Cunningham scandal) Contractor spends big on (32) key lawmakers

[papau]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-11-29-cunn...

Cunningham scandal) Contractor spends big on (32) key lawmakers
By Matt Kelley and Jim Drinkard, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — A San Diego businessman under investigation in the bribery case of former congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham is a well-known GOP fundraiser whose generosity to key members of Congress came at the same time his company saw large increases in its government contracts, public records show.

Brent Wilkes, the founder of defense contractor ADCS Inc., gave more than $840,000 in contributions to 32 House members or candidates, campaign-finance records show. He flew Republican lawmakers on his private jet and hired lobbyists with close ties to those lawmakers.

Wilkes' charitable foundation, which aids sick children and military families, honored congressmen at black-tie banquets and donated to their favorite causes. Wilkes was also a "Pioneer" for President Bush's 2004 re-election campaign, meaning he raised at least $100,000.

With help from two committee chairmen, ADCS got more than $90 million in government contracts since its founding in 1995, helping propel Wilkes from an obscure businessman to a millionaire prominent in Republican circles.<snip>

[babylonsister]

1. What a bunch of crooks! And they thought no one would notice? nt

[Straight Shooter]

2. I hate to say it, but crooks often attempt a veneer at respectability

by running charitable organizations. If the organizations help children who are ill or abused, so much the better. I believe Zarqawi does the same thing, so does Hamas.

Either they are cynically callous, or they are ethically schizophrenic.

[shraby]

3. Link doesn't work..can you fix it?

[papau]

4. Link below: Media change links hourly! - It is in the "news" section

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-11-30-cunningham-probe_x.htm