Senate ad watch -- the latest from Coakley and Capuano

these two ads target different areas (0.00 / 0)

Martha is presenting herself in the context of her family and the values she learned.

Mike is presenting his national security credentials and highlighting his no vote on the Iraq War.  

Do you think Mike's right, that there is always a war hawk like Dick Cheney?

Do you find it strange that Martha's husband is nowhere to be seen in this video?  They've been together for a decade or two.

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 15:26:10 PM CST

Cap Event (0.00 / 0)

Just got back from the Capuano event in Watertown.  

One woman asked about a key policy difference between Caps and Coakley that would make her vote for Capuano.  

He answered with two things.  One was his usual retort about the House vote on health care reform and how Coakley would have sunk it in the House.  

The other part was a very detailed response about Civil Liberties.  I've been hoping he would start talking about that because I think it is a key distinction.  

He explained the Melendez-Diaz case and Coakley's oral argument in that case.  Surprisinly detailed for an event of this sort.  

Maybe it's going to be a new talking point for the campaign.  

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by: DoubleMan @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 15:49:08 PM CST

Do you have video or good notes (0.00 / 0)

on Capauno's critique of Coakley's views regarding Melendez-Diaz? I mean apart from her lack of preparedness (she didn't know CA was not party to the case nor how they handle all the lab tech court appearances.)  

I'm particularly interested if he sees it as a window into how she balances individual and Constitutional rights against state interests.


www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 15:59:46 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Sorry (0.00 / 0)

Didn't take notes or videos.  

He said that the general principle she argued for was antithetical to Constitutional rights.  He simplified the position in the case, but basically said that she does not care that much about 6th Amendment rights.  

He argued that her experience as a prosecutor necessarily makes her less likely to vigorously fight for civil liberties - especially regarding investigations and the rights of the accused.  

I think it is a good argument to appeal to liberal voters.  With things like the Fells Acres parole deal, Melendez-Diaz, the au pair case, the aqua teen viral marketing thing, and the recent Holy Wood death penalty case amicus sign-on, I don't think she wants to get too much into it.  Her response would likely be about her years of protecting citizens, especially children as a prosecutor.  

I wonder if Capuano will make a move in the debate.  A back-and-forth about Melendez Diaz would be fun to watch.  

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by: DoubleMan @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 16:34:04 PM CST

[ Parent ]

yep, protecting children and old people (0.00 / 0)

Her Fells Acres decisions - to not oppose Cheryl Amirault LeFave's release, to not retry her, and at the same time to fight Gerald Amirialts commutation - are fair game and of some concern.  They were charged and found guilty of the same crimes, so what gives?  She, contrary, to a 5-0 recommendation that included law enforcement officials kept Gerald locked up. Among his mothers last spoken words were, Don't vote for Scott Harshbarger.

In Melendez-Diaz, unless she was bound to "uphold" the Commonwealth's law and not exercise independent judgment about whether the MA statute conflicted with sixth amendment rights, she's every bit accountable for her position, which I oppose for two reasons... if CA can manage having lab techs testify in court MA can too, and rolling back constitutional rights should be done rarely and only for overwhelmingly compelling reasons. If you recognize that death penalty should be abolished becuase of wrongful convictions, can you also recognize that defendants should have the right to question lab techs about process becuase even "scientific" process is subject to human error.  She proclaimed this fight was one that would save the Commonwealth money.  I'm appalled.

Charging Louise Woodward with second degree murder was overzealous prosecution. Thankfully the court fixed the miscarriage of justice reducing the conviction to manslaughter and time served. What's surprising is that the notoriety from this case helped Coakley win the DA Middlesex office. I was surprised to learn recently that Martha Coakley was in the hospital room when Dr. Eappin pulled the plug on Baby Matthew and I wonder how her office had ruled out the parents as suspects and what her office made of the prior injuries. Martha was responsible for the medical evidence and Louise was convicted based on a theory of shaken baby syndrome.  Look it up, it's not settled science.  

I'm convinced that Martha's signing on the the amicus brief in the Holy Wood case does not make her in favor of the death penalty but it does make her in favor of limiting the scope of cases that can be appealed to the Federal courts.  In the case of Holy Wood, it will mean he cannot get an appeal he needs to be heard on an valid legal issue that will cost him his life.  The general issue is that Coakley is for limiting the issues that can be appealed to Federal court and I don't see that as a good thing for the wrongly convicted and wrongly sentenced. This loops back to the Fells Acres appeal and the finality decision.  

