I could write about a lot of stuff tonight.

For almost a decade I have been tracking Jack Abramoff and the Culture of Corruption and since I became uid 9214, I’ve written about that work here on Daily Kos. For years, I have been writing about the many ways that John McCain covered-up the Abramoff Scandal.

I could write about how the Obama campaign is taking that fight to Curveball John:

There is more to that story and more reasons why McCain should worry about Jack, but I doubt it would break through the waves of panic shaking the netroots.

Yikes! The polls have tightened. Well, what did you expect?

Take a deep breath. Get a backbone. FOCUS.

It’s time to call out the summer supporters and sunshine campaigners.

To the jump...

John McNicotine is now for the tobacco lobby after years of working against it.  He not only opposes the cigarette taxes he used to support but also opposes FDA regulation of the tobacco industry after years of supporting it.  McNicotine is an ex-smoker and should understand just how addictive nicotine is, and he even acknowledged the exceptionally high death rate for tobacco users when he joked that cigarette exports to Iran were part of his plot to kill Iranian citizens.  For McNicotine to cave in to the tobacco cartel is the ultimate flip-flop:
http://www.boston.com/...

Why has McNicotine caved in to the interests of the tobacco drug cartel?  It couldn't possibly have anything to do with hiring tobacco lobbyist Charlie Black as his senior adviser.  Move along folks.  There's nothing to see here:
http://firedoglake.com/...

Now let's use the traditional Rethug "moral values" and "sanctity of life" frames against McNicotine!  There's more in the flip.

Stevens is facing lots of mandatory prison time, and the evidence is a SLAM DUNK!!

Prosecutors Reveal More in Stevens Case
http://www.adn.com/...

Federal prosecutors offered a glimpse of previously unseen evidence against U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens in new court filings

"... senator used inside help to profit from Florida condo."

"... a secret $5,000 investment ... $100,000 in quick profits."

"... Stevens sought jobs from Veco for a son and a grandchild and a new Jeep Cherokee for his daughter..."

What else is on the wiretapped phone conversations?  And in the e-mails?  
Where else within the Corrupt Bastards Club (CBC) will the investigation lead?
And, did the FBI find any CBC tee-shirts and caps at Ted's Girdwood chalet?

I have a sense that this story is only just beginning to unfold!

Give the long, detailed article a full read (more excerpts follow below):

John McCain is a Corruptionist. For those without a dictionary, that means that he is a politician who has protected and upheld corrupt practices throughout his political career.

His dirty work is obscured by his carefully constructed myth as a "maverick" and his false mask of a reformer. It is all hype. His reputation is built on a twisted web of lies and protected by a legion of well trained sycophants in the media.

Every now and then, a clear portrait of McCain emerges such as last week’s profile in the Phoenix New Times by Amy Silverman, who wrote about the sordid career of the Senator from Arizona—a man she has been covering for years. It is a must read.

Mark it down as yet more data points proving McCain’s deep corruptionist tendencies.

There are many more. His campaign is run by lobbyists and McCain’s bends over backwards to reward the clients of his staff with statements and policy positions.

And then there is McCain’s embrace of Ralph Reed.

WTF!

To the jump...

According to today's LA Times, Congressmen John Dingell and Bruce Stark are probing deeper into  security breaches at Defense Department BioWarfare laboratories following FBI allegations revealed after the recent suicide of Army anthrax / vaccine researcher Bruce Ivins. The FBI of Bush Administration Justice Department fame, has named Ivins as the Governments "Prime Suspect" in the heretofore unsolved anthrax attacks that were mailed in 2001 and claimed the lives of five people.

The Anthrax / Defense Department / Army BioWar Labs case has all the making of a Fitzmas Reunion. With quite possibly a very different result.

Analysis of Recent Developments in this Anthrax / "Ivins" case draws parallel lines to
Cheney's "outing" of Valerie Plame in the "CIA Leak Case",
the Colin Powell "Evidence" Case,
The George-Rudolf-Hess-Tenent "Slam Dunk" Case,  
The Case-for-War-in-Iraq-Case,
The Only-Case-There-is-Case.

