt.  Montgomery is corrupt.  It was made breathtakingly obvious in both party primaries as to who was running this state, and it was only a matter of time before even more folks got busted.

The Republicans lost some fish in this, too, and you don't see them whining about how unfair this is.  Rather, you see them talking about how we need to nail corruption.  Compare messages.  One group is whining that they may lose votes.  The other group is talking about how they need to fix the problem.

Can you not see the big freaking issue that might be the voter turn-off?!  Hint.  It has zero to do with gambling.  It has zero to do with how hurt the Dems are.  It has everything to do with a very broken system that they've had it well within their power to fix for a very long time, and when it blew up in their face, their reaction was to not talk about how to fix the system but to spout conspiracy theories about how everyone was out to get them!

Worse, Ron Sparks released a statement that sounded eerily similar to Gilley's rant about "defending democracy" on page 20 of the indictment as well as every press release Milton McGreggor has ever put out.

Who cares if there's someone else with a box?  We're not talking about them right now, though we might very well talk about them later on.  We're talking about you.  You still shouldn't have had a box.

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by: Almoderate @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 05:02:19 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

It kills me to see Dems playing the victim game (4.00 / 3)

Victimhood is a horrible way to frame an election.  Voters may feel sorry for the victim, but they aren't going to vote for someone who lets themselves be victimized.  It's sort of a natural selection instinct - the group picks leaders strong enough to take care of themselves, or else how can they lead/take care of the pack/herd/tribe/flock/etc.?

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 05:35:27 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Joe & Jane "The Voters"... (2.00 / 2)

...are still not convinced that Don Seiglman is truely guilty. (neither am I) And that was only 4 years ago. Two "handcuff" elections in a row. Joe & Jane are going to be pissed. It is now going to be a closer election that everybody thought it would be.

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 09:02:36 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Speaking as Jane "The Voter" (4.00 / 2)

I'm completely convinced that he was guilty and that he got caught.  Do you think Guy Hunt was a mere victim of political persecution as well?  Of course not!

The only people convinced that Seigelman was innocent (or not truly guilty) are Joe & Jane "The Hard Democrats" who are about as dellusional as Joe & Jane "The Teabaggers" and would believe anything rather that to face the truth about the folks they've supported in the past and/or think ill of them.

Yes, I can admit that I voted for Don Siegelman.  And no, I didn't have any particular beef with him when he ran again and I voted against him because I felt like he'd only had one issue and had failed miserably in getting it done.  But yes, I fully believe he's guilty.  And no, I don't think that's any reflection of me or the person I am that I voted for him the first time.  I can fully live with myself.

But yes, I'm pissed.  I'm pissed that the ADP leadership and some of their more vocal following are so out of touch with the normal electorate that they would rather make excuses than condemn corruption-- which any idiot can see is happening.

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by: Almoderate @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 13:38:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

No charges against Seiglman if... (2.00 / 2)

.. He did not hire the person that filled that same position three (3) times before. No charges against Seiglman if he did not hire the best person to fill the post. Let's say you gave one dollar to elect Tommy Battle for mayor of Huntsville and then get a job with the city. What is the difference?

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 19:18:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Doesn't matter (0.00 / 0)

Siegelman is guilty as charged.  He should have not followed the crowd and proven he was a LEADER not a follower of the same ol' corrupted crowd. 

As Almoderate and myself have said, the ADP is screwed until they get their house in order and stop copying from the "they did it too" playbook because they are the ones getting caught in the end.  They need to raise above the corruption and not jump in the fray...

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 19:43:41 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Tomato/Tomahto (4.00 / 1)

Guilty as charged/ Guilty as Roved

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Wed Oct 06, 2010 at 00:44:39 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

An Indictment of The Whole Damned System (4.00 / 3)

While they're indicting legislators, they need to indict the whole damned campaign fundraising structure in this state.

We need a public funding system to end the corruption of candidates for any office taking money from oil companies, in-state gambling interests or those in Mississippi. The WHOLE THING is LEGALIZED bribery.

Apart from that, the timing of this whole thing stinks. A month before elections? WTF? Being 'prosecuted out of office or an election' seems to be becoming more frequent and Alabama continues to be the a political petri dish of corruption at almost every level and institution.

 

"This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue. This is about the whole system being against us." - an Occupy protester at Obama's Des Moines office.

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by: Dardango @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 02:49:28 AM UTC

Re: An Indictment of The Whole Damned System (4.00 / 4)

Yes, we do it now or never. Everyone understands that there is a certain amount of "relationships" needed between government and special interest/private sector (energy, gambling, industry) to actually make things happen on a basic level.