The marketing viral thing is a small issue but troubling. She did a great job getting $1,000,000 reimbursement for first responder costs and $1,000,000 good will but I really don't understand why she would require the two boys, who were making money installing these advertising gimmicks and who were therefore not guilty of planting hoax devices, to sign a plea agreement that required them to do community service.  They were not guilty.  I've also wondered, since they were wrongly accused of a crime, should have had their legal fees reimbursed from the good will fund?    

I hope Martha will address these concerns.  

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 18:46:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Each of these issues is a concern for me (6.00 / 1)

and prevent me from supporting Coakley's candidacy as I, too, see them as civil rights issues. I'm leery of zealous law-and-order types anyway, so I'm inclined steer clear of someone coming from that sort of professional background.  That is not to say that there isn't a vital need for such folks in our society but simply that when given a choice, I'll generally support someone else.

The big brouhaha on this site when Fells Acres was first raised really provided, as far as I'm concerned, a reasonably accurate glimpse into people's calculus in deciding on a candidate.  I admire your willingness and energy in continuing to raise these issues despite the constant barrage of hostility that has come your way.  

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by: lightiris @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 19:25:32 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Did Capuano talk about his role in the PMA lobbying "pay to play" scandal? (5.50 / 2)

Did he discuss the earmarks he placed in bills in return for campaign contributions from PMA clients?

Did he explain why he made a show of returning some PMA contributions to his campaign account, but did not return others made to his leadership PAC until called on it by the Boston Globe earlier this fall?

For those not familiar with this scandal, the Globe summarized the matter as follows

PMA Group, one of Washington's most influential lobbying firms, disbanded earlier this year after its fund-raising activities came under the scrutiny of federal prosecutors. The firm, which the FBI raided in November, specialized in securing earmark funds for its clients, most of whom are defense contractors. The firm in 2006 successfully persuaded lawmakers to earmark $100 million for their clients, according to a study by the nonpartisan Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Among lawmakers who had received PMA-related donations, Capuano, by his amount collected, was ranked 10th earlier this year by another nonpartisan group, the Center for Responsive Politics. That ranking, however, was based on $57,000 he collected from 2001 to 2008 that was connected to the lobbying firm. By adding the $47,500 Capuano raised for his PAC from those connected with the firm from 2006 to 2008, Capuano would rank fourth out of more than 125 lawmakers listed.

Capuano has tried to make it seem a virtue to be, as David put it, the "insideriest insider."  He's tried to do that, but selling one's office isn't a virtue.  

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 18:04:46 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Selling his office??? (0.00 / 0)

Is there any evidence that he violated any law?  Has the ethics committee brought charges against him?  The answer is no, and I'm guessing they're more familiar with Congressional rules than any of us are.

If you want to start throwing accusations like this around, then I'm curious to know why Martha Coakley has had a federal "exploratory committee" open since 2004.  Who donated to it, and what has she been doing with that money?  I know that technically she wasn't required to report donors unless she ran for an office, but most exploratory committees are short-lived, not five year federal campaign slush funds.  Shouldn't we hold the Commonwealth's chief law enforcement officer to a higher standard on campaign finance laws?   She wasn't REQUIRED to disclose those donors, but she certainly could have done so.  So much for open disclosure.

And how did she manage to have a Senate campaign up and running mere days after Senator Kennedy's death, even though she didn't have an active federal campaign account?  How about using state campaign funds to print hundreds of signs that simply said "Martha Coakley" instead of "Martha Coakley for Attorney General"?   Or creating a website that miraculously morphed into the "Coakley for Senate" website overnight?

Or, more recently, how about Jack Connors, Chairman of the Board of Partners Healthcare endorsing her?  The AG has significant oversight authority over non-profits and health care non-profits in particular.  There is a serious conflict of interest there.  And whatever did happen to her investigations into the health care industry?   The silence has been deafening from the AG's office on the price fixing by Partners and BC/BS, etc.

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by: DCA-BOS @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 19:40:51 PM CST

[ Parent ]

A federal investigation is underway on the PMA lobbying scandal (5.00 / 2)

From ABC:

PMA is the second company ...to be raided by federal agents ...In January, agents from the FBI, the IRS and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service searched the office of Kuchera Industries and Kuchera Defense Systems, as well as the homes of the firms' founders.

Further in the same article:

"The FBI is showing a lot of interest in" a lot of people around Murtha, said Keith Ashdown of Taxpayers for Common Sense. "If I was in Murtha's camp, I would not be sleeping at night."

