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Monday, November 28, 2005

One Repug Crook Convicted

From AP:
Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham admitted taking $2.4 million in bribes as part of guilty pleas Monday in a case that grew from an investigation into the sale of his home to a wide-ranging conspiracy involving payments in cash, vacations and antiques.

Cunningham, 63, entered pleas in U.S. District Court to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud and wire fraud, and tax evasion for underreporting his income in 2004.

Cunningham answered "yes, your honor" when asked by U.S. District Judge Larry Burns if he had accepted bribes from someone in exchange for his performance of official duties.

After the hearing, Cunningham was taken away for fingerprinting. He will be released on his own recognizance until a Feb. 27 sentencing hearing. He could receive a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
He pleads guilty to violating the public trust, and he's released on his own recognizance? Jose Padilla never pleaded guilty and wasn't even charged with anything until last week, but his 3 1/2 year confinement continues. In the meantime, Cunningham is apparently still a member of Congress and might vote to extend the Iraq war or commit similar crimes. He's a criminal, he's guilty--lock him up now.

Two Americas, indeed.

[Update] The updated AP article says that Cunningham resigned from Congress. Only about 400 crooks left there!