Politics DRAINING THE SWAMP

Discussion in 'Blazers OT Forum' started by MARIS61, Aug 21, 2018.

  1. MARIS61

    MARIS61 Real American

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    Rep. Duncan Hunter, wife indicted on corruption charges in California
    [​IMG]
    By Paulina Dedaj | Fox News
    'Special Report' All-Stars on significance of Cohen plea
    Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., and his wife, Margaret, were indicted on charges of illegally converting $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses and filing false records, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

    Among the allegations named in the 48-page indictment included instances between 2009 and 2016 when Hunter and his wife used campaign funds to pay for family vacations to Italy and Hawaii, school tuition, dental work, and even domestic and international travel for almost a dozen relatives, according to a press release from the Southern District of California’s U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    The indictment also alleged that the pair spent “tens of thousands of dollars” on items ranging from movie tickets, fast food, golf outings, groceries and home utilities.

    Prosecutors said Hunter and his wife “mischaracterized” the purchases in Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings to hide the illicit spending.

    “Family dental bills paid with campaign funds were characterized as a charitable contribution to ‘Smiles for Life,’” the press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office said as an example.

    Charges included conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, wire fraud and falsifying records.

    Hunter, one of Trump’s earliest supporters in the presidential race, allegedly was aware of what he and his wife were doing and continued to spend campaign funds on personal expenses despite multiple warnings from his campaign treasurer about “questionable purchases.”

    “According to the indictment, the Hunters knew that many of their desired purchases could be made only by using campaign funds, since they did not otherwise have sufficient personal funds to pay for their purchases,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman said that Tuesday’s indictment proves that “no one is above the law.”

    The pair is due to be arraigned in court on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

    This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

    http://www.foxnews.com/politics/201...cted-on-corruption-charges-in-california.html


    Paulina Dedaj is a writer/ reporter for Fox News. Follow her on Twitter @PaulinaDedaj.
     
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  2. CupWizier

    CupWizier Well-Known Member

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    Mueller isn't draining the swamp. He's arresting it. You are definitely working really hard to deflect from the bad day your boys had. First Manafort and now Cohen. This investigation is definitely producing results. Who's next? :biglaugh:By the way, Maris was a democrat.
     
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  3. yankeesince59

    yankeesince59 "Oh Captain, my Captain".

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    ...Fox news again?...lmao, talk about fake news.
     
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  4. Lanny

    Lanny Original Season Ticket Holder "Mr. Big Shot"

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    But they appear to have gotten this story right.

    I say criticize when there's something to criticize and don't criticize when there's nothing to criticize.
     
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  5. jlprk

    jlprk The ESPN mod is insane.

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    That's my family's motto, on our coat of arms. That's why we never fought before the divorce.
     
  6. MARIS61

    MARIS61 Real American

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    Who's the mod that deleted my thread and mis-placed my post into a thread having nothing to do with the deleted thread?
     
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2018
  7. CupWizier

    CupWizier Well-Known Member

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    Try a PM as nobody is interested in your conspiracies. There are at least 4 other threads about draining the swamp. Why did you need to start another one?
     
  8. MARIS61

    MARIS61 Real American

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    https://www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-sues-defense-department-on-behalf-of-whistleblower-who-lost-security-clearance-after-raising-questions-about-prominent-trump-spygate-figure/

    Judicial Watch Sues Defense Department on Behalf of Whistleblower Who Lost Security Clearance after Raising Questions about Prominent Trump Spygate Figure
    AUGUST 20, 2018

    Former Pentagon Analyst and White House National Security Council Director Lovinger questioned lucrative contracts with Trump Campaign Spy Stefan Halper, as well as Long Term Strategy Group, a firm owned Chelsea Clinton’s friend Jacqueline Newmyer Deal

    (Washington, DC)Judicial Watch announced it filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit on behalf of former Pentagon analyst and White House National Security Council (NSC) senior director Adam S. Lovinger, whose security clearance was pulled after he raised concerns regarding lucrative government contracts awarded to Stefan Halper, who has been identified as being used an informant by the Obama administration against President Trump’s campaign, as well as Long Term Strategy Group, a consulting firm owned by Chelsea Clinton’s friend Jacqueline Newmyer Deal (Adam S. Lovinger v. U.S. Department of Defense (No. 1:18-cv-01914)).

