The Daily MuckLarry Flynt has more information on Sen. David Vitter’s (R-LA) extracurricular “activities” —particularly a four-month relationship with a former New Orleans prostitute— that he plans to make public sometime soon. (Associated Press)
Former Sen. Max Cleland (D-GA) has withdrawn from the board of a charity whose success over the past years has relied almost exclusively on the legislative procurements of Sen. John Murtha (D-PA). Pennsylvania Association for Individuals with Disabilities was launched with the help of Murtha several years ago, and has since been virtually dependent on funds obtained through his earmarks. Cleland left his position with the charity after Roll Call questioned him on his relationship with the organization. (Roll Call)
Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO) knows what’s wrong the current FISA law: it’s too restrictive. Bond wants retroactive immunity for telecommunications firms that aided the government in spying, perhaps the only request not granted to the President in the reform this summer. (Associated Press)
Democrats are focusing more and more on the case of ex-Governor Siegelman (D-AL). After yesterday’s waving-off by the Justice Department of requests for more information on the government’s prosecution, Democrats are seeing the imprisoned former politician as one of the clearest examples of partisan politics thoroughly corrupting the rule of law. (NY Times)
The Veteran Affairs Department has claimed that 95% of all veterans are able to receive scheduled care within 30 days of booking. However, a review by the Department’s Inspector General found that percentage was closer to 75%, with a fair share of those waiting more than a month having serious service-related disabilities. (Associated Press)
Yesterday the government began presenting its case against Oscar Wyatt, Jr. the Texas oilman accused of paying kickbacks under the U.N. oil-for-food program. Prosecutors claim Wyatt “didn’t even flinch” when faced with a choice between losing oil contracts and paying bribes to the Hussein regime. (NY Times)