Former U.S. Congressman William J. Jefferson, 62, of New Orleans, La., was sentenced today to 13 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for using his office to corruptly solicit bribes, the Justice Department announced. Jefferson was also ordered to forfeit more than $470,000.
"The court's sentence today reaffirms the principle that all people - no matter what their title or position - are equal before the law," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman. "In a stunning betrayal of the public's trust, former Congressman Jefferson repeatedly used his public office for private gain. The lengthy prison sentence imposed on Mr. Jefferson today is a stark reminder to all public officials that the consequences of accepting bribes can and will be severe."
Showing posts with label Russel Honore. Louisiana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Russel Honore. Louisiana. Show all posts
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
By voting for ObamaCare, Cao became a footnote
A congressman who occupies the seat previously held by William Jefferson, one of the most noteworthy crooks in the history of the U.S. Congress, obviously has to make a name for himself.
After all, the next election is only a year away and Cao's district in Louisiana is not famous as a gathering place for Vietnamese immigrants.
Its previous congressman became fanous for somethng that only a nanny state would make a fuss about: instead of storing food in his refrigerator, he stuffed it with cash.
Comedians said it was cold cash, but the authorities said it was hot - proceeds of a bribery scheme. Before the argument was settled, Cao defeated Jefferson, winning 49.6 percent of the vote, to Jefferson's 46.8 percent.
In August, Jefferson was convicted on 11 of 16 corruption charges and faces up to 150 years in prison.
Midway through his first term, Cao's prospects aren't great.
According to Wikipedia, Cao is "the first Vietnamese American, as well as the first native of Vietnam, to serve in Congress, and the first Republican to serve in his district since 1890; his district usually votes overwhelmingly Democratic.
"Cao is the poorest member of Louisiana's delegation (including the state's two senators) in Congress: as of 2009 his assets were no greater than $195,000 and his potential liabilities mounting to $215,000, including student loans for himself and his wife."
His tenure, on other words, is tenuous. So what did he do to make a name for himself?
He voted for the Democrat-sponsored ObamaCare bill in the U.S. House, the only Republican to do so. His chances of remaining in the House are no better than the Obamacare bill's chances of survival in the Senate.
In that situation, becoming a footnote in history may be worth a shot.
After all, the next election is only a year away and Cao's district in Louisiana is not famous as a gathering place for Vietnamese immigrants.
Its previous congressman became fanous for somethng that only a nanny state would make a fuss about: instead of storing food in his refrigerator, he stuffed it with cash.
Comedians said it was cold cash, but the authorities said it was hot - proceeds of a bribery scheme. Before the argument was settled, Cao defeated Jefferson, winning 49.6 percent of the vote, to Jefferson's 46.8 percent.
In August, Jefferson was convicted on 11 of 16 corruption charges and faces up to 150 years in prison.
Midway through his first term, Cao's prospects aren't great.
According to Wikipedia, Cao is "the first Vietnamese American, as well as the first native of Vietnam, to serve in Congress, and the first Republican to serve in his district since 1890; his district usually votes overwhelmingly Democratic.
"Cao is the poorest member of Louisiana's delegation (including the state's two senators) in Congress: as of 2009 his assets were no greater than $195,000 and his potential liabilities mounting to $215,000, including student loans for himself and his wife."
His tenure, on other words, is tenuous. So what did he do to make a name for himself?
He voted for the Democrat-sponsored ObamaCare bill in the U.S. House, the only Republican to do so. His chances of remaining in the House are no better than the Obamacare bill's chances of survival in the Senate.
In that situation, becoming a footnote in history may be worth a shot.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Hero of Katrina mulls U.S. senate race in Louisiana
From Bayou Buzz
"In a breaking story, The Louisiana Weekly and Bayoubuzz.com have learned that the hero of Hurricane recovery, General Russell Honore is seriously considering entering the Republican Primary for the U.S. Senate seat against incumbent David Vitter. Honore, a Republican since the Reagan Administration and a registered Louisiana voter from his Zachary home, has spoken to friends and supporters in the last two weeks signaling that he is, according to one, "more than 50% sure that he will run."
(snip)
While polls show Vitter as the clear favorite in both the primary and the general election, one very senior Louisiana Republican predicted that if Honore runs, "He wins." As that GOP party elder further explained to the www.louisianaweekly.com and Bayoubuzz on the promise of confidentiality, "All he has to say is 'Stuck on Stupid', and Vitter is toast."
Military voters, who constitute a plurality of the Republican electorate, will flock to Honore, and the party leader in question also believes that the General's race will matter to primary voters less than his social stands. Honore admitted through aides to the Weekly that he is "pro-life and pro-family."
"In a breaking story, The Louisiana Weekly and Bayoubuzz.com have learned that the hero of Hurricane recovery, General Russell Honore is seriously considering entering the Republican Primary for the U.S. Senate seat against incumbent David Vitter. Honore, a Republican since the Reagan Administration and a registered Louisiana voter from his Zachary home, has spoken to friends and supporters in the last two weeks signaling that he is, according to one, "more than 50% sure that he will run."
(snip)
While polls show Vitter as the clear favorite in both the primary and the general election, one very senior Louisiana Republican predicted that if Honore runs, "He wins." As that GOP party elder further explained to the www.louisianaweekly.com and Bayoubuzz on the promise of confidentiality, "All he has to say is 'Stuck on Stupid', and Vitter is toast."
Military voters, who constitute a plurality of the Republican electorate, will flock to Honore, and the party leader in question also believes that the General's race will matter to primary voters less than his social stands. Honore admitted through aides to the Weekly that he is "pro-life and pro-family."
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