Article

2010-10-22 -Lurid Crime Tales-

Ethics questions about Murkowski's Alaska deals

[Washington Examiner] Sen. Lisa Daddy, can I be a senator? Murkowski's write-in candidacy was inspired by, and is funded by, an insular but bipartisan network of lobbyists, corporation and boodlers who have gorged at the public trough through incestuous political relationships that sneer at ethics rules.

These Murkowski cronies are concentrated in a new million-dollar, corporate-funded organization called Alaskans Standing Together.

AST is a "Super PAC" formed last month by a handful of Alaska Native Corporations. These are government-created, for-profit businesses that profit from unique privileges in federal contracting, and they pass much of their earnings on to non-native consultants, subcontractors and back door men. One of AST's early backers, according to the group's Web site, is developer Bob Penney, a former business partner of late Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens (R).

Penney is a longtime donor and family friend who has known Murkowski since she was a small child. But Penney's biggest gift to Murkowski may have been a deep discount on a waterfront property he sold her in December 2006.

Murkowski did not disclose this asset in her financial disclosure forms, but under media pressure she later said she paid $179,400 for the land, which was exactly the local government's assessed value of the land -- and well below market value according to most accounts. The Anchorage Daily News wrote in an editorial, "Anyone who sells Kenai River real estate at the assessed value is either a fool or doing somebody a favor. Anybody who buys it at assessed value knows -- or should know -- she is getting a sweet deal."

Posted by Fred 2010-10-22 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11131 views ] Top

#1 This was a bruhaha when it came out 4 years ago. What these politicians do not understand or care not about is that these sweetheart deals pi$$ off regular folks. There is still a lot of resentment on the appointment by then Governor Frank Murkowski of his daughter for the Senate.

Even if she was the most qualified for the job, it is just plain nepotism. It violates the public trust. Frank got trounced in the next republican primary for Governor with only 19% of the vote. Career politicians are just not a good thing for this country.

Posted by Alaska Paul 2010-10-22 01:17|| 2010-10-22 01:17|| Front Page Top

#2 I'm a Georgist, but even non-Georgist should be able to spot naked rent-seeking.

Posted by Bright Pebbles 2010-10-22 08:05|| 2010-10-22 08:05|| Front Page Top

#3 Career politicians are just not a good thing for this country.

I agree. I am all for term limits.

Posted by DarthVader 2010-10-22 10:24|| 2010-10-22 10:24|| Front Page Top

#4 More proof that progressives, liberals and Democrats aren't our only problem. The career politicians, family political dynasties, and lobbyists HAVE to go!

I think we should limit the investments of all public servants above a certain pay level (ie. that of a junior congressman) to strictly TSP/401k, and enact laws that forbid income outside of their government salary. If you want to be a senator or congressman thats fine, but that is all you do during your tenure. Any income other than your retirement plan is a conflict of interest; including books, real-estate, speeches, and campaign funds. Also, they should follow the same rules as other federal employees when it comes to travel and lodging arrangements (except for meetings with foreign dignitaries), and all travel expenses should be very closely monitored. Finally, ANYONE in congress who is found guilty of ANY violation of either the rules of the congress/senate or local, state or federal law (above the level of a misdemeanor) should IMMEDIATELY lose their seat. How many would stay in congress for 30 years then?

Posted by Keenster 2010-10-22 11:23|| 2010-10-22 11:23|| Front Page Top

#5 ...Allow me to suggest then the 28th Amendment to the Constitution Of The United States:

I: No person shall be named to a vacant seat in the United States Senate who is:
a. Related to the former Senator by blood or marriage, or;
b. Related to the Governor of the State in which the vacancy occurs by either blood or marriage; or
c. Not resident in the State in which the vacancy occurs according to the laws by which that State determines voting eligibility; or
d. The currently sitting Governor of the State in which the vacancy occurs, to include a period of time not to exceed one hundred and twenty (120) days following that Governor's resignation or defeat at election.

II: All persons appointed to a vacant Senate seat shall stand for reelection at the next national election, regardless of whether or not the seat would have been contested, and regardless of time between the appointment and said election.

This would prevent a LOT of the horror shows we've seen in recent years - NO more Lisa Murkowskis getting Senate seats from Daddy, NO more Caroline Kennedys being considered for Senate seats, NO more idiot Governors resigning then having the new Gov appoint them to the Senate. This would also insure that an appointee will face the voters as within no more than two years, insuring that whoever gets appointed will face the votors pronto...and had therefore be a bit more than a placeholder until the guy they REALLY want can run.

Mike

Posted by Mike Kozlowski 2010-10-22 12:03|| 2010-10-22 12:03|| Front Page Top

#6 Murkowski is a part of the political elite and unfortunatly it looks like she will win. I do not believe the republicans, conservatives or whatever you want to call them will win near the number of seats that they expect. There is just too much corruption in the process.

Posted by bman 2010-10-22 12:50|| 2010-10-22 12:50|| Front Page Top

#7 If the Alaskans actually elect her, knowing what they do about her and given the alternatives, they deserve the result, just like those Ohioans who kept voting for Dennis Kucinich.

Posted by trailing wife 2010-10-22 13:17|| 2010-10-22 13:17|| Front Page Top

#8 There's a better and easier plan.

1. Congress shall meet for 4 months every 2 years.
2. Congress critters shall be paid minimum wage (No raising their pay without constitutional amendment)
3. 2 Terms max
4. Congress critters shall be housed in dorms while in session. No 'off' campus housing allowed.
5. They will be restricted to campus and not allowed to attend any 'parties' given by anyone.
6. Congressional menu plan by Sheriff Joe.
7. Anyone voting for tax increases shall automatically receive 90% taxes of ALL income with no loopholes for life. This to include their spouse.
8. Bills may be only 10 pages long.
9. Tests shall be given on ALL bills to ensure they have been read.

Posted by Silentbrick 2010-10-22 13:23|| 2010-10-22 13:23|| Front Page Top

#9 Add to that:

Congresscritters to be housed in Korean-era army tents... in Texas... in the summer... while congress is in session.

Posted by CrazyFool 2010-10-22 13:56|| 2010-10-22 13:56|| Front Page Top

#10 What in the world is wrong with Alaskans? 35% support this unethical POS. Are that many Alaskans simply that ignorant

Posted by No I am The Other Beldar 2010-10-22 16:10|| 2010-10-22 16:10|| Front Page Top

#11 Problem is if Alaska is stupid enough to send this lobbyist bankrolled elitist RINO moron to the Senate, she becomes a problem for ALL of us, not just Alaska.

Thanks a lot Alaska.

Posted by OldSpook 2010-10-22 21:12|| 2010-10-22 21:12|| Front Page Top

#12 Just remember Murkowski and Blagojevich when people speak about going back to Senators being appointed by the States rather than popularly elected. Even with all the imperfections of popular elections, we'd never get anyone but good old boys [and girls] in the seats. You'd never turn out either the Trunk or Donk hacks.

Posted by Procopius2k 2010-10-22 22:07|| 2010-10-22 22:07|| Front Page Top

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