But there is a Price..."National Security" is the ticket for Admission.

Ahh, when you've served in the Senate 200 years, I guess you get to rewrite the criminal code whenever it suits your interests.

"This is an indictment for failure to disclose gifts that are controversial in terms of whether they were or were not gifts. It's not bribery; it's not some corruption; it's not some extreme felony."

We all thought that felonies were felonies, but apparently that's no longer the case. We now have:

Maybe we can add a few categories:

And yeah, some gifts are controversial. Like when oil company execs add a $250,000 addition to your house, complete with Viking gas grill and other fancy furniture, and top it all off with a shiny brand new Land Rover. Merely "controversial".

That's not corruption or bribery. And it's certainly not an "extreme felony". Democratic Sen. Daniel Inouye, campaigning for Stevens this week, would certainly classify the charges as "felonies hardly worth worrying yourself over." So would the rest of the GOP Senate caucus. And Joe Lieberman.

But to everyone else interested in good, clean, and ethical government, it really is time for Mark Begich.

On the web:
Mark Begich for Senate
Orange to Blue ActBlue page

When I first saw in a comment in another thread that McCain was seriously considering Eric Cantor (R-VA7) for his running mate, I thought it was a joke.  After all, Cantor would be a gift from the gods for us.

About the only plus Cantor brings to the ticket is that he would presumably appeal to Jewish voters.  But the minuses?  Oh, they're aplenty.  A Bushbot conservative representing an insanely Republican district--yeah, that's a good way to win swing voters.  He has never really had to campaign--he represented an insanely Republican district in the Virginia House of Delegates for nine years, and now represents an R+11 district in Congress.  You have to go all the way back to Gerald Ford to find the last Republican veep who didn't have to break a sweat at least once in an election before becoming veep.

But the biggest minus?  Eric Cantor would be the poster child for the Republican Culture of Corruption.

The news for Stevens just keeps looking bleaker, but it would seem that Alaska's Republicans will stand by their man. You'll recall that Rasmussen polled the state just a few days ago, and the results were pretty grim for old "Tubes."

Rasmussen. 7/30. Likely voters. MoE 4% (7/17 results)

Now Roll Call is reporting a new poll by Ivan Moore Research that's even more encouraging for Begich [sub. required]:

Ivan Moore Research. 7/30-31. Registered voters. MoE 4.4% (7/18-22 results)

That Begich bump is pretty sweet, huh? Particularly considering that Stevens is leading all primary opponents.

Though Stevens faces six opponents in the Aug. 26 Republican primary, the poll showed him with a handsome lead over businessman Dave Cuddy, his chief competition. In the same July 30-31 survey, which polled 219 Republicans about the primary, Stevens scored 59 percent and Cuddy had 19 percent with about 20 percent undecided.

It's a fluid situation, and even in Republican-land, it's hard to imagine Stevens holding a 40 point lead until the primary. But it's also pretty implausible that Cuddy would gain 40 points in three weeks. So presuming Stevens wins the primary, Alaska Republicans could replace him on the ballot up until September 17. But with who? There isn't a Republican with any name recognition in the state anymore who is under an ethical cloud.

On top of that, jury selection in Steven's trial begins September 24, so the fall campaign season is going to overshadowed by the trial. Any way you slice it, it's going to be a difficult haul for any Republican going into the general.

Update: Just a friendly reminder, Mark Begich is among our outstanding Orange to Blue candidates.

So, McCain has decided to go above and beyond the call of duty in negative campaigning.  Talk show hosts have something to nash their teeth over in analyzing the implications of soundbytes, the response to the soundbyte, and the response to the response. Before we get caught up in how to respond to the response of the response  - let's remember just how the Republican's have already handed over the election in the first place...

John McCain is a Corruptionist. He is a politician who has protected and upheld corrupt practices throughout his political career. The recent trust of his lobbyist laden and Rovian directed campaign is just the latest example from a career that has always been more hype than action, more spin than substance.

