Here’s an endorsement Newt Gingrich probably doesn’t need: former Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R-CA), currently serving a 100 month sentence in federal prison after being convicted of bribery in one of the largest congressional corruption cases in recent memory.
Cunningham, the inspiration for the TPM Golden Dukes and a TPM pen pal, acknowledged in a letter to Newt he forwarded to the Voice of San Diego, that his endorsement “would do more harm than good.”
But he was hoping Gingrich would help out with his pet cause of prison reform:
Newt, a voice out of the past. Down but not out and still fighting. First I do not want anything from you but have been watching the debates. I have 80% of inmates that would vote for you. They might not be able to but their extended families will. When you are president I could help you with prison and justice reform if wanted.
Cunningham adds that Mitt Romney just doesn’t have the same experience as Gingrich does with divided government:
First when you were Speaker of the House having a Democratic president, you passed every issue working with the house and senate Dems. It was not easy and Mit (sic) just does not have this experience. It also shows that every bone in your body is for helping this nation become great again through conservative government. Mit (sic) may have been in the private sector but congress is far from having absolute control over your employees.
Read the full letter here.
Ryan J. Reilly
Ryan J. Reilly is a D.C.-based reporter for TPM. Prior to joining TPM, he worked for a news website covering the Justice Department and was a researcher for Bloomberg News. His email address is ryan(at)talkingpointsmemo.com.
Ah, memorories. When I saw this I said "Oh, when did Duke get out?" One of the most flagrant Congressional ethics flaunters in history. Just couldn't imagine that the Little People's rules really applied to him. Didn't even bother to cover his ass.
Duke Cunningham, the new Chuck Colson.
It takes one to endorse one!
Really funny.
We send convicts to Moon?
100 month sentence? You mean 8 years and 4 months.
Cunningham seems literally childlike. He makes me sad.
Steve M lest we forget, he got elected to Congress...
Steve M even sadder to ponder the electorate that put him there.
Don't forget that Newt also has the endorsement of former Rep. JC Watts, a "Family Values" conservative who fathered a child out-of-wedlock. Is an Abramoff endorsement coming soon?
joerio Oh, that's why their token disappeared from Congress so quickly. Thanks for that tidbit.
"I have 80% of inmates that would vote for you."
This helps illuminate exactly how so many conservatives mislead themselves on the popularity of their own opinions. They simply assume that just because people in their own personal circles say they agree with some ideas, then hey, that's the same as the whole world! To them, anecdotes ARE data.
inside the bubble, indeed. psyclone
Just what the Attack Muffin wants to hear
I'll believe Cunningham is serious about prison reform. Conservatives seem to adopt liberal attitudes when they experience something for themselves.
Willing to bet Duke has more dirt on Newt than Newt realizes, all locked away for safe-keeping, like Duke is right now, just waiting to be released when the time is right. Newt Gingrich doesn't have skeletons in his closets, he has entire graveyards. Forget investing in gold right now, popcorn futures are going to be sky high.
With friends like these...
Can Abramoff be far behind?
Do you offer mug shots with your endorsements, Newt?
Excellent. Newt's got the coveted "felon" vote locked down. At least in those states where felons can vote.
Based on his op-ed, Elliot Abrams is anti-Gingrich so apparently Newt doesn't have the felon vote tied down.
So this is why Haley Barbour release all those felons...for their votes! I knew it.
If Cunningham wasn't such a complete idiot conservative Newtophile, I'd almost believe that Team Romney put him up to this.
Then again, maybe Mitt promised he do something about getting him some conjugal time on the Duke Stir.
peterprinciple Federal Bureau of Prisons is probably looking for a new director after Mittens becomes the Chief of Golden Underpants.
given the number of Gingrich era house Republicans who have gone to jail or been convicted after Gingrich left the House in disgrace this could be a big endorsement! Duke, Tom Delay all fo the republican staffers associated with Delay: Mike Scanlon, Bob Ney, James Hinri, Kevin Ring, Tony Rudy, James Ellis, then you got Bill Janklow, Buzz Lukens, Wes Cooley....
I just wonder if Newt will get the Republican self-hating gay vote too? Rep.Mark Foley, Sen. Larry Craig, Rep, Bob Allen have major swing with other GOP gays who work against gay rights...
Meh. If Bob Ney endorses Newt, then we'll talk.
Eustace Tilley 2.0 I bet Bob and Newt have had more than a few interesting conversations over the decades, maybe? Is there any doubt Newt's got more skeletons in his closet than we can count. There's a veritable "old bones party" goin' on in there.
JEPEustace Tilley 2.0 The white trash Skull and Bones society.
Ah, the all important corrupt politician endorsement. Can't win the GOP nomination without that.
Hey Duke, be patient, Newt might be joining you very soon. Certainly, the two of you belong together.
twoloves41 I hear Mitt is planning a penal colony on the moon and Duke might as well join the Newtster.
Turds of a feather.....
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