Capuano and Murtha are, of course, close.  Capuano was the only member of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to attend a fundraiser for Murtha earlier this year. Ironically, since an endorsement for Coakley from someone in healthcare disturbed you above, the event Capuano attended was a shakedown of the healthcare industry for contributions.

The fund-raiser was sponsored by Thomas P. O'Neill III, who heads the Boston-based public strategy firm O'Neill and Associates, and his brother Christopher O'Neill, a partner in a government relations law firm in Washington. The event was focused on soliciting contributions from health care executives.

 

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 21:28:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Paul Magliocchetti is the focus of the probe (6.00 / 4)

The second articleyou linked to above spells out who the FBI is investigating and it is not Mike Capuano.  They are investigating "Paul Magliocchetti, who founded the lobbying firm in 1989 and is a focus of the probe."

The New York Times reported earlier this year that PMA is being investigated for allegedly using front donors to give, in excess of campaign contribution limits, on behalf of -> Paul Magliocchetti, who founded the lobbying firm in 1989 and is a focus of the probe. <- Magliocchetti has been a close associate of US Representative John P. Murtha, a powerful Pennsylvania Democrat who has also been a target of controversy.

Your attempts to prove guilt by association are no better than what the Republicans tried to do to Barck Obama....  Obama's Rev Wright... Obama's relationship with domestic terrorists....  Obama association with Muslims... he's a Muslim. Your attempts are no better.    

If you have a report from a journal that says Capuano is under investigation by the FBI, the House Ethics panel, or the FEC, share it.  

For example, Coakley  a complaint in front of the Federal Election Commission for using state campaign funds in a Federal election, which is illegal. That is a fact.  


www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 22:19:13 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Wow, your anti-Coakley barrage continues (5.00 / 1)

I certainly haven't read all of your posts, but I don't recall seeing a single one that focused on Capauano's strengths. And just as a point of fact, you mention the complaint in front of the FEC, but conveniently forget to mention that the comnplaint was filed by the Republican Party.

For the record, I'm leaning toward Coakley, but I recognize that Congessmen have to take campaign contributions, often from businesses. And they will sometimes support legislation that benefits a business, particularly one in their home district or state. Absent compelling evidence, I hardly see that as a reason to start implying that the Congessman is corrupt. It's fair game to say that it may be a campaign issue for him, but some on this thread seem to be suggesting nefarious motives on Capuano's part. No one ever seems to get that businesses often contribute to politicians who are sympathetic to them, or whose good side they want to be on. We're often quick to default to th notion that a politician got a contribution, and only then decided to help a company.

This back and forth, where we even get to the point that Republican charges are being cited as if they have credibility, helps no one.

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by: ChrisO @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 09:51:39 AM CST

[ Parent ]

A Coakley supporter, Bean (6.00 / 2)

has asserted that the FBI investigation into PMA and Paul Magliocchetti is an investigation into unethical or illegal acts by Mike Capuano.  I am refuting that.  

Bean's argument amounts to nothing more than guilt by association.

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 10:17:41 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Well, now I know you are lying (0.00 / 0)

The first two articles I've linked in this post are explicitly about Capuano and his associations with PMA.  The third discusses the federal investigation.  

Google 'Vanity Fair and Capuano' for an inside take on a night at the Capital Grille paid for by Magliocchetti and attended by interns and Capuano.    

And I don't see anything about Cap's legislative accomplishments - no surprise there.  There aren't any to speak of.
 

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 23:02:35 PM CST

[ Parent ]

If you can read (the second article), you can see the FBI is investigating Paul Magliocchetti. (0.00 / 0)

You said:

Did he discuss the earmarks he placed in bills in return for campaign contributions from PMA clients?

Did he explain why he made a show of returning some PMA contributions to his campaign account, but did not return others made to his leadership PAC until called on it by the Boston Globe earlier this fall?

I said:

The second article you linked to above spells out who the FBI is investigating and it is not Mike Capuano.  They are investigating "Paul Magliocchetti, who founded the lobbying firm in 1989 and is a focus of the probe."

The second article said:

The New York Times reported earlier this year that PMA is being investigated for allegedly using front donors to give, in excess of campaign contribution limits, on behalf of Paul Magliocchetti, who founded the lobbying firm in 1989 and is a focus of the probe. Magliocchetti has been a close associate of US Representative John P. Murtha, a powerful Pennsylvania Democrat who has also been a target of controversy.

Then you said:

"Well, now I know you are lying. The first two articles I've linked in this post are explicitly about Capuano and his associations with PMA.  The third discusses the federal investigation."

So does the second article. If you can read (the second article), you can see the FBI is investigating Paul Magliocchetti.

