The Daily MuckRep. Gary Miller (R-CA) is not under FBI investigation. At least, that’s what Miller has told The Hill in a recent interview. Of course, as he points out, that doesn’t dispute the fact that a federal agent could be looking into a few of his real estate windfalls; he explains: “a federal agent could be anyone — anyone flashing a badge.” Just not the FBI. (The Hill)
Yesterday, the White House cleared up confusion about whether the Office of Administration was subject to FOIA by doing the respectable thing: it changed its website. But, as CREW points out, the rationale for excluding the OA is, well, false. (CREW)
The D.C. Madam is facing government persecution because her clients before 9/11 included Muslim men, some of whom cannot be named because the information is classified (according to her). I’m of the opinion that with a line of defense that crazy, it has to be true! (Washington Post)
Californians are likely to vote next year on a referendum that would change the state’s winner-take-all system to disburse electoral votes by congressional district. In a sign that the change would be a huge advantage to Republicans, the organization supporting the reform has also worked closely as “Swift Boats for Truth” supporter Bob Perry; Perry has paid $65,000 in past legal fees for help with the PAC that helped attack Kerry’s war creds. (Think Progress)
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) has the worst luck; he just keeps getting money from corrupt donors. Joh Erickson was charged with illegally funneling a quarter of a million dollars to Florida candidates, including Ryan. Erickson is closely linked to Dennis Troha, a prominent businessman who just recently was charged with the same crime; Troha also gave to Ryan. (Journal Sentinel)
Yesterday, China denied reports that their military had hacked into the Pentagon this past June, claiming such criticism was absurd and reflected cold war-style thinking. (Financial Times)
More worries leak out about Michael Chertoff, a man still sitting atop a short list of replacement candidates at the Justice Department. Chertoff played a role in prosecutions at the Justice Department that seemed charged by a partisan agenda, and it didn’t help that he promised members of the ultra-conservative Judicial Watch that he would go after the Clintons during an investigation (he went after fundraiser David Rosen instead). (LA Times)
Finally, 167 Iraqi translators will receive visas to come to the United States with their families. (U.S. News)