    The Washington Times reported on the contracts in question: “According to USASpending.gov, Mr. Halper was paid $411,000 by Washington Headquarters Services on Sept. 26, 2016, for a contract that ran until this March.” Also, “a string of contracts totaling $11 million [was granted] to D.C. consulting firm Long Term Strategy Group. It is headed by Jacqueline Newmyer Deal, a self-described ‘best friend’ of Chelsea Clinton.”

    Lovinger filed his complaint in the fall of 2016. In May 2017, Lovinger’s security clearance was initially suspended by Barbara Westgate, the Director of Washington Headquarters Services and an Obama-appointee. A few months later, the Pentagon’s Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF)“issued an unfavorable clearance determination and Mr. Lovinger’s clearance was revoked,” a Defense Department spokesman informed The Washington Times. The CAF is part of the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) and reports directly to Westgate.

    In September 2017, Lovinger filed a whistleblower reprisal complaint against the CAF, which determines security clearance eligibility of non-intelligence personnel, Westgate and James H. Baker, the DOD’s Director of Net Assessment who recommended the contract awards to Halper and Long Term Strategy Group.

    In December 2017, Lovinger filed a Privacy Act request seeking:

    Any and all emails or similar electronic messaging transmissions referencing the word “Lovinger;” whether in the title or body of said communications(s); between May 1, 2017 and present; to, from, or copied to the following individuals:

    A. Mr. Edward Fish, Director DoD CAF

    B. Mr. Daniel Purtill, Deputy Director DoD CAF

    C. Mr. Ronald Freels, Adjudications Directorate Chief.

    In March 2018, the DOD responded, treating his request as both a Privacy Act and a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request and admitting it found 75 pages of responsive documents but was withholding them all in their entirety. Lovinger was informed that Fish, against whom the whistleblower complaint had been filed, had also been the official who determined the documents should be withheld.

    In April 2018, Lovinger appealed the DOD’s determination. Over four months later, the appeal has not been addressed. Washington Headquarters Services has refused repeated requests to recuse itself from further involvement in this case despite an apparent conflict of interest. Under existing DOD policy, WHS officials reporting to Westgate will be the final arbiter of Lovinger’s case, which cannot be appealed to the courts.

    Also, the DOD has yet to comply with Lovinger’s Privacy Act Request.

    Before his work on the NSC, Lovinger was a strategic affairs analyst in the Office of Net Assessment at the Pentagon, where he specialized in issues related to U.S.-India relations, the Persian Gulf, and sub-Saharan Africa. He also is an attorney and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and McCort School of Public Policy.

    “Mr. Lovinger was targeted because he blew the whistle on Stefan Halper and a Clinton crony getting suspicious Defense contracts,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “It is disturbing that the Defense Department may now be implicated in Spygate targeting of President Trump.”

    Lovinger is also represented by Sean M. Bigley, a national-security attorney and a partner at Bigley Ranish LLP.
     
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  9. yankeesince59

    yankeesince59 "Oh Captain, my Captain".

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  10. Lanny

    Lanny Original Season Ticket Holder "Mr. Big Shot"

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    You've proffered so much fake news that I'm not going to waste my time reading this tripe.
     
  11. Lanny

    Lanny Original Season Ticket Holder "Mr. Big Shot"

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    I never noticed it missing.
     
  12. MARIS61

    MARIS61 Real American

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    ‘I didn’t do it’: Indicted congressman points finger at wife for lavish spending
    14 hours ago
    By
    • Lauren Padgett, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
    Republican congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), who has been indicted on corruption charges related to campaign fund abuses, appeared to blame his wife for improper spending, after he said his wife handled his finances in an interview on Fox News Thursday night.

    “She was also the campaign manager, so whatever she did, that’ll be looked at too, I'm sure,” the congressman from San Diego told Fox News host Martha MacCallum. “But I didn't do it ... I didn’t spend any money illegally.”


    >> Read more trending news

    Hunter and his wife, Margaret Hunter, who has also been indicted, both pleaded not guilty in federal court Thursday. They both face 60 charges related to allegedly spending $250,000 in campaign money on personal expenses -- from lavish trips to household items.

    [​IMG]
    U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter leaves an arraignment hearing Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, in San Diego. Hunter and his wife Margaret pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges they illegally used his campaign account for personal expenses. (Denis Poroy/AP)
    A point of contention in Hunter’s spending is a pair of Hawaiian shorts. Hunter allegedly called his wife and asked her to buy them, and she advised him to purchase the shorts at a pro golf club, so they could be listed as golf balls for the Wounded Warriors Project, a charity supporting veterans.

    Hunter, a former Marine, denied that accusation.

