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Don Young Pig Party Tonight!
Alas, it looks like my invitation to the annual pig roast held in honor of Rep. Don Young (R-AK) got lost in the mail. The pork gala, which is just a few hours away, is usually hosted by former Veco CEO Bill Allen, but he's bowed out since pleading guilty to federal bribery charges and agreeing to cooperate in the federal criminal investigation of Young and other lawmakers.
But no worry -- the pork, and the fundraising, go on. Former Alaska Gov. Bill Sheffield will play host instead, with special guests Sens. Ted Stevens and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) making appearances.
The event itself, which sent out colorful invitations in years past, has caught the eye of federal investigators, who are looking into Young's dealings with Allen and Veco. In the last ten years, Young has received at least $157,000 from VECO employees and its political-action committee. Guests at this year's pig party have been asked to contribute $250 to $1,000 (and $500-$5,000 if you're a PAC).
Even though I got the cold shoulder from Young's party planner, an email did show up today in my in-box about a protest planned for outside the roast.
Lifelong Alaskan and retired commercial fisherman John Farleigh is organizing the insurrection. He said he'll call it a success if 15 others come and wildly successful if 30 people make it.
Farleigh said he is not a Republican or a Democrat and didn't work with any political party to organize the protest. He's just one man who has had it with his federal lawmakers who, in his view, have benefited personally while in office and given special deals to friends and contributors.
"[Young] is the caricature of what is wrong with Congress," Farleigh said. "Earmark is his middle name."
We'll let you know how it all goes.
Comments (9)
Yellow Snow wrote on August 8, 2007 5:49 PM:Hey Laura, this Alaska beat of yours appears to be more than a full-time job. When is Josh gonna hire you a staff? Alaska - who woulda thunk it?
BlueInTexas wrote on August 8, 2007 6:19 PM:So when Rep. Alan Mollohan (D) asked that three of his earmarks on the Farm Bill be removed last week... was that "Pulled Pork"?
Meanwhile, I hope Farleigh is successful in making a big noise.
The Oracle wrote on August 8, 2007 11:52 PM:It seems that an annual pig roast and Rep. Doink Doink Young are a match made in hog heaven.
Ed*ard Teller wrote on August 9, 2007 12:51 AM:Don Young's pork rost hosted by Bill Sheffield? Whattaya say to that, harpboy? aklocal? Why isn't he supporting Metcalfe or Benson? How many other old-school Dems are there this evening?
HarpboyAK wrote on August 9, 2007 1:34 AM:Good for Farleigh! He was once a legislative aide in the winters, fishing in the summers.
And he's right, Ted and his kid made some sweetheart deals on Bering Sea offshore fishing with Seattle catcher/processors, and Dumb Young went along with them.
Time to throw out all 3 of our Stooges. Time to elect Jake Metcalfe to Congress!
Security code word "wrong" as in Don was wrong to threaten any potential election opponents that "throw stones" into his glass house!
HarpboyAK wrote on August 9, 2007 1:42 AM:Teller Troll,
Bill Shelflife has never really been a Democrat, he was just an inept opportunist, as his impeachment trial showed. He has been supporting Repukes and Big Awl for years.
He held fundraisers for Young & Murkowski during the last election cycle. I wrote him a letter then and suggested that he really wasn't a Democrat any more and should resign from the Party and change his registration.
I don't have a copy of the current voter reg list, so can't verify how he's registered now.
Security code narrow, as in Teller Troll's and Bill Shelflife's minds.
Fun times in Alaska wrote on August 9, 2007 3:02 AM:I just got back from the Dom's pork roast protest. Alaska is a great state and I'm proud to be a citizen. This afternoon's protest of the annual pork roast gave me some hope that things are a changin in my state.
Mr. Flood's Party wrote on August 9, 2007 12:46 PM:More than 50 attended the protest. It was good, boisterous fun heckling the big piggies especially as they staggered out, full of pork and booze.
KS wrote on August 11, 2007 3:06 AM:The one sign missing from the gate: Abandon All Ethics, Ye Who Enter Here.
Sheffield gave up his Democratic credentials years ago, as any real Alaskan would know.
Online Poll respondents say pig roast still appropriate
http://www.ktuu.com/
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - On Tuesday, August 8, Channel 2 News conducted an online poll asking viewers if they thought it was appropriate for Rep. Don Young to continue holding his annual pig roast in light of the corruption investigation into his fund raising.
Fifty Six percent of the respondents said the roast was still appropriate. Here are the official question and results.
Do you think it is appropriate for Don Young to continue holding his annual pig roast in light of the corruption investigation into his fundraising?
Appropriate - 56 percent
Inappropriate - 39 percent
No opinion - 4 percent