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Mon Nov 23, 2009 at 00:08:16 AM CST

[ Parent ]

It's always easier for the contributor to be prosecuted than the recipient (0.00 / 0)

Magliochetti steers contributions to Murtha, Capuano and others in Congress from himself, PMA and others he knows.  Maybe Magliochetti also uses others as a front for his contributions, a violation of campaign finance law if true.  Congress people, including Capuano, put millions of dollars' worth of earmarks benefiting PMA clients in to bills.  Congress people say - "oh, that was a good project, good for my district, there was no quid pro quo.  And since the press on this is uncomfortable, I'll return the related contributions." Or "Oh, had no idea those weren't legal contributions.  Will return them right away." Hard for investigators to prove otherwise.  Easier for them to get Magliochetti for campaign finance violations.  But not proof that Murtha, Capuano and others placing the earmarks were clean.  

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Mon Nov 23, 2009 at 20:47:20 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I'm still waiting for a strong and compelling (0.00 / 0)

ad from the Campuano's campaign regarding the economy. Do not get why he is not making this front and center in his advertisements.  

WE NEED A PUBLIC OPTION

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by: liveandletlive @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 16:29:41 PM CST

I just got polled! (0.00 / 0)

by the Pags campaign.  I wonder why he didn't show up at the Brooks School in Lincoln today?  

"The world was made for people who aren't cursed with self-awareness." ~Annie Savoy, Bull Durham

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by: Justice4All @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 17:17:21 PM CST

We did at our house today, too ... (0.00 / 0)

Lots of money that campaign has.  I didn't go through it to hear if it was a push poll, did you?

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 18:49:17 PM CST

[ Parent ]

It might have been (6.00 / 1)

if you indicated that you hadn't decided, or were open to another candidate.  I stated up front who our candidate was, and when asked if we were open to learning more...I said no.  That ended that.  

"The world was made for people who aren't cursed with self-awareness." ~Annie Savoy, Bull Durham

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by: Justice4All @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 19:23:08 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Same here n/t (0.00 / 0)

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 21:32:43 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Two solid spots (0.00 / 0)

Coakley still introducing herself, which is odd, but maybe what she needs.

Capuano, I think, trying to remind voters that there's a significant political struggle under way in D.C. that he is already in the thick of. I'm not sure another 30 seconds of just him talking is the best way to drive that home, but it was well written.

It is refreshing to see someone being openly patriotic about civil liberties. I would not think that would be a winning strategy in most elections, unfortunately, but it may work here.

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by: Trickle up @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 17:52:38 PM CST

Both ads are fine (0.00 / 0)

and unlikely to move any voters.  Candidly, I don't know why either one is wasting the money at this point.  The primary is Coakley's to lose and that doesn't seem likely.  

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by: lightiris @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 19:15:23 PM CST

agreed (0.00 / 0)

as long as she keeps showing up to campaign events.

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 20:08:45 PM CST

[ Parent ]

How sad that is (5.14 / 7)

In the most Democratic state in the nation, we may settle on mediocrity. We'll be ok with someone who's credentials on issues around civil liberties (CORI, wiretapping, three strikes) are in serious question.

I am volunteering for Mike Capuano because I know we can do better. I also know we have a long way to go and not much time to get there.

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by: thinkingliberally @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 20:35:31 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Mediocrity would be promoting a Congressman (4.50 / 4)

With 10 years in the house and little in the way of meaningful legislative accomplishments.  

I am volunteering for Coakley because Capuano's arrogance and wheeling/dealing is federal indictment waiting to happen.

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 21:32:04 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Baseless accusation of "wheeling/dealing" (6.00 / 1)

There is no accusation, never mind evidence, of any wrong-doing on the part of Mike Capuano. His list of legislative accomplishments is long, particularly given that for most of that period he was a member of the minority party. You now seem to be at the point of throwing sh*t at the wall to see what sticks.

"I like Martha because the other guy sucks" sounds like settling on mediocrity to me.

"If the Republicans will stop lying about the Democrats, the Democrats will stop telling the truth about the Republicans" -- Adlai Stevenson

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by: BrooklineTom @ Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 23:26:34 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Let's hear about that supposed list of legislative accomplishments (0.00 / 0)

The only thing you'll find to Cap's credit in a decade is the OCE, which has been criticized for being too weak.  Oh, and some pork, he's apparently been big on the pork.

Read the articles I linked above.  There is a federal investigation of earmarks placed for PMA clients by members of Congress in return for campaign contributions underway.  PMA has gone out of business a result.  Capuano is number four in Congress in receiving PMA-linked contributions.  

