Hmmm ...
I've been wondering all day why Speaker Hastert has been so quick to respond to the FBI raid on the congressional offices of Democrat William Jefferson. I mean, sure, there is a legitimate concern about separation of powers, and the FBI raid does set some frightening precedents about what the Executive could do with those armed lawmen it has on staff. I don't think what the FBI did was right, but, honestly, what's got Denny so upset?
It's not like he hasn't happily acceded to other stunts that broaden the power of the Executive while weakening Congress. The idea that Denny Hastert is suddenly a defender of the Constitution is just too silly. So, I wondered, what's really going on here? Why is he so loudly protesting the FBI searching a Congressman's office as part of a bribery investigation?
Then Brian Ross of ABC gives me a clue.
It's not like he hasn't happily acceded to other stunts that broaden the power of the Executive while weakening Congress. The idea that Denny Hastert is suddenly a defender of the Constitution is just too silly. So, I wondered, what's really going on here? Why is he so loudly protesting the FBI searching a Congressman's office as part of a bribery investigation?
Then Brian Ross of ABC gives me a clue.
Federal officials say the Congressional bribery investigation now includes Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, based on information from convicted lobbyists who are now cooperating with the government.Hmmm ... must be a coincidence.
Part of the investigation involves a letter Hastert wrote three years ago, urging the Secretary of the Interior to block a casino on an Indian reservation that would have competed with other tribes.
The other tribes were represented by convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff who reportedly has provided details of his dealings with Hastert as part of his plea agreement with the government.
The letter was written shortly after a fund-raiser for Hastert at a restaurant owned by Abramoff. Abramoff and his clients contributed more than $26,000 at the time.