September 13, 2009 - September 19, 2009

Texas Textbook Hearings

TX Board Of Ed Member: Minorities Must Be Thankful To 'The Majority' For Giving Them Rights!

Justin Elliott | September 18, 2009, 6:52PM

Yesterday, we spent about four hours watching a spotty livestream of the ~~revival meeting~~ history textbook hearing by the State Board of Education down in Austin, Texas.

Those are the standards on which -- it can't be repeated enough -- publishers base their nationwide textbooks, and the ones that currently contain a clause requiring knowledge of Newt Gingrich.

Well, the board met for another four hours after lunch. Not much was said about Gingrich beyond that it was "not easy" to draft the clause, but it's worth checking out some highlight clips we pulled to see first-hand how the partisan and frankly ignorant worldviews of some of the board members influence the standards writing process.

Barack Obama

Ex-CIA Directors To Obama: Shut Down Torture Probe

Zachary Roth | September 18, 2009, 5:35PM

Attorney General Eric Holder

Seven former CIA directors have sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to overturn Attorney General Eric Holder's decision to appoint a torture prosecutor.

Holder's decision, they wrote "creates an atmosphere of continuous jeopardy for those whose cases the Department of Justice had previously declined to prosecute." they added that the probe "will seriously damage the willingness of many other intelligence officers to take risks to protect the country."

Joe Wilson

Wilson Authored Bill To Let Illegal Immigrant Stay In U.S.

Zachary Roth | September 18, 2009, 4:47PM

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)

Rep. Joe ("You Lie") Wilson's outburst during President Obama's speech last week didn't exactly make him out to be sympathetic to illegal immigrants, to put it mildly. There's also little evidence he ever worked as an immigration lawyer, as he's claimed.

But the South Carolina Republican's hard line on the issue may not be as consistent as you might expect. In fact, on one recent case, it looks like he went downright soft -- and what's even more interesting is the possible reason why.

Orly Taitz

Judge Clay Land v. Orly Taitz, Part II

Justin Elliott | September 18, 2009, 4:38PM

Orly Taitz

Orly Taitz must like the abuse.

Sometime between being thoroughly smacked down by a federal judge and threatened with sanctions Wednesday, then denouncing said judge to TPM as a corrupt puppet, then having a formal complaint filed against her by a fellow member of the California bar for her comments, self-appointed Birther leader Taitz filed a motion in the U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Georgia challenging the judge's order tossing her most recent case.

Now, the judge is threatening her with a fine to the tune of $10,000.

FBI

Report: Terror Suspect Admits To Qaeda Ties

Zachary Roth | September 18, 2009, 3:39PM

Najibullah Zazi

Several outlets, including ABC News and Fox News, are reporting that Mohammed Zazi, the man whose Colorado home was this week raided by the FBI in connection to a suspected terror plot has admitted ties to al Qaeda, and is negotiating to plead guilty to a terror charge.

That plea would be part of a deal to cooperate with the government. According to a law enforcement official, Zazi received explosives training. Other reports have suggested he was found with plans for building bombs on his recent trip to New York.

PERMALINK | COMMENTS (6) | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (4)
Topics: FBI

Birthers

Ratigan To Birther Taitz: At What Point Do You Give Up And Go To The Beach?

Justin Elliott | September 18, 2009, 1:56PM

Looks like Birther Orly Taitz is pressing on despite the threat of sanctions from a judge and at least one complaint filed against her with the California bar.

Here she is sparring with an animated Dylan Ratigan on MSNBC earlier today:

Scott Bloch

Despite Criminal Probe, Ex-Bushie Got Law License After Blunder By DC Court

Justin Elliott | September 18, 2009, 12:50PM

Fmr. Head of OSC, Scott Bloch

Ex-Bush official Scott Bloch was granted a law license last year after the staff of a DC court didn't notice that he is under criminal investigation by the FBI -- and failed to flag that fact to the Committee on Admissions, despite extensive documentation provided by Bloch.

He now practices at a business law firm in the District he joined several months ago. The clerk of the court for the D.C. Court of Appeals revealed the error to TPMmuckraker today after we inquired about the case.

In October 2008, Bloch ended a rocky tenure leading the Office of Special Counsel during the Bush Administration that was marked by charges of retaliation against his employees and politicization of the agency in charge of protecting the rights of federal workers.

But one scandal refused to go away: while being probed for the alleged retaliation, he allegedly destroyed evidence and, investigating Bloch for obstruction of justice, the FBI raided his home and office.

ACORN

Cutting Off Funds Would Hurt ACORN's Foreclosure Prevention Work

Zachary Roth | September 18, 2009, 12:09PM

Whatever you think about ACORN, poor people and minorities may end up being hurt the most by Congress's sudden vendetta against the group.

As we told you, the House yesterday overwhelmingly backed a Republican measure to cut off all federal funding from ACORN, in the wake of a scandal in which employees were caught on camera advising two people posing as a pimp and a prostitute on how to break the law.

PERMALINK | COMMENTS (11) | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (2)
Topics: ACORN, Voting

Mark Sanford

Sanford's Sympathy For Wilson: "When Do The Rest Of Us Move On?"

Zachary Roth | September 18, 2009, 10:00AM

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC)

Mark Sanford has spoken out on the plight of another embattled South Carolina Republican, Rep. Joe ("You Lie!") Wilson. But you could be forgiven for thinking the beleaguered governor was speaking more personally.

Referring to Wilson, Sanford told South Carolina's CN2 News:

PERMALINK | COMMENTS (9) | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (1)
Topics: Joe Wilson, Mark Sanford, Sex

Orly Taitz

Birther Orly Taitz Faces California Bar Complaint Over Attack On Judge

Justin Elliott | September 17, 2009, 6:45PM

Orly Taitz

Things just keeping getting worse for Queen Birther Orly Taitz. Yesterday, a federal judge not only threw out her latest "birther soldier" lawsuit, but also took the time to demolish Birtherism generally and threaten Taitz with sanctions if she files more frivolous suits.

Now, in response to Taitz's comments to TPM calling the judge corrupt and suggesting he should be tried for treason, a fellow member of the California bar has filed a formal complaint against Taitz.

"I respectfully request that you investigate Ms. Taitz's conduct and impose an appropriate sanction. She is an embarrassment to the profession," writes Subodh Chandra, who practices in Ohio and is also an inactive member of the California bar.

Mark Sanford

After Tell-All Press Conference, Feds Yanked Sanford's Security Clearance

Zachary Roth | September 17, 2009, 6:04PM

Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC)

Now that's harsh...

Mark Sanford appeared so unhinged during his now-legendary June press conference in which he admitted to an affair with an Argentine woman that the federal government temporarily yanked his security clearance.

PERMALINK | COMMENTS (1) | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (3)
Topics: Mark Sanford, Sex

Gerald Walpin

Axed IG Walpin: Reinstate Me Immediately

Justin Elliott | September 17, 2009, 5:29PM

Gerald Walpin

Gerald Walpin wants his old job back -- right now.

The former inspector general of the Corporation for National and Community Service, who was fired by the White House, filed a lawsuit in June alleging the firing was unlawful and politically motivated.

Jack Abramoff

Ashcroft Aide Pleads The Fifth In Trial Of Abramoff Crony

Zachary Roth | September 17, 2009, 5:19PM

CEO of Ashcroft Group David Ayres

We told you it was likely to happen. And now it has.

John Ashcroft's top aide from the Justice Department has pleaded the fifth in the trial of a member of Team Abramoff.

ACORN

House Votes To Strip ACORN Of All Federal Funds

Zachary Roth | September 17, 2009, 3:04PM

In the wake of a scandal in which employees were caught on tape advising people posing as a prostitute and pimp in how to break the law, the House of Representatives voted today to strip ACORN of all federal funding.

The vote was 345-75 on a measured pushed by GOP House leader John Boehner. The Senate voted earlier this week to withdraw housing and urban development funding. But the House bill would remove all federal funding.

Texas Textbook Hearings

'Expert' Barton Brings Religio-Historical Road Show To TX Board Of Ed Hearing

Justin Elliott | September 17, 2009, 2:56PM

From display by David Barton, Texas board of education hearing room

David Barton, who critics call a "Christian nationalist history revisionist," comes off more as smooth-talking history buff than fiery evangelist.

Among the panel of experts appointed to guide the Texas textbook standards writing process, Barton is probably the most committed right-wing activist. He served as vice-chair of the Texas GOP for many years. He was responsible for the uproar over deletion of a reference to Christmas that the chair of the board of education tried to tamp down first thing this morning.

And when his turn to speak came at the hearing on new history textbook standards in Austin today, Barton was the only expert to bring along a slideshow.

FBI

The NYC Terror Plot: What Do We Know?

Zachary Roth | September 17, 2009, 2:19PM

Najibullah Zazi

Over on the main blog, Josh wrote the other day about the alleged terror plot which led police to raid an apartment building in Queens on Monday, and then a suburban Denver home yesterday. Josh noted that the Feds seem to being playing this one a lot closer to the vest than in other cases of recent years -- which could be a sign that it's more serious.