John McCain is an empty old man chosen to lead the parade in this cycle when years of lies, corruption and divisive politics are finally catching up with the Republican Party and the conservative movement. McCain got the nod because he has always been trusted to create the illusion of action, while actually doing nothing. When examined, his legislative "accomplishments" are thin and shallow—like McCain himself.

McCain and his fellow corruptionists have one path to victory. They must run the dirtiest campaign in American history. It is ugly and it will get worse. Get ready, because McCain is surrounded by the architects of the Conservative Wrecking Crew destroying our Nation and he is one of them.

To the jump...

Rasmussen. 7/30. Likely voters. MoE 4% (7/17 results)

Compared to last week's poll, Begich has kept his supporters, but a significant chunk of Stevens' supporters have dropped into "undecided" territory. He's kept enough of his support to give hope that his chances in the Republican primary remain strong, but he's clearly on life support. Perhaps that's why he's demanding a speedy trial.

Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) pleaded not guilty Thursday to seven felony charges and is requesting to “clear his name” before the November elections.

Looking calm in a light gray suit, Stevens appeared  in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with his attorney, who asked to have the trial expedited before November and moved to Alaska.
“I appear here not to ask for any special favors ... But I do want to ask the court that he would like to clear his name before the general election,” said Brendan Sullivan, Stevens’s attorney.

He added that 90 percent of the 30-40 witnesses are from Alaska so a venue in that state would make for easier accommodation. It also would presumably allow Stevens to campaign in October when Congress will likely be out of session.

Sullivan said the case could move swiftly because the defense and prosecution will call
“very quick” witnesses.

But the government says that witnesses will have accommodation in Washington and can easily reach the court for the trial.

Prosecutors asked for no bond, but want Stevens' passport so he doesn't flee the country. Prosecutors are also refusing to offer Stevens a plea agreement. He's the big fish. Plenty of folks at the lower levels of this bribery scandal have likely pled out already to get to this point.

The Stevens camp is clearly banking on an acquittal, thinking it'll boost him to reelection. But for Republicans, it's a huge gamble. Stevens' popularity was already plummeting even before the indictment. An acquittal wouldn't necessarily make him look clean in the eyes of Alaskans. But even worse is the possibility of a conviction.

The magic date is September 17. Republicans can replace Stevens on the ticket (assuming he survives his primary) until that day. Afterward, his name can't be removed from the ballot.

The judge has just announced that jury selection will begin September 24. So if Stevens is convicted, there will be nothing Republicans can do to try and salvage the election.

There's a real problem in naming monuments and buildings after living people, particularly politicians, as we are seeing in Alaska where half the state, including its main airport in Anchorage, are named after Sen. Ted Stevens. I'm sure the people of Alaska are bursting with pride that their airport (among other things) is named after an indicted crook. And if convicted? Then what?

Does the airport keep its name?

But changing the name of an airport is expensive. And in times of budgetary constraint (like now), we must be prudent.

So here's my proposed solution:

DC never wanted its airport named after Ronald Reagan. It was imposed on the city, against its wishes, by congressional Republicans.

So let's take all that signage and ship it off to Alaska, where "Ted Stevens Achorage International Airport" can be renamed the "Ronald Reagan International Airport".

Then, back in DC, the folks at National Airport can break out the old signs from storage and give the airport back it's original and rightful name. (And one that does the city proud.)

Now I know some folks in Alaska may have a problem with this, especially given evidence that it's becoming Bluer by the day. I wouldn't want someone coming to Oakland and trying to slap "Ronald Reagan" names all over its airport. But is Reagan really all that much worse than an indicted crook like Stevens?

Hmmm, maybe. Any other suggestions?

I swear, you can't even spoof these people anymore. We joke, "everything is good for McCain", and then comes someone making that claim with a serious face.

The indictment of the senior senator from Alaska on corruption charges is yet another blow to the GOP brand.

But, as Jonathan Martin points out, it could be an opportunity for McCain: He and Stevens are old foes.

Everything is good for McCain. Everything is bad for Obama. That's the narrative, and they're sticking with it.

