Enron E-Mails Give Insiders' View

[UpInArms]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040718/ap_on_bi_ge/delay_enron_e_mails_1

WASHINGTON - In only a few e-mails, Enron employees laid bare the reality of politics: the money trail from companies seeking favors from lawmakers with the power to grant them.

The e-mails circulated among Enron officials in 2000 and 2001, before the collapse of the Houston energy company, are under review by the House ethics committee, which is considering whether to investigate the fund- raising activities of the No. 2 leader in the House, Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas.

<snip>

In an e-mail from May 31, 2001, Enron lobbyists Rick Shapiro and Linda Robertson discuss a $50,000 contribution solicited by Republican organizations for a dinner saluting President Bush (news - web sites) and Vice President Dick Cheney (news - web sites).

"With the assistance of Congressman Tom DeLay we were able to apply our previously contributed soft money toward this dinner. Consequently, we will be credited as giving $250,000 to this event, even though we are being asked to give only $50,000 in new soft money," according to the e- mail sent to Enron's now ex-chairman, Kenneth Lay, and a second executive.

...lots more...

[aquart]

1. What does a $250,000 "credit" buy?

I don't understand what the dodge is.

[olddem43]

3. You get to write the nation's energy policy to suit your

company, in this case Enron.

[Devils Advocate NZ]

2. Shows just how commercial vote buying is, doesn't it.

Consequently, we will be credited as giving $250,000 to this event, even though we are being asked to give only $50,000 in new soft money

Kind of like a discount coupon - same product received for a reduced one-time-only price! I mean why would you need to be "credited" with giving $250,000 unless there is some kind of price list for various favours?

Not to metion the politicians vying for their share of the credit for pulling the donation. I mean, they wouldn't want to miss out on their commission!

[Judi Lynn]

14. Isn't this strange? Never knew about this pushing & shoving for credit

From the article:

Just as Enron wanted credit for its contribution, Republican lawmakers vied for credit in raising the money, e-mails show.

Bringing in lots of political money helps raise a politician's stature in the party, said Edwin Bender, executive director of the Institute on Money in State Politics, based in Helena, Mont.

The Enron lobbyists said in the e-mail they would split credit for $100,000 of the contribution among DeLay; former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas; Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, who is now chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; and Rep. Billy Tauzin, R-La.

The lobbyists said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, "has requested that Enron give her some of the credit" for the other $100,000 in the contribution.
(snip/...)

Anyone hoping this new century might usher in an age of enlightenment is going to be somewhat disappointed. Human beings are finding new ways to be cheap and slimey.

[nolabels]

4. Is it time to clean the mess up yet ?

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[Democat]

5. This is far bigger than any fake Clinton scandal ever war - where are Dems

This should be the biggest news in the world right now other than the Iraq war.

The Democrats should be running a huge operation to investigate, publicize, and prosecute this. Where are our leaders on this and most other issues?

This could do big damage to the entire Republican Party if handled correctly.

Where are our leaders?

[fdr_hst_fan]

6. Lacking the proper amount of financing

necessary to persue this, as usual.

[hedda_foil]

8. Honey, the Dems are up to their necks in it too.

Enron donated a LOT to Dems ... not as much as to Republicans, but enough to make sure that both sides were covered.

[Democat]

9. The fact that they also cheated did not stop Republicans from attacking

During the impeachment, Republicans didn't care about the fact that they were also guilty, they only cared about undermining Clinton and the Democratic Party.

Some of the Republicans lost their seats, but look at who controls every branch of government right now, even with the lost seats.

Our side just doesn't seem to be willing to do what needs to be done to bring down Bush.

I hope that the next decade is spent replacing all of these wimps with a much tougher brand of Democratic.

[susu369]

7. Emails from former Enron lobbyists Gillespie and Racicot

would be delicious....one can dream.

:evilgrin:

[wolfgirl]

10. But Mr. Lay says he

new nothing...and our President barely knew Mr. Lay....

(gag)

[Fovea]

11. May this please start a real reform process

in this country. This is beyond the pale.

[Democat]

13. For that to happen, someone would have to make it a big issue

Let's all hold our breath and see how big of an issue the Democrats make this into.

[Zorra]

12. Ken Lay sure got around. RNC - Enron, Inc.