So let's take stock of what we know...

Texas Textbook Hearings

Evangelical Minister 'Expert' Spars With TX Board Of Ed Members About Inclusion Of Minorities

Justin Elliott | September 17, 2009, 1:34PM

Rev. Peter Marshall

The Rev. Peter Marshall is one of the "experts" appointed by the Texas State Board of Education who has come under fire for his lack of academic credentials and unapologetic right-wing Christian agenda.

Testifying today at the board of ed hearing on controversial new social studies standards, Marshall didn't disappoint. He got things started with a rousing 10-minute tour through a Christian-centric version of US history.

"It is obvious beyond contradiction that [the founders] structured American government on the natural rights of mankind, which they firmly believe were the gift of God," he said.

Dick Cheney

Feds Probing Gale Norton For Corruption: LAT

Zachary Roth | September 17, 2009, 12:23PM

Fmr. US Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton

Did Gale Norton, President Bush's far-right interior secretary, illegally use her position to benefit an oil company that later hired her? Justice Department investigators want to know, reports the Los Angeles Times.

In a nutshell, here's what DOJ is looking into:

Texas Textbook Hearings

Texas Education Board Chair Kicks Off Hearings: There Is No War On Christmas

Justin Elliott | September 17, 2009, 11:43AM

Board of Education Chair Gail Lowe

As we told you yesterday, the Texas State Board of Education is meeting in Austin today for the first public discussion of new history textbook standards, which include a controversial section that would require knowledge of Newt Gingrich, Phyllis Schlafly, et al.

Before the board turned to social studies, the hearing got to an odd start when an animated member of the public testifying about the importance of health education declared, "I'm 56 years old and I'm a virgin." The chair promptly warned her to stay on topic.

Justice Department

Judge Dismisses Large Part Of Hiring Case Against Bush DOJers

Justin Elliott | September 17, 2009, 10:39AM

Fmr. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales

A federal judge has thrown out most of the class action suit alleging the Bush-era Justice Department improperly rejected intern applicants, the Legal Times reports.

ACORN

Taking Stock Of The ACORN Sting

Zachary Roth | September 16, 2009, 5:28PM

As you probably know by now, last week two conservative activists set off a frenzy in the right-wing media by posting videos in which they posed as a pimp and a prostitute -- complete with outlandish costumes -- and asked employees of ACORN for advice on how to conceal the woman's source of income on their tax forms. ACORN employees in Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Brooklyn, fell for the sting, offering advice to the young couple on how to deceive the government.

ACORN fired the employees involved, but that hasn't stopped coverage of the scandal from mushrooming beyond Fox's Glenn Beck and quickly going mainstream.

PERMALINK | COMMENTS (53) | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (3)
Topics: ACORN, Sex, Voting, voter fraud

Textbooks

Right-Wing Ideologue 'Experts' Weigh In On Texas History Standards; Hearing Tomorrow

Justin Elliott | September 16, 2009, 1:59PM

Rev. Peter Marshall and his book, "The Light and the Glory for Children"

The circus down in Texas surrounding new history textbook standards continues.

Now, a panel of experts appointed by the GOP-controlled State Board of Education has released reviews of the proposed curriculum, which, as we noted recently, would require students to be conversant in Reaganomics and the heroes of movement conservatism.

The group of six experts is "extremely influential" in the curriculum writing process, says Dan Quinn of the Texas Freedom Network, which closely tracks the activist board of education. And they can be broken into two groups: mainstream academics and right-wing ideologues.

PERMALINK | COMMENTS (25) | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (1)
Topics: Texas, Textbooks

Jesse Jackson Jr.

Ethics Committee Probing Jackson Jr., Waters, Graves

Zachary Roth | September 16, 2009, 12:53PM

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL)

The House Ethics committee has revealed that it's conducting separate inquiries into three lawmakers: Reps. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL), Maxine Waters (D-CA), and Sam Graves (R-MO).

• In the case of Jackson, the committee said in a statement that it's looking into "whether Representative Jesse Jackson Jr., or an agent of Representative Jackson, may have offered to raise funds for then-Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich in return for the appointment of Representative Jackson to the Illinois Senate seat." In a phone conversation that was recorded by prosecutors, Blago said that a staff person for Jackson offered $1 million in campaign contributions in return for appointing Jackson to the seat.

