Too Close for Comfort? (McShame and the Renzi scandal)

[deminks]

http://www.washingtonindependent.com/4834/mccain-dodged-bullet

SIERRA VISTA, Ariz.–Did Sen. John McCain, the GOP presidential nominee dodge a bullet when Rep. Rick Renzi, (R-Ariz.) was indicted in February on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, extortion and conspiracy in connection with the misuse of campaign funds and the sale of a business associate’s land?

The 35-count indictment against the three-term congressman did not include charges during a crucial time period in 2003, when Renzi was working with McCain to move a controversial amendment through Congress. They were trying to keep Fort Huachuca, a large Army base in southeast Arizona, from closing.

If prosecutors had focused on Renzi’s submission of what might be false congressional financial disclosure statements, then McCain might have been drawn deeper into the Renzi case. The FBI has already interviewed at least one member of McCain’s Senate staff and requested that his Senate office turn over documents possibly related to the case.

(snip)

The Renzi case, according to watchdog groups, has been impeded by political interference. Former Arizona U.S. Atty. Paul Charlton was pressing for the Renzi investigation in the fall of 2006. He was fired Dec. 7, 2006, a month after Renzi won reelection to his third term. Charlton was one of eight U.S. attorneys fired by former U.S. Atty. Gen. Alberto Gonzales. The dismissals led to congressional investigations that eventually forced Gonzales’ resignation. Charlton declined to comment about the Renzi case and his firing.

(snip)

McCain appeared unfazed by news of Renzi’s indictment and the 16-month criminal investigation that led up to it. When the indictment was unsealed Feb.22, Renzi was listed as one of 24 co-campaign chairmen for McCain’s Arizona presidential campaign, though the FBI’s criminal probe had been known since October 2006.

When asked by reporters four days after the indictment was made public whether Renzi was still on his campaign team, McCain said, “I don’t think so. It doesn’t matter.” Two months after Renzi’s indictment, McCain told a reporter that Renzi was a “good friend” and that the two “have a good relationship.”

(end snips)

Now, there's lipstick on a pig.

[Virginia Dare]

1. Is this what we're all supposed to be dancing over?...n/t

[deminks]

2. I don't think so, unless they're gonna indict McShame too.

Now that would be worth dancing about.

So far, McShame has skated on this one, much like the Keating deal.

[Virginia Dare]

3. But it says the FBI has interviewed a McPOW staffer.

and asked them to turn over documents. Maybe the staffer rolled. The OP alluded to "interviews" being done in the clues. I feel like I'm playing some kids' game or something.

[deminks]

10. That is why I posted this. It does seem possible.

With the background of the Keating mess, McShame would be in a fine "pickle."

[eowyn_of_rohan]

4. I HOPE this is it

[cags]

5. I hope it isn't... I don't think this will do alot of damage.n/t

[Virginia Dare]

6. Not unless a McPOW staffer cut a deal and rolled on him...n/t

[deminks]

9. It might do damage if McShame is indicted.

I don't think he could run for pretzeldente replacement if he is indicted. Maybe legally, but not morally. As if morals existed in that party any more.

[seafan]

7. The buzzards are circling John McCain.

Too Close for Comfort? Questions dog McCain about Renzi ties, September 9, 2008


Breaking MSNBC: Rick Renzi (R-AZ) indicted on charges related to land deals, February 22, 2008



Indictment: Heather Wilson's Office (R-NM) Tied to Abramoff, September 9, 2008


Jack Abramoff: John McCain’s other Lobbyist problem..., February 22, 2008

[Virginia Dare]

8. Oopsie, looks like McPOW covered for somebody!...

how mavericky of him.