It’s Safe To Get Online Again

Just when you thought nobody cared that your spam filter was over worked- finally, justice has been served.

A Brooklyn man was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Tuesday for sending spam e-mails to more than 1.2 million subscribers of America Online in a scheme that foiled the Internet company’s spam-filtering system.
…
Vitale was caught making a deal with a government informant to send junk e-mails — known as spam — that advertised a computer security program in return for 50 percent of the product’s profits, prosecutors said.

Great concept.  Terrible execution.

Cap Lounge Cat Fight

We bet the Lounge will be packed this Saturday.

From today’s HOH: Striptease

Revelers at the popular watering hole Capitol Lounge on Saturday night were treated to a scene straight out of a “Girls Gone Wild” DVD. HOH hears two women engaged in a topless make-out session at the front bar, after one of them directed an obscenity-laced rant at one of the bartenders.
…
Amazed patrons snapped cell-phone pictures and videos of the girl-on-girl action, we’re told.
…
Sadly, HOH couldn’t collect any intel on the identities of the misbehaving ladies — neither of whom are believed to be Hill staffers — and HOH couldn’t reach anyone at the Lounge for comment.
…
So we can only beseech our readers for help. Know the identity of the mystery women? Can you shed any light on the naughty incident?

DC Staffers Breathe a Sigh of Relief

Whew

What a Sweet Pain In the Gas

On Monday morning, Capitol Hill resident Chris Frates got into his car only to discover he had been robbed - of gas.

What makes this mildly entertaining, Frates is a reporter for the Politico.

Patrick Gavin thinks it’s “further proof that normal, everyday people hate reporters.”

We tend to agree.

h/t FishbowlDC

Tough Day at 320 First Street

Pershing: NRCC to Reveal Embezzlement Details

The National Republican Congressional Committee will reveal today the results of a pricey forensic audit of its books in the wake of a massive alleged embezzlement scheme by its former treasurer, Christopher Ward.

Bresnahan: Ward may have taken as much as $725K from NRCC

Christopher J. Ward, the former NRCC treasurer, improperly diverted as much as $725,000 from the committee to himself over a six-year period, according to several GOP insiders.

 

A Democrat is a Republican Who Hasn’t Been Mugged Yet

Hold on to your wallets…

Why.I.Hate.DC has a fantastic post on their most recent DC experience - getting mugged.

While the story is partly serious, there’s still plenty of humor injected into the post.

Our favorite excerpts:

“I won’t let him touch my right pocket. It was part outrage and part selfishness. I’m on iPod number three and cell phone number three. I don’t need this bullshit. I know they say to let the mugger get what they want so no one gets hurt, but, no. I am not going to allow myself to be victimized. And if he was willing to shoot me, he might be willing to shoot me even if I cooperate. It may have been stupid, but I feel better now for having taken a stand. Of course if I were dead it would have been a moot point.”

…

And, because it’s DC, the first police car on the scene went to the wrong block. That was about as predictable as the sunrise.

After is was all said and done, the muggers got away with a total of $23 - the equivalent to a six pack of beer and dinner for two at Denny’s.

Read the entire post, here.

Cooler Than a Polar Bear’s Toenail

The family indicted together … stays together.

John Bresnahan: William Jefferson’s brother, sister, and niece indicted

The brother, sister and niece of indicted Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) were indicted themselves today for allegedly skimming hundreds of thousands of dollars from non-profit groups they controlled, according to the Associated Press.

I’m Not a Player, I Just Crush A Lot

Ben Pershing’s Player of the Week: The Anonymous Army on Capitol Hill

Flip on C-SPAN late at night, and you may well see a lawmaker giving a lengthy and impassioned speech to a largely empty House chamber. But while the room may look deserted, off-camera and behind the scenes there are dozens of aides keeping the place running.
…
Congress works largely because an anonymous army of clerks, parliamentarians, doorkeepers, cops and even janitors toil away — sometimes late at night, sometimes on weekends or holidays — to make sure things go smoothly. Unfortunately, the only times those people do get public attention is when things don’t go smoothly, as was the case this week on the $307 billion Farm Bill.

FDC applauds Mr. Pershing for digging a little deeper to shine some light on the staffers burrowed in the Dome.

Ben also highlights the three previous biggest “clerical errors” from the past ten years:

May 2001- Budget Conference Report
August 2005 - Highway Bill
February 2006 - Deficit Reduction Act

Tuesday’s Talker Tonight

Sources: NY Rep. Fossella won’t run again

WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Rep. Vito Fossella will not seek re-election after a series of damaging revelations about a child from an extramarital affair, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.
…
Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to make the announcement public. Fossella was expected to make the announcement Tuesday.

And the “Father of the Year” award goes to…

This father might be enjoying his next game from jail. [h/t FishbowlDC]

Forensic Files Meets C-SPAN

The Recently Married Ben Pershing: Hoyer Testifies on ‘Stolen Vote’

In an apparently unprecedented session, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) testified this afternoon before the special committee that was set up to investigate whether Democrats “stole” a controversial House vote last August.

As A&E’s First 48 tells us:

For homicide detectives, the clock starts ticking the moment they are called. Their chance of solving a case is cut in half if they don’t get a lead in THE FIRST 48™. Each passing hour gives suspects more time to flee, witnesses more time to forget what they saw, and crucial evidence more time to be lost forever.

More Pershing on the House’s Stolen Vote:

It’s not clear what this investigation will yield once it’s all over (another hearing is scheduled for Wednesday). Most likely, the committee will recommend more transparency in the way votes are conducted. Republicans will argue this fall that Democrats have been unfair and abused their power, just as Democrats said of the GOP in 2006. And then everyone will go back to their regular jobs, most of which don’t involve exhaustive forensic analysis of C-SPAN tapes.

Veto Fossella

How long until Nancy redirects her “Veto Watch” to this?

Close enough, right?

‘D, E, F, H, G, H, I, J, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T.” - The alphabet, as recited by Rep. Vito “Vino” Fossella (R-N.Y.) when he was stopped May 1 on suspicion of drunk driving. We might think he got screwed (G? K?) if he hadn’t blown a .17.

(From criminal complaint cited by Mary Ann Akers and Paul Kane in the WashPost)

Politico reporter being stalked online

One Craigslist poster has a crush on Politico vet Patrick O’Connor. [h/t Fishbowl DC ]

The text reads: “I feel like an ass for having asked you out at the Hawk and Dove, but I simply couldn’t help myself. I thought you were adorable and happen to be just my type- a brooding journalist. If it doesn’t work out with your girlfriend, contact me. Can’t believe I’ve stooped this low, but it is what it is.”

DC Madam leaves notes

Deborah Jeane Palfrey, better known as the DC Madam, left behind suicide notes- including one that described her recent racketeering trial as a “modern day lynching.” [here]

She claimed this was the only exit strategy she had left.

Breaking News: NY member busted for DWI

From Roll Call:

Rep. Fossella Arrested on Drunken-Driving Charges
Thursday, May 1, 2008; 3:05 pm
…

Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) was arrested Wednesday night in Alexandria, Va., for driving while intoxicated, The Washington Post reported Thursday afternoon.

DC’s most famous Madam - dead

DC Madam  - dead of an apparent suicide.  [breaking news]

DC gang problem fixed within seconds

In an unprecedented move, which could only be pulled off by the District of Columbia Police Department, the DC gang problem has now been eliminated.

They now have a “crew” problem.

According to the Washington Times, groups of thugs who hang out with each other and cause problems will no longer be referred to as gangs - we shall call them “crews.”

We here at FDC feel the strategy set forth by the DCPD is genius.  It’ll not only help tourism, but will give these guys way more street cred.  

D.C. officials insist on describing groups of young males as “crews,” rather than gangs, even when they are held responsible for violent acts such as the wave of killings in the city last weekend. But police officials in other cities say the distinction is counterproductive.

Unfortunately, real police officers don’t agree.

“The very first step in dealing with gangs is denial,” said Capt. Charles Bloom of the Philadelphia Police Department. “Then you get to the point that you can’t deny it any more.”

I wonder if the gang fights will involve oars now?

[h/t Malkin]

Hate Thy Neighbor

The political wing of the Democrat House of Reps (DCCC) is accusing the Republican part of cheating – while at the same time, Republican flacks are accusing the Democrats of being delusional.

CNN’s Deirdre Walsh has round one:

The DCCC, which works to elect House Democrats, filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission Wednesday arguing there’s evidence The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) was involved in a TV script for an ad by the conservative group Freedom’ s Watch. According to campaign finance laws, it is illegal for party committees to coordinate with outside groups within 90 days of a federal election.

…

“Tom Cole (R-OK and NRCC Chairman) may have gotten his wish when Freedom’s Watch came to the NRCC’s rescue, but breaking the law will be the NRCC’s worst nightmare. Freedom’s Watch own Word document clearly shows the script for their ad came from the NRCC - that’s clearly illegal, said Brian Wolff, Executive Director of the DCCC.

…

Ed Patru, spokesman for Freedom’s Watch, dismissed the charge as a “sensational theory that falls apart once you hear the rest of the story.”

In a response that surely rubbed his Democrat counterparts the wrong way, Republican Party spokesman Ken Spain fired back via the WaPo’s Paul Kane, “the DCCC is delusional.”

One thing is clear – if the Congressional campaigns are fighting over Word documents more than six months before the election, we’re in for an ugly showdown.

UPDATE: If you’re also wondering why CNN and the Post picked this up as “news” - check out the WaPo’s link on the NRCC spokesman’s name:

“The DCCC is delusional,” added NRCC spokesman Ken Spain.

Show me the ad links!

Dr. Phil sits down with Client #9

Pelosi - Against the boycott before she was for it

Nancy Pelosi: Olympic boycott would be mistake (Friday, March 28, 2008)

Nancy Pelosi: President Should Consider Boycotting Olympics’ Opening (Monday, March 31, 2008)

You can’t make this stuff up, folks.

Any thoughts on what she did this weekend?

Gary Condit the Movie?

Ben Affleck is in DC filming State of Play

Ben Affleck displayed a talented range of emotions today while shooting a scene for his upcoming political thriller State of Play outside Washington D.C.’s Environmental Protection Agency. The 39-year-old has been shuttling back and forth between his L.A.-based wife Jennifer Garner and daughter Violet to the D.C. shoots where he stars as a U.S. Congressman caught up in scandal when his mistress is found dead under suspicious circumstances.

NY/NJ Political Sex Scandal Tri-fecta?

McGreevey aide says he had sexual trysts with ex-governor, wife

They allegedly met at T.G.I. Friday’s for the weekly romps. At least DC scandals keep it classy!

Will this help Dina Matos McGreevey’s book sales? –

hat tip to Andrew Sullivan

Avoid Georgetown This Weekend

Locals Plan Georgetown Protest this Weekend Against D.C. Council Member Jack Evans

The activists plan on meeting at 6:45 a.m. both days at the corner of 30th and P streets and proceeding to demonstrate from 7 to 9 a.m. If you’re thinking of joining the ruckus but are afraid of getting busted by the law, fear not — police have been notified and will be offering “full protection for the [amplified] group both days.”

Somehow this will raise your taxes.

8 House Dems Get Letters Before Bombing

Bres: 8 House Dems get letters, photo of New York recruiting station before bombing

Shackleford: Domestic Terror

AP: Army Alerts Recruiters Nationwide After NY Bomb

UPDATE: Law Enforcement: Letters Unrelated to Times Square Blast

DC Madame Hires Monica Lewinsky’s Lawyer

Deborah Jeane Palfrey’s trial will begin on April 7.

Why are DC taxes higher than VA and MD?

[this may help answer that question]

Tab in Scam At Tax Office In D.C. Nears $50 Million

The corruption at the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue went undetected much longer than initially thought, the sources said, extending back almost 20 years. In addition to tracking the missing money, authorities are looking into gifts suspected of being provided to co-workers and others by the woman accused of leading the scam, former tax office manager Harriette Walters.

Security guards got cash, office mates got free meals and virtually anyone who made a request got something, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

Two of the sources, who are familiar with the accounts of witnesses, said the gifts included $35,000 to a co-worker who wanted to remodel her house, $25,000 in cash and luxury gifts to an assistant whom Walters began mentoring and $15,000 each to help two co-workers’ daughters pay for renovations and credit card bills.

Waxman was for the hearing before he was against it

Extreme Mortman: Waxing Poetic

Yes, anti-trust is a Congressional matter.  But steroids?  Spygate?  Hardly.  You know that old warning about mixing church and state?  Congress should likewise stop mixing ESPN and C-SPAN.

No Blog For You

CNN Producer Says He Was Fired for Blogging

Your Congress at Work

Akers: Meltdown on House Floor Disrupts Lantos Memorial Service

Steroids in Baseball - CHECK
NFL Spygate - CHECK
Pelosi’s Daughter’s Wedding - CHECK
Political Gotcha - CHECK
Terrorist Surveillance (FISA) - nah

Eagles Fans Can’t Let Go ‘05 Super Bowl Loss

Goodell to meet with Senator Specter over NFL spying

.

Berkeley - STILL open for invasion

Row erupts over Berkeley’s anti-Marine stance [click]

“If the U.S. Marines are not good enough for Berkeley, neither are taxpayer dollars,” said Sen. John Cornyn.

Where my money at?

MSNBC reporter suspended for ‘pimped-out’ Chelsea comment

-

BREAKING: Jefferson still freezer burnt

Rep. William Jefferson, the man infamous for stashing cash in his freezer, who is currently under investigation by the Feds, won’t like this news. 

By Susan Crabtree 
The Hill

A judge ruled Wednesday that an indictment accusing Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) of masterminding a wide-ranging bribery scheme involving business deals in Africa is valid.

Jefferson’s attorneys argued that most of the charges should be thrown out because testimony his staffers gave to a grand jury violated the Constitution’s speech and debate clause that protects legislative activity from intervention by other branches of government. The clause specifically says a congressman “shall not be questioned in any other Place” about his legislative work.

Democrats ‘Bus’ted for breaking the law -UPDATE

DEMOCRATS BREAK THE LAW, SHOW SHAMELESS LACK OF CONCERN FOR ENVIRONMENT

UPDATE: Because the buses were on Federal Property, DC law does not pertain to them. The same cannot be said for the carbon footprint they left.

—

Below are some photos from this morning’s Democratic bus brigade waiting outside the Longworth House Office Building to take them to Williamsburg, VA for their retreat.

Staffers watching from nearby windows noticed the buses were idling as early as 7:15am, but didn’t depart until roughly 10:05am- leaving them idling for nearly 3 hours. In addition, three Penske trucks were also dispatched to carry the Members’ luggage (because apparently the cargo hold of the 5 buses was not enough space).

As stated by law:

In 1999, the DC Department of Health amended a municipal regulation (Title 20, §900.1) that applies to both gasoline and diesel engines. The DC idling law, which applies to buses with a seating capacity of twelve or more, restricts idling to three minutes.

Nancy, the law states three minutes, NOT three hours.

According to an EPA study conducted on idling buses in the DC metro area in Dec of 2006.

“Long-duration vehicle idling waste a considerable amount of fuel (up to a gallon per hour) and exposes the driver, passengers, and the general public to harmful diesel air emissions, such as particulate matter and other air toxics.”

As one Capitol Police Officer reminded the Democratic staffers- they’re supposed to be law makers, not law breakers.

The Race for the Big House

EE: Impeached Democrats for Hillary

AP: Obama Gives Away Money Tied to Donor

Ben Smith: “Not a bad night for returning some Rezko money. Maybe Hillary wishes she hadn’t worked so hard to own the news cycle.”

“Don’t Drop The Soap” Prison Game …

The Canadian Press (1/28) reports, “The son of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is peddling a board game titled ‘Don’t Drop the Soap,’ a prison-themed game he created as part of a class project at the Rhode Island School of Design. John Sebelius, 23, has the backing of his mother and father, U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Sebelius. The governor’s spokeswoman, Nicole Corcoran, said both parents ‘are very proud of their son John’s creativity and talent.’ … The game includes five tokens representing a bag of cocaine, a handgun and three characters: wheelchair-using ‘Wheelz,’ muscle-flexing ‘Anferny’ and business suit-clad ‘Sal ‘the Butcher.’ There’s also a soapdish parole card holder.”

CREW keeps books closed

CREW demands transparency of everyone…..but themselves [hypocritical]

STOP! Step away from the vehicle

O’Connor: Issa’s deep pockets

Issa promises to make up the difference of $400K pledge to NRCC.
Founder of the Viper car alarm, his net worth was last estimated to be more than $140 million.

0 and 2 count

Subpoena for Knoblauch still not served

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