FBI pulled files on Specter after USA Today story on earmarks for clients

[kpete]

FBI pulled files on Specter after USA Today story on earmarks for clients of lobbyists related to Senator's aides

RAW STORY
Published: Tuesday October 10, 2006


"FBI agents in April reviewed financial disclosure forms for Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) on the same day USA Today published an article about lobbyists who are related to aides of the veteran appropriator using access to the office to secure earmarks," reports Roll Call.

The USA Today article reported that "Specter obtained a $200,000 grant last year for a Philadelphia foundation represented by the son of one of Specter's top aides."

According to Roll Call, a review of "lobbying records, travel forms and press releases issued by Specter’s office suggests that Pennsylvania-based companies and organizations in search of funding have long made it a point to retain the lobbying services of Specter’s former aides or relatives of current staffers."

more at:
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/FBI_pulled_files_on_Specter_after_1010.html
http://rollcall.com/issues/52_37/news/15395-1.html

[madokie]

1. proof of blackmail is it not

if not then why not this having been news at the time. :shrug:
I mean that the specter caved on all issues so far hasn't he.

[razors edge]

2. since nov of 1963, yes. n/t

[Virginia Dare]

4. That's my thought...

Specter seemed poised at the beginning of Bush's second term to start bucking the administration on a variety of issues. He came out making some bold statements about supreme court nominees. Then he seemed to go strangely quiet and compliant.

[Rose Siding]

3. In early April, Specter told Fox that bush owed an explanation for-

HUME: Is it your view that what the President and the Vice President, as well, did in that matter constituted a leak?

SPECTER: I don’t know, because all of the facts aren’t out, and I think that it is necessary for the President and the Vice President to tell the American people exactly what happened. Brit, I think too often we jump to conclusions before we know what all of the facts are, and I’m not about to condemn or criticize anybody, but I do say that there’s been enough of a showing here with what’s been filed of record in court that the President of the United States owes a specific explanation to the American people.

Specter Wants More Debate on Spying
Senator to Try to Block Program's Funding

http://thinkprogress.org/2006/04/09/specter-leak/

And by the end of the month, he was making threats about funding the spy program-

Specter Wants More Debate on Spying
Senator to Try to Block Program's Funding
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/27/AR2006042700977.html

[Subdivisions]

5. self delete - wrong thread!

[havocmom]

6. Kick, for those who listen to what he says but don't watch what he does

There are reasons he talks tough then caves in every time.

Wire taps, not just for terrorists. Blackmail works.