About the worst outcome for this election that I could see would be Cap winning the primary, and something breaking in this investigation before the general election.  


"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 17:34:04 PM CST

[ Parent ]

From bad to worse (0.00 / 0)

I read the articles you cited. Only the second even mentions Mike Capuano, and here's what it says:

Capuano, a six-term Democrat, recently returned $64,500 in donations he had raised through the Washington lobbying firm under investigation, PMA, which was founded by a former top Murtha staff member who remains close to the Pennsylvania lawmaker.

No investigation of Mr. Capuano. No accusations (except from you), no indictments. The Boston Globe says that Mr. Capuano returned the money -- yet you say "Capuano is number four in Congress in receiving PMA-linked contributions." Either you or the Globe is lying mistaken.

You -- and the campaign of Martha Coakley -- should be ashamed of this exchange.

"If the Republicans will stop lying about the Democrats, the Democrats will stop telling the truth about the Republicans" -- Adlai Stevenson

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by: BrooklineTom @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 20:57:38 PM CST

[ Parent ]

wheeling and dealing (6.00 / 1)

yeah, you're right. the last thing you'd want is a member of Congress who fights hard for his state, negotiating with his colleagues to get what he needs for his constituents. I'm sure that federal indictment of Ted Kennedy will be coming any day now.

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by: thinkingliberally @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 07:30:46 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Read the articles (0.00 / 0)

This wasn't fighting for constituents.  It was a pay-to-play scandal.  It was placing of earmarks for defense contractors that were clients of the PMA group, a lobbying firm now out of business due to a federal investigation.  

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 17:36:22 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Despicable innuendo (0.00 / 0)

The pay-to-play scandal is about Mr. Murtha, not Mr. Capuano.

Your dishonest attempted smear of Mike Capuano is despicable.

Have you no shame?

"If the Republicans will stop lying about the Democrats, the Democrats will stop telling the truth about the Republicans" -- Adlai Stevenson

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by: BrooklineTom @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 20:59:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

palling around with domestic earmarkers (0.00 / 0)

Capuano and Murtha are very close and Murtha and PMA' founder wazzhisname are very close and PMA's founder is being investigated by the FBI, ergo, Capuano is under Federal investigation... and by the way, he's palling around with domestic earmarkers.  

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 22:03:20 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The New York Times, Phoenix and Globe (0.00 / 0)

Have all published articles indicating that other lawmakers close to Murtha, including Capuano, may be pulled in to the scandal.  So if making note of this is 'despicable', I'm sure in good company.  

You are the ones who should be ashamed for pumping this guy, when there are serious concerns that he's for sale.  It's DiMasi all over again.

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 22:42:32 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Some links for that would be useful. (0.00 / 0)

I don't recall seeing anything to the effect that Capuano "may be pulled in," but I certainly could have missed it.

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by: David @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 22:45:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I have some others in addition to the ones noted above (0.00 / 0)

Will collect them later this week.

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 23:09:53 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Despicable innuendo (0.00 / 0)

If you have them why would tell us to wait until later this  week?

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 23:39:52 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Because i have a job, a life and was posting by iPhone (6.00 / 1)

To post links, I'll need to be home, at a computer and have some time to give to it.

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Mon Nov 23, 2009 at 20:13:09 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Any implicating news since Nov 17? (0.00 / 0)

There is no indication Capuano is under investigation; however, he donated to charity the contributions from PMA employees, and clients to his campaign committee and said he will do the same for his political action committee.

In general, Capuano has defended earmarks as transparent, noting they are subject to amendment by other members.

In a local radio interview Nov. 13, Capuano said he has at times had to defend his earmark requests on the House floor. "I like being judged on whatever I've done and not done," he said.

Can 'Mr. Insider' Win in Massachusetts?
By Emily Cadei, CQ-Roll Call
Nov. 17, 2009 LINK

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Mon Nov 23, 2009 at 00:23:06 AM CST

The earmarks for PMA clients (0.00 / 0)

Placed by Capuano aren't implications; they're a fact.  Whether the federal investigation ultimately results in Murtha being indicted, or expands to involve Capuano and others who placed earmarks for PMA clients and received contributions, what's despicable is funding defense contractors through earmarks instead of through an appropriate appropriations process including evaluation and prioritization of the need for the services, documented requirements, and transparent and competitive bidding.  The standard here isn't just whether the FBI has the evidence to pursue indictment.    

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." -Longfellow

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by: Bean in the 'Burbs @ Mon Nov 23, 2009 at 20:30:20 PM CST

[ Parent ]