The Opposition Research Training Blog

Alaska political corruption gallery

The inquiry, intitally into allegations of corruption in the small but assertive private prison industry here, began in secret in 2004 under the code name "Polar Pen." It soon shifted to the politically active oil-field service company Veco Corp. with wiretaps and secret cameras focused on chief executive Bill Allen and vice president Rick Smith, both sentenced to prison Oct. 28, 2009.

via community.adn.com

This is a nice overview of the status of corruption cases in Alaska by the Anchorage Daily News.

AP: Corruption stings color elections in New Jersey

A massive federal corruption sting over the summer again made New Jersey a punch line for late-night comedians, but it has also turned local political campaigns inside out and emboldened underdog candidates — and forced one city to mount a special election after its mayor was arrested after three weeks on the job.

via www.google.com

It is hard to determine if what they are seeing is truly outrage over the corruption reported last summer or the usual disappointment with what New Jersey residents see as ongoing corruption that permeates all levels of politics in their state.

Rangel Ethics Investigation Expands

Associated Press reports the House ethics committee has voted to expanded its investigation of Rep. Charles Rangel to include his failure to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets and income.

Crew’s Most Corrupt Members List Out

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has issued their 2009 list of whom they view as the 15 most corrupt lawmakers. The organization offers a full report in PDF for each member that is downloaded right from their page. In most cases there is a separate PDF download for report exhibits.

Justice Still Indicting Abramoff Cronies

The Justice Department announced the indictment today of Horace M. Cooper, of Lorton, VA. Cooper was charged with with one count of conspiracy, one count of fraudulent concealment, two counts of false statements, and one count of obstruction of an official proceeding. Prosecutor’s claim Cooper received thousands of dollars worth of tickets to sporting events and concerts as well as meals from Abramoff and his colleagues.   The indictment alleges that Cooper agreed to use his official positions at VOA and the Department of Labor to advance Abramoff's interests and those of his clients.

It’s Official – William Jefferson Is A Crook

Former Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA) was convicted today on 11 of 16 counts at his federal bribery and corruption trial. Jefferson faces a maximum possible sentence of 150 years in prison, with sentencing tentatively set for October 30. Jefferson was accused of using his office to solicit and receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes for himself and his family.

Jefferson Case Goes to Jury

The New York Times reports that defense and prosecution arguments ended in the bribery trial of former Representative William J. Jefferson. The picture of the money in the freezer is a classic. I’m betting he is found guilty just off the photo alone. It is not likely anyone on the jury keeps large amounts of cash in their frig.

FBI Arrests 44 in New Jersey Corruption Probe

FBI agents arrested 44 politicians and rabbis this morning after a lengthy corruption and money laundering investigation.  A copy of the FBI press release detailing the charges can be found here.

Following these indictments and trials is a good way for opposition researchers to see various paper trails and where they can lead.

Perp Walk Video

Monica Conyers Pleads Guilty on Corruption Charge

Monica Conyers, the president pro tem of the Detroit city council and the wife of Rep. John Conyers, the chairman of the US House Judiciary committee, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. Conyers was accused of taking at least $6,000 in cash bribes to help steer a wastewater treatment contract to Synagro Technologies. The Detroit Free Press has full coverage here.