Seven Incumbents being investigated raise $1.2M

[L. Coyote]

Incumbents being investigated raise $1.2M
By Matt Kelley, USA TODAY - 11/19/2007
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=83899


WASHINGTON - Seven lawmakers seeking re-election while under federal investigation raked in nearly three times as much in campaign donations as their opponents in the latest fundraising period, records show.

The incumbents raised more than $1.2 million, while six challengers raised almost $425,000 in the three months ending Sept. 30, according to Federal Election Commission records. ....

Many contributors want to influence current actions in Congress, not necessarily the next election, says Elizabeth Garrett, a law and political science professor at the University of Southern California. ......

Despite the investigations, most of the lawmakers remain in powerful positions. Three are members of the appropriations committees that control federal spending.

Alaska Republican Rep. Don Young took in $143,000 during the past quarter, compared with $236,000 for the same period in 2005, when he was chairman of the transportation committee.

Young's campaign spent more on lawyers - nearly $185,000 - than it took in, ....

[MADem]

1. Mostly R, how unsurprising...

Summary of fundraising by lawmakers under investigation. All have denied wrongdoing.

Congress member Rep. William Jefferson, D-La. Rep. John Doolittle, R-Calif. Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Fla. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska

Status Indicted on corruption charges June 4. FBI raided his house on April 13. FBI is investigating his ties to the former lobbying firm of Copeland, Lowery. FBI is investigating his ties to oil-services firm VECO Corp. Under FBI investigation in connection with a golf trip to Scotland with former lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Under FBI investigation for directing federal funds to non-profit organizations. FBI raided his home on July 30.

[Reno.Muse]

2. crooks come in all sizes, shapes, colors and parties

[Libby2]

5. Yes, especially the Republican party.

[L. Coyote]

6. They are the only ones printing "Corrupt Bastards Club" tee-shirts and caps!

[KharmaTrain]

3. Many Don't Have A Direct Challenger Yet

I just read that there are at least two Democrats looking to take on Young and several other districts also are being contested. But no surprise here...old habits are hard to break. The culture of "pay to play" still lives bigtime in the beltway and those that still have the power still get the money.

Still 1.2 mil for 7 clout-heavy repugnicans isn't something to write home about...less than $150k per candidate.

[BrotherBuzz]

4. Doolittle looks to have challengers from both parties

Democrat Charlie Brown, who lost last year's election to Doolittle 49% to 46%, raised $212,000 during the past quarter, more than four times the $50,000 Doolittle raised. Current Republican challenger Eric Egland raised nearly $80,000.

Charlie Brown has got his ducks in a row and ready to hit the ground running. Egland, who I know nothing about, could become the dark horse by upsetting Doolittle in the primary and be well positioned in an extremely conservative district.

Either way, Doolittle is in a heap of trouble. :rofl: