Another week, another GOP scandal. This time, it involves Pennsylvania congressman Curt Weldon, whom the FBI is now investigating for lobbying improprieties involving the business of his daughter and political ally Charles Sexton. “The investigation focuses on Weldon’s support of the Russian-managed Itera International Energy Corp., one of the world’s largest oil and gas firms, while that company paid fees to Solutions North America, the company that Karen Weldon and Sexton operate.” And, if that weren’t enough, the House Page Board is now looking into veteran congressman Jim Kolbe for a camping trip he took with former pages in 1996, adding further to the increasing number of once-safe GOP seats now in contention in three weeks. Update: More on the Weldon investigation and Kolbe allegations.
Tag: Jim Kolbe
Foley Reverberates.
“The social conservatives are frustrated with what’s going on…We have heard disappointment and disenchantment. The level of commitment isn’t as fierce as it ought to be.” Another Foleygate update: As another GOP staffer backs up Kirk Fordham’s account of telling Hastert about Foley in 2003, the NYT reports that the scandal has put at least five more GOP House seats in play, and gay Republicans begin to fear they’ll end up the scapegoats of it all. “I’m just waiting for someone in a position of authority to make this a gay issue.” Update: With new revelations from Representive Jim Kolbe (R-AZ), the Foley-clock moves back to 2000.