Media

The Right-Wing Extremist Writer Behind Glenn Beck's Worldview

Zachary Roth | September 16, 2009, 12:09PM

Glenn Beck

We weren't aware that Glenn Beck's unique brand of conservative messianic zeal and conspiracy-minded racial paranoia required any particular intellectual underpinning.

But a fascinating article in Salon reveals that a book by a Mormon "historian" deemed too extreme even by the modern conservative movement -- which argues that the U.S. constitution is based primarily on natural law -- has played a major role in Beck's "thinking."

Daniel Bogden

Bogden Confirmed -- Again -- As US Attorney

Justin Elliott | September 16, 2009, 9:48AM

US Attorney Daniel Bogden (NV)

Daniel Bogden, who was fired by the Bush Administration in 2006 during its purge of US Attorneys, officially got his old job back yesterday as the Senate confirmed him by unanimous consent to be US Attorney for Nevada.

President Obama nominated Bogden for the job earlier this year. Nevada Senators Harry Reid (D) And John Ensign (R) each hailed Bogden in statements.

Reid's statement after the jump:

Allen Stanford

Public Defender For Billionaire Stanford

Zachary Roth | September 15, 2009, 4:59PM

Billionaire banker Allen Stanford will have to settle for a public defender to represent him on charges that he orchestrated a massive financial fraud.

Stanford's assets have been frozen, leaving him with no money to pay Dick DeGuerin, the high-powered defense attorney he's been working with of late. With no guarantee of payment, DeGuerin formally withdrew, and U.S. District Judge David Hittner asked the head of the federal public defender office in Houston to take over, reports the Houston Chronicle.

Gun-Toters

Secret Service Questioned Man With Guns Outside Obama Rally In Minnesota

Justin Elliott | September 15, 2009, 3:58PM

A Kel Tec 380 pistol

When 32-year-old Josh Hendrickson left his house for a protest outside President Obama's health care rally in Minneapolis Saturday, he considered whether to go armed.

When he typically goes out, he told the Star-Tribune, "I grab my wallet, my keys and my gun."

Make that two guns.

Steve Nunn

Nunn Charged In Murder Of Ex-Fiancée

Zachary Roth | September 15, 2009, 9:22AM

Steve Nunn, booking photo

Steve Nunn, the Kentucky Republican former gubernatorial candidate and state lawmaker, has been charged in the murder of his former fiancée Amanda Ross.

As we told you Friday, Nunn was found with a gun and slit wrists in the cemetery where his parents are buried, hours after Ross -- with whom he had had a tumultuous and violent relationship -- was found shot to death in the parking lot of her Lexington apartment.

PERMALINK | COMMENTS (4) | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (3)
Topics: Steve Nunn

Barack Obama

Did Joe Wilson Lie About Having Been An Immigration Lawyer?

Zachary Roth | September 14, 2009, 6:21PM

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)

Rep. Joe ("You Lie!") Wilson's now-legendary exclamation during President Obama's speech to Congress last week was itself essentially untrue, as we've documented.

But in trying to deflect charges of xenophobia in the wake of the outburst, it looks like the South Carolina congressman again played fast and loose with the facts.

Scott Bloch

Scandal-Plagued Ex-Bush Official's Law Firm Bio Brags He 'Attained Notoriety'

Justin Elliott | September 14, 2009, 6:05PM

Fmr. Head of OSC, Scott Bloch

Nice catch by the Legal Times: Looks like Scott Bloch is putting out an interesting spin on the five scandal-plagued years he spent as chief of the Office of Special Counsel.

Bloch's bio page at D.C.-based Tarone & McLaughlin LLP, the business law firm where he now works, says "he attained notoriety as the head of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel."

Indeed.

PERMALINK | COMMENTS (7) | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (7)
Topics: Scott Bloch

Rod Blagojevich

Indicted Blago Fundraiser Dead In Apparent Suicide

Zachary Roth | September 14, 2009, 11:14AM

Christopher Kelly

The former top fundraiser for Rod Blagojevich died over the weekend in an apparent suicide.

Chris Kelly was found Friday night slumped over the wheel of his black Cadillac Escalade in a lumber yard in suburban Country Club Hills outside Chicago. Drugs were found in the vehicle. Kelly died Saturday morning in a Chicago hospital.

Kelly, a high-stakes gambler, faced eight years in prison for hiding income that he used to pay gambling debts, and for participating in an $8.5 million fraud involving roofing work on airline hangars at O'Hare International Airport. He was also facing trial for his role in the alleged pay-for-play corruption connected to Blagojevich, the former Illinois governor.