FAA had larger role in hunt for Texas Democrats, report says

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Fri, Jul. 11, 2003

FAA had larger role in hunt for Texas Democrats, report says
BY MARIA RECIO
Knight Ridder Newspapers

WASHINGTON - (KRT) - The Federal Aviation Administration played a much larger role than was previously known in the search for Texas Democrats who fled the Legislature to kill a redistricting bill, according to an investigative report released Friday.

The Transportation Department's Office of Inspector General reported finding that 13 FAA officials at three locations spent an eight-hour period looking for the plane of state Rep. Pete Laney, as Republicans scoured the state for 51 lawmakers who were boycotting a controversial congressional redistricting bill.

Agency officials were responding to repeated phone calls from the office of U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, Texas law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security, the report said. Transportation Department officials said they already have taken steps to make sure there could be no misuse of public resources.

The FAA information - relayed to DeLay's office May 12, the day the walkout began - pinpointed the plane at Ardmore, Okla. That's where the legislators had fled to get out of the reach of Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, who had warrants for the lawmakers' return to the Texas House. (snip/...)

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/news/politics/6285784.htm

[David Zephyr]

1. Thanks for the News!

This story hold special interest to me. Thanks.

[Rose Siding]

2. Whoa! Minetta! He's not a repub....

I didn't know Trans was doing an investigation. This looks great when you see Frost's quote re: govt resources used to hunt down rivals for political reasons and THEN comes lieberman:

"This strikes me as a clear abuse of the federal government's resources - and an invasion of privacy - and one that shouldn't happen again," Lieberman said.

Could he have BEEN any more dismissive? You can practically hear the whine in the words.

[qanda]

3. I smell another fall guy....

in the room.

[drscm]

4. So, like, is DeLay going to pay for all of these illegal demands?

eom

[Rose Siding]

5. Have warrents been sworn out for Craddick and Perry?

They clearly violated Texas law which trumps House rules. They misused their authority by doing so. Shouldn't they be arrested and tried?

[DemoTex]

6. Heads should roll on this.

FAA asleep at the wheel (or control stick) again. Remember the mud on their faces after ValuJet augered into the Everglades. This is criminal misdirection of FAA resorces. Can I, as a citizen, file suit? Any lawyers out there?

[MissMarple]

7. Get a grip, sweetheart.

This is not lying about extramarital sex. For these guys, I don't think a "little misdirection" will raise any flags... anywhere that will make a real change.

Sorry if I seem to be in major discouragement mode, we almost lost the girl child. My heart still hurts. She's ok. Just in pain.

[Lostnote03]

10. Marple....

.....I just saw your post and wish to express goodwill to you, your family and especially the "lil gal".....best wishes

[dArKeR]

8. Where's the Special Investigator?

Democrats have a 100 things to bring into the media forefront. Get a spine Democrats!

[DUreader]

9. 104 Fed. Hours (8x13) Wasted. Abuse of Power!

Do the Planes run on time?