However, the "relationships" are a double edge sword. Even though they allow officials to wield great influence via funding and associated support, the temptation to indulge on a personal level is tremendous.

Once the "relationship" between an elected or appointed official becomes tainted, the curve of benefit to the people slopes more toward the recipient. It also ends up with the official having to "play ball" with undesirable people/entites.

This happens to a great majority of all officials on both sides of the isle during their careers. We can see fresh politicians who are pure in focus and intent serve for a year and find themselves forced into a box of ideals and interest that they must then serve from then on. 

Everyone knows what I am talking about. Simply put, if an official does not allow him or herself to become involved in "relationships" or does not "play ball", then they will be one term wonders, voted out for someone who will "play ball" in the next term.

The only way to stop this viscious cycle is to adopt a social policy of anti-lobby sentiment, anti-coalition and board appointments and remove the tentacles of private (for profit) interest from the governmental circuit.

But, having said all of that, it is a fairy tale. Money makes the world go round and ultimately, some group of men must rule by influence. Cleaning house will only relieve the problem temporarily. As for gambling, it is the scourge of the lower class. Gambling takes 73% of the disposable income of the low to moderate income people in Alabama each year for the last five years. Of that low to moderate income group, they make up 65% of the total small cap retail consumers in the state. So, our retailers have likely seen a dramatic decrease in small perishables and electronics over the last few years due to a overall downturn in the economy on top of the lower class of consumers taking a great portion of their disposable income to places like WHITE HALL and VICTORY LAND.

I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity.
Robert E. Lee  

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by: fundmaker @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 16:14:41 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Agreed (4.00 / 3)

This case and others prove that public officials should only receive funding from on source --the public. I don't know how many more of these situations it's going to take to make that clear.

As you said, changing parties in power is not the cure (although I'm sure the GOP wants folk to believe that now), it's only by ending this myth that public officials can take thousands of dollars of corporate money and not have it affect their judgment. 

"This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue. This is about the whole system being against us." - an Occupy protester at Obama's Des Moines office.

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by: Dardango @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 16:35:15 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Ding! Ding! First time comment here! (4.00 / 1)

Welcome to LIA, fundmaker!  Please feel free to hang out with us and comment.

I'm interested in this part of your comment:

Gambling takes 73% of the disposable income of the low to moderate income people in Alabama each year for the last five years. Of that low to moderate income group, they make up 65% of the total small cap retail consumers in the state. So, our retailers have likely seen a dramatic decrease in small perishables and electronics over the last few years due to a overall downturn in the economy on top of the lower class of consumers taking a great portion of their disposable income to places like WHITE HALL and VICTORY LAND.

Those are amazing statistics.  Do you have a link?

I'm really interested because of the series on the Alabama Lottery that we did a few weeks ago.  There's a lot of evidence (like lottery marketing plans) that lotteries in other states are often targeted towards the poor because they tend to buy the most tickets.

So if this is already happening with the casinos in Alabama, I'd like to investigate those numbers too.

There are no "safe" Republican districts. You can run but you can't hide.  - Rahm Emmanuel

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by: countrycat @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 16:51:58 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Supporting stats- Thanks for the welcome (4.00 / 2)

To find the LMI values via census 2000 sets, generally you can use www.census.gov site. You will find more detailed info by county (affected area near gambling locations, ie. "the wiregrass and blackbelt") you need decinial data. Try this link http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ACSSAFFFacts

The 73% disposable income spent by that income class is gained in two Comprehensive Studies completed by the Central Alabama Planning and Development Commission, in association with ADECA regional county and area planning. Specific title of the study/report you want to research would be "CARPDC comprehensive plan of action". Contact info found at www.carpdc.com

Also, if you need help gaining other info for a project to gain statistics for lottery planning, I can load your boat with plenty of survey data  gained through other ED projects.

If you want an interesting phone call, contact the MACON COUNTY COMMISSION and find out just how little combined (tax, payroll and other) revenue that VictoryLand produced annually for MACON COUNTY. Also interesting to find out is how small a percentage of full time employee's that VictoryLand actually assumed and retained from MACON county.

 

 

I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity.
Robert E. Lee  

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by: fundmaker @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 18:30:14 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

ok.. you've got me interested! (4.00 / 1)

When this bingo brouhaha settles down in a week or so (fingers crossed), this is something to jump into.

There are no "safe" Republican districts. You can run but you can't hide.  - Rahm Emmanuel

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by: countrycat @ Tue Oct 05, 2010 at 22:34:37 PM UTC

[ Parent ]