Chuck Rangel Thinks Asking Relevant Questions About His Shady Behavior Is Dumb

Luke Russert recently asked Rep. Charlie Rangel a question about taxes on his properties in the Dominican Republic. Chuck refused to answer and even took the time to tell Russert his question was dumb.

“…you’re just trying to make copy”.

When Russert responded “NBC,” Rangel quipped “you’re young, I guess you need to make a name for yourself.”

Rangel, clearly upset, and having no idea who Luke was, continued:

“[T]hat doesn’t really sound like NBC asking this dumb questions. It just shows what has really happened to a channel that did have some respect.”

For those of you unaware of what’s up with Chuck, yesterday the House ethics committee concluded that Rangel (D-N.Y.), the one-time chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, violated ethics rules and would face a trial of sorts starting next week.

And so, for the second time in FamousDC history, we dub today: Charlie Rangel Day

h/t Lazy Hazy

Your WTF of the Week: Please Take a Number

Redefining multitasking:

Eliot Spitzer was once so voracious for sex that he ordered three different hookers for three separate visits – all in the span of a few hours in one day, an explosive new book claims. [class act]

Reminder: He was the Governor of New York at the time.

If Spitzer Can Do It…

On the heels of rumors that Eliot Spitzer might make a comeback, former cheater Tim Mahoney has decided he might run again. [joy]

The Fort Pierce Tribune says former Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-FL) may challenge Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL), the man who sent him back to the private sector in 2008 after Mahoney admitted to “numerous” affairs several weeks before the election.

Mahoney was very specific:

“Maybe it’s me, maybe it’s not, I don’t know…”

Maybe Floridians care about this, maybe they don’t.

How Not to Keep It Classy

Dear People That Make Terrible Decisions After Historic Congressional Votes,

This kind of thing doesn’t help prove your point.

Democratic offices in at least three states have reported instances of vandalism that party members say possibly were tied to Sunday’s historic vote on health care reform.

Early Monday morning, a glass panel at the Tucson office of U.S. Rep. Gabrille Giffords, D-Arizona, was shattered, spokesman C.J. Karamargin told CNN. It wasn’t clear how the window was shattered, but visitors have to go through the a gated courtyard to enter the office, and staffers suspect someone may have shot a pellet gun at the glass, he said.

Sincerely,
Concerned Editors at FDC

PS: We are willing to bet that you’re related to the people that set fire to cars when their sports team loses the Championship game.  Right?

It’s a Magnetometer, Not a Prison Sentence

Dear Congressional Staffers: Nobody is too cool for the magnetometers.

U.S. Capitol Police officers say they need more backing from their leaders to stop congressional staffers who insist on bypassing metal detectors when entering the Capitol with lawmakers.

Several officers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told The Hill that without a written directive of the policy, they’re left to face bullying staffers and intimidating lawmakers who have been known to file complaints against the officers. The staffers have accused them of discourteous treatment after being stopped and directed to the magnetometers.

Let the police officers do their jobs.

In case anyone needs a reminder… [shooting]

Anywhere But Here [Charlie Rangel Day]

For those of you who’d rather not be at work, you’re not alone.

Insert Charlie Rangel.

When Was the Last Time the DC Metro Had a Positive Headline?

They still don’t get it.

It has happened again. A rider photographed a Metro bus driver texting while behind the wheel. The photos first appeared on the website unsuckdcmetro.blogspot.com.

Another firing.

h/t MH

Not Breaking News: Marion Barry Is Crooked

If this surprises you, it’s because you’ve never read Marion Shepilov Barry, Jr.’s wikipedia page. Newcomers will particularly love the part about his “alleged stalking” and the “crack cocaine.”

D.C. Council Member Marion Barry personally benefited from a contract he obtained for his former girlfriend and directed earmarks that “provided substantial financial benefits to some of his close friends and supporters,” according to a report by Washington attorney Robert S. Bennett.

More of the same found here.

Apparently Injectable Anabolic Steroids Makes You a Better Candidate for Lt. Governor

We had to read this twice it was so mind-blowing:

According to court records obtained by the Chicago Tribune, Scott Lee Cohen, a millionaire pawnbroker who prevailed with a narrow plurality in the crowded primary for lieutenant governor, was accused by his ex-girlfriend, a prostitute, of holding a knife to her neck in a 2005 domestic dispute. [who says IL has problems?]

Also on his long list of strange activity: steroid abuse.

Reactions: @emzanotti Chicago: always raising the bar. Our politicians now come pre-indictable for your convenience.

It’s the Day Before Wednesday

We have no idea where this billboard is located, but given the history of unfaithful politicians in DC, it wouldn’t surprise us if it was blocks from the Capitol.

Changing Arenas? Wizards Star Charged With Felony

Will his new uniform be orange?

The Washington Post: Wizards’ Arenas charged with felony

Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Jerry Brown: Not So Deep Throat

We guess the California Attorney General doesn’t mind calling up reporters and dropping political bombs on ex-Gov candidate Gavin Newsom:

“Earlier this year Brown himself called me to plant a possible story about Newsom selling a condo for a suspiciously high price in a distressed market. I thought, Come on, really?” [yup]

Let’s just hope he wasn’t calling from his AG office or on a state paid blackberry…Would he then have to investigate himself? Awkward.

Famously Quoteworthy: Why is He Even Quoteworthy Anymore?

This line is generally reserved for the warm up to the outrageous quote.  In this case, no warm up is needed.

I’m blacker than Barack Obama. I shined shoes. I grew up in a five-room apartment. My father had a little laundromat in a black community not far from where we lived. I saw it all growing up.” – Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.  [duct tape over mouth]

Good luck on NBC, Rod.

Your WTF of the Week: Monday Night Raw Steak

But did she season it first?

Meet Elsie Egan. The Florida woman, 53, is facing a felony domestic abuse charge for allegedly striking her boyfriend several times in the head with a raw steak. [food fight]

It’s unclear as to whether they cooked the steak post beat down.

Other notes: The steak weighed between 10 and 16 ounces. The argument stemmed from the boyfriend’s refusal to eat sliced bread. He wanted a roll.

Refillable Penn: Clinton Pollster Benefits from Stimulus Money

In most instances, something like this would be deemed unfair.  In DC, we call this Wednesday…

Nearly $6 million in stimulus money was paid to two firms run by Mark Penn, Hillary Clinton’s pollster in 2008.

Federal records show that $5.97 million from the $787 billion stimulus helped preserve three jobs at Burson-Marsteller, the global public-relations and communications firm headed by Penn. [WTF of the week?]

Our bailout is right around the corner, we just know it.

Only in the Midwest: Green Balloons

We’ve gotten this tip so many times, we finally decided to cave. [what's wrong with people?]

However, we have zero commentary to accompany this post because it’s entirely too disturbing to think about.

Click at your own risk.  [BTW: it is safe for work, if you like balloon animals]

UPDATE: If you clicked above, this will make you laugh even harder.

Famously Quoteworthy: David Cross is Really Cool

Patrick Gavin just uncovered this interesting tidbit about comedian David Cross and his experience at this year’s White House Corespondents Dinner:  [coke boy]

"But it’s crazy and there’s security, Secret Service is standing there," said Cross. "I’ve got photos of all this. … I’m there and the president is right here and with all these people at the table" Cross snorted some coke, he said. "Maybe 40 feet from the president of the United States!"

Hey David, congratulations on being nominated douchebag of the day.

Yes, Because We All Know How Powerful Interns Are

The Hill is reporting that the four co-chairs of the Black Helicopter Caucus — sorry; "Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus" — are calling on the House the Sergent at Arms to investigate whether a pro-Muslim advocacy group was "successful in placing interns on key committees." [true story]

Republican members of the Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus say the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), tried to plant "spies" within key national security committees to shape legislative policy in its favor.

Their proof? A book. Called Muslim Mafia.

Reps. Sue Myrick (R-N.C.), John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) and Paul Broun (R-Ga.), and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) – citing the recently released book, “Muslim Mafia: Inside the Secret Underworld that’s Conspiring to Islamize America” – called for the House Sergeant at Arms to investigate whether CAIR had been successful in placing interns on key committees. The lawmakers are specifically focused on the House Homeland Security Committee, Intelligence Committee, and Judiciary Committee.

“If an organization is connected to or supports terrorists [and] is running influence operations or planting spies in key national security related offices I think this needs to be made known,” Broun said. “So I join my colleagues here today in calling for action.”

Wait, didn’t the book already do that? We’re so confused now…

Anyway, CAIR fired back.

“God forbid American Muslims take part in the political process and exercise their rights,” said Ibrahim Hooper, a CAIR spokesman, in a telephone interview. “I suppose they’re going to investigate the Muslim Staffers Association next.”

Maybe the Black Helicopter Caucus is onto something, though. If the planted interns are anything near as powerful as these guys , look out.

Charlie Rangel Day in the House

Looking for something to do while the 2,100 word GOP Rangel Resolution is on the floor today?

FamousDC is here to help:

Deadspin – sports after a pitcher of beer at the Capitol Lounge

…

Fark – news stories with hilarious headlines

…

FishbowlDC – all the latest and greatest on DC media

…

Facebook – where you can look up old ex bfs and gfs while stalking your COS’s weekend debauchery

…

The Hill Is Home – for Capitol Hill, by Capitol Hill

…

DCist – Sommer Mathis should be a daily must read

…

DC Blogs – the latest from inside-the-beltway bloggers

…

Post Secret – Anonymously contributed secrets via postcard

Famously Tweeted: Baby Time

Congrats to all the new fathers.

@MKHammer: Congrats on politi-Twitter baby boom, @thenote , @jaketapper , @PatrickRuffini , @jeffemanuel ! As Bebe’s Kids would say, "We multiply!"

Who doesn’t love NYE?

David Letterman and John Edwards Walk Into a Bar…

For those readers who’ve been laid up under a rock for the past 6 months, we’ve got some bad news for you:

Elizabeth Edwards is threatening to divorce her husband, John, after learning of allegations he had committed adultery with more than one woman, the National Enquirer is reporting. [creep]

We can’t wait until Letterman pokes fun at these most recent allegations…

David Letterman admits to affairs, says he was victim of $2-million extortion attempt [classy]

…or maybe not.

National Science Foundation: NSF or NSFW?

We’ve reported on this before, but given the recent developments, it’s likely a good idea to revisit it.

Note to future government employees: Surprisingly, it is NOT okay to surf porn while on your government computer.

Employee misconduct investigations, often involving workers accessing pornography from their government computers, grew sixfold last year inside the taxpayer-funded foundation that doles out billions of dollars of scientific research grants, according to budget documents and other records obtained by The Washington Times.

Just how bad was the tax-funded porn open-house?

One senior executive spent at least 331 days looking at pornography on his government computer and chatting online with nude or partially clad women without being detected, the records show.

Not to worry, he was caught.

When finally caught, the NSF official retired.

And then he qualified his rationale:

He even offered, among other explanations, a humanitarian defense, suggesting that he frequented the porn sites to provide a living to the poor overseas women.

It gets better, much better:

He explained that these young women are from poor countries and need to make money to help their parents and this site helps them do that," investigators wrote in a memo.

So, just how much money did this cost us?

Investigators put the cost to taxpayers of the senior official’s porn surfing at between $13,800 and about $58,000.

A bargain compared to the rest of the government waste fraud and abuse.

h/t lazy hazy

Check Yo Self Drudge, Before You Wreck Yo Self…And Our Olympic Dream

We’ll be honest, we want the Olympics in Chicago. And since Team Chi-town isn’t pushing back on Drudge plastering a video of their town’s gang violence all over the front page, we thought we’d fire off a little dirty ditty on Chicago’s main competitor, Rio de Janeiro.  And trust us, our video is cooler, cause we got a Dre/Snoop track pumpin’ in the background … and helicopters.

So, nice try Drudge, but you are getting the silver on this one. We’re still the Michael Phelps of media [gold ].

Famously Quoteworthy: The Gloves Are Off

First Lady Michelle talking tough:

"It