Ex-Veco Prez Testifies To Paying For Young Pig RoastsLast week, the trial of former Alaska state Rep. Pete Kott (R-AK) on corruption charges churned up an unwelcome amount of muck for Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK). But yesterday it was Rep. Don Young’s (R-AK) turn. Former Veco president Rick Smith testified that he arranged Young’s annual mega-fundraiser pig roast at a cost of about $10,000 to $15,000 for a decade. Smith wasn’t asked if Young reimbursed him.
The pork galas had been hosted at Veco CEO Bill Allen’s house, but since he pleaded guilty to bribing Alaska lawmakers, a change of venue was necessary. So it took place at former Gov. Bill Sheffield’s place this year, where about 70 protesters hollered outside. Back in January, Young reimbursed Allen $38,000 for “fundraising costs,” though Young hadn’t held a fundraiser that month. The refund seems to be part of Young’s new habit of returning suspect fundraising money after federal investigators become interested.