For almost a decade I have been tracking Jack Abramoff and the Culture of Corruption and since I became uid 9214, I’ve written about that work here on Daily Kos.

Recently, I came across a major link between Jack Abramoff and the modern Conservative movement that I had over looked.

I have known for a very long time that Jack Abramoff functioned as a Bag-man for the VRWC. I knew his roots went deep—back to the late 1970s, and that much of his work has always been crafted and executed in the shadows. I knew he played a part in the Iran-Contra Affair (working in the basement of the WH with Ollie North) and that he was a lobbyist for the Apartheid era South African Secret Police. I knew he was a dedicated movement conservative who wanted to establish One-Party Rule in the USA. I knew that he almost succeeded.

Hiding in plain sight was that fact that—for the last three decades—Jack Abramoff was also involve in a Domestic Spying program privately run and financed by his fellow co-conspirators on the Right.

Interesting!

And then I found out that puppets were involved.

To the jump...

So what was "Tubes" Stevens charged with today? From the indictment (PDF):

Beginning in or about May 1999, and continuing to in or about August, 2007, in the District of Columbia and elsewhere, in a matter within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch of the United States Government and subject to the legislative function exception, STEVENS, while a sitting United States Senator, knowingly and willfully engaged in a scheme to conceal a material fact, that is, his continuing receipt of hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of things of value from a private corporation and its chief executive officer by, among other things, failing to report them, as was required, on STEVENS' required yearly Financial Disclosure Forms. These things of value provided by ALLEN and VECO to STEVENS included, among other things: home improvements to the Girdwood Residence, such as the creation of a new first floor, a new garage, a new first- and second-story wraparound deck, new plumbing, new electrical wiring, and other such additions and improvements; automobile exchanges in which STEVENS received new vehicles worth far more than the used vehicles STEVENS provided in exchange; other household goods, such as furniture, a new, permanentlyattached professional Viking gas grill, and a new multi-drawer, stationary tool storage cabinet with new tools. The aggregate value of these things of value that STEVENS accepted was greater than $250,000.

In short, he was bribed with $250,000 in home improvement services, and never reported those gifts as required. Furthermore, the VECO CEO swapped out his new Land Rover, worth $44,000, for Stevens' old '64 Mustang, worth less than $20K. So he got these goodies, then set out to hide it from the world.

It was a further part of the scheme that STEVENS took multiple steps to conceal his continued receipt of things of value from ALLEN and VECO. During the nearly seven-year period in which STEVENS received multiple things of value from ALLEN and VECO, STEVENS filed and caused to be filed false annual Financial Disclosure Forms for the years 1999 to 2006 that did not report STEVENS' receipt of any thing of value from ALLEN and VECO, either as gifts or as liabilities, as required. STEVENS also made and caused to be made multiple false representations to his friends, his staff, and the media concerning the improvements at the Girdwood Residence and STEVENS' receipt of things of value from ALLEN and VECO.

So he lied and concealed the gifts, refusing to disclose them as required by the federal Ethics in Government Act. To fulfill that act, Senators are required to fill out and sign a "United States Senate Public Financial Disclosure Report For Annual and Termination Reports", which asks (among other things):

Did you, your spouse, or dependent child receive any reportable gift in the reporting period (i.e., aggregating more than $305 and not otherwise exempt)? If yes, Complete and Attach PART V.

In most years, Stevens answered "No", and in the others, listed gifts that had nothing to do with the VECO bribery. The seven counts are essentially for lying about the gifts in that disclosure form from 1999 to 2006.

So you're all probably wondering why Stevens wasn't charged directly with bribery, rather than lying about it in the disclosure forms? The indictment doesn't allege any quid pro quos, as would be required for a charge of bribery, though it does make clear that VECO asked for favors and that Stevens and his staff responded to those requests. Asked by reporters why there was no charge of bribery in the indictment, the prosecutor responded:

“We always need to pay attention to the statute of limitations,” he said. “I’m not going to comment beyond that.”

So the statute of limitations on the bribery had apparently passed, taking that charge off the table. They are trying to get him on the next best thing. (And an aside, why is there a statute of limitations on bribery in government? Doesn't seem right.)

Stevens has now resigned his committee and sub-comittee leadership posts, as required by his caucus' rules. He has released a defiant statement, giving hope that he stays in the race and refuses pressures to bow out.

On his Senate website, Stevens said in a statement:  "I have proudly served this nation and Alaska for over 50 years. My public service began when I served in World War II. It saddens me to learn that these charges have been brought against me. I have never knowingly submitted a false disclosure form required by law as a U.S. Senator.

"In accordance with Senate Republican Conference rules, I have temporarily relinquished my vice-chairmanship and ranking positions until I am absolved of these charges.  The impact of these charges on my family disturbs me greatly.

"I am innocent of these charges and intend to prove that."

Next Republican up on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee is John McCain, but given that he hasn't shown up for work in the Senate since last year, he'll likely be passed over. Next in line is Kay Bailey-Hutchinson. The Texas senator has the distinction of being the last sitting US Senator to have been indicted (though that case never went anywhere).

Finally, Republican candidates are now under pressure to return Stevens donations. Liddy Dole has already donated $10,000 she received from Stevens to charity, and other Dems are beginning to make big hay out of those contributions.

The Alaska and Hawaii senators, despite being from opposite parties, have long had an alliance. Being the last two states of the union, they apparently need to huddle for protection. Or something. And since Stevens and Inouye have essentially been around since statehood (and long before it), it's a bond that not even corruption and seven measly counts in an indictment can sever.

Senator Daniel Inouye, Democrat of Hawaii, who is the chairman of the defense appropriations subcommittee and a friend of Mr. Stevens, said that “he is innocent until proven guilty.” Mr. Inouye said he did not expect that the indictment would interfere with Senator Stevens’s ability to work in the Senate.

That's so cute and heartwarming. Touching, really. The stuff that Hallmark Network movies are made of.

Except, of course, that Inouye is just as wrong as Stevens.

Per Republican Senate caucus rules, if a member is indicted, he or she can no longer serve as chairman or ranking member of a committee.

Stevens is a ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

So the indictment kind of does interfere with Stevens' ability to work in the Senate. Stevens may be innocent until proven guilty (and he is), but fact is, getting indicted isn't some minor annoyance.

Somebody has to say it, so I will:

John McCain is a grifter and a scoundrel.

He has built a career on a carefully crafted myth breathlessly repeated by his base of sycophants in the press. You know the hype: McCain the Maverick, McCain the Reformer, McCain the Straight Talker, McCain the ______ (insert worshipful drivel here).

Keep in mind that the same folks who sold George W. Bush and his failed policies to America are now working the streets to sell the myth of McCain—"the last honest man in politics".

Those willing to look behind the curtain will find a John McCain that has always surrounded himself with the most corrupt players on the political stage and kept himself one step ahead of exposure. His Abramoff investigation cover-up is a case in point (for details see this Diary).

Another one is the growing scandal swirling around his chief foreign policy advisor, Randy Scheunemann.

Randy shapes McCain’s foreign policy and—surprise—that policy helps Randy’s former and future clients. Ca-ching!

This, you need to know about.

To the jump...

So, the news breaks that Phil Gramm is "resigning" as John McCain’s economic advisor. And like all members of his Corruptionist Party he whines as he leaves the spotlight for the shadows.

In truth, he isn’t going anywhere. It is a play for the rubes in the cheep seats and the well-trained media sycophants who make up McCain’s "base". McCain can no more quit Gramm than he can quit Bush or quit his very long record of enabling and protecting corruption in politics. Despite a well crafted myth to the contrary, Curveball McCain is running to continue the policies of Gramm, Bush, Gingrich, DeLay, Norquist, Abramoff, Black and the long, long list of Republican grifters who have built their identity, careers and livelihood on the destruction of our Constitution and our Government.

Together, they are The Wrecking Crew and they must be stopped.

To the jump...