    Hunter has said that he gave his wife power of attorney when he was stationed overseas in Iraq in 2003 and said she has handled his finances since -- throughout his military career and time in Congress, according to the Washington Post.

    MacCallum asked Hunter, “Are you saying it’s more her fault than your fault?”

    Hunter replied, “I’m saying when I went to Iraq in 2003, the first time, I gave her power of attorney and she handled my finances throughout my entire military career and that continued on when I got into Congress. Because I’m gone five days a week, I’m home for two.”

    Duncan Hunter Indictment by Jared Keller on Scribd

    Prosecutors said the couple used campaign finance money to illegally pay for their lifestyle. The Hunters are accused of using the money for a $14,000 trip to Italy, private school tuition for their children, theater tickets, dental work for their dog and a plane ticket for their pet rabbit, according to the Washington Post.

    Hunter did admit that he told his chief of staff “tell the Navy to go f--- themselves” after his request for a tour of a naval base in Italy was turned down, according to the New York Times. The proposed tour was allegedly intended to be used as a cover story for the family vacation.

    The couple also allegedly spent thousands of dollars on everyday items, including video games, liquor, football game tickets, groceries and home utilities.

    Hunter is paid $174,000 a year as a member of Congress, while Margaret Hunter receives $3,000 a month as her husband’s campaign manager, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

    He represents the 50th congressional district of California, a region that includes the East County and portions of the North County, into Temecula.

    [​IMG]
    In this Jan. 5, 2011, file photo, House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, left, administers the House oath to Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., as his wife, Margaret, looks on during a mock swearing-in ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP)
    Hunter called the charges “pure politics” in the Fox News interview Thursday.

    He is running for re-election in November.

    “They’ve had a year and a half to do this. There’s no way for me now to go out and be able to talk to my people or get this done in court before my election,” Hunter said. “They’ve had this for a long time. This is a late hit.”

    A U.S. magistrate judge allowed the couple to remain free while the investigation continues.

    Both Duncan Hunter and Margaret Hunter were released on bond. They had to be fingerprinted, give DNA samples and are required to remain in the country, according to the Union-Tribune.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Halpern told the judge that while the allegations are “extremely serious,” the couple does not appear to be a flight risk. Halpern said the couple does not have substantial assets, and were living “paycheck to paycheck.”

    The Hunters are set to return to court on Sept. 4.

    https://www.daytondailynews.com/new...e-for-lavish-spending/DzBgU2ETATBO6ein6je3SO/
     
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  13. Lanny

    Lanny Original Season Ticket Holder "Mr. Big Shot"

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    The guy is nothing but trash. It needs to be taken out and disposed of.
     
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  14. CupWizier

    CupWizier Well-Known Member

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    another corrupt strong Trump supporter. The list just keeps growing.
     
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  15. Hoopguru

    Hoopguru Well-Known Member

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    Funnier than hell, most full time politicians are on the take, and if you don't believe it, you're naive!
    Money from lobbyist and some very dirty, count on it.
    Remember when congress was bouncing checks?
    How is it that Nancy and Maxine are muti millionaires. I singled them out because I cant stand either. Bitch's!
    Perry, & Ted, are milking the system too.
    Get rid of lobbyist money and strict term limits, then you get candidates that want to serve their communities and government!
     
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  16. barfo

    barfo triggered obsessive commie pinko Staff Member Global Moderator

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    Not sure where you got your information on their wealth, but you should be very suspicious of that source going forward.

    While Pelosi is quite wealthy (due to her husband), Maxine Waters is not. She is the 361st richest congressperson, with net worth of $0.1 million. That's not much at all.

    I am unable to confirm or deny that they are bitches.

    barfo
     
  17. yankeesince59

    yankeesince59 "Oh Captain, my Captain".

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    ...well, as the saying goes, "even a broken clock is right twice a day".
     
  18. CupWizier

    CupWizier Well-Known Member

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    Maxine Waters at least has more balls than the republican congressmen as she at least calls out Trump for his crap. Waters also has a husband that played in the NFL and owned a Mercedes dealership for which he is drawing a pension from each. Barfo clearly pointed out the errors of where she stands wealth wise in regards to fellow congressmen as well.
     
  19. Hoopguru

    Hoopguru Well-Known Member

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    Just because she calls out Trump doesn't change my point of view of the dingbat?
     
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  20. CupWizier

    CupWizier Well-Known Member

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    Just curious what she did to make you think that way?I honestly don't know that much about her but from what I have been exposed to she's not near as bad as many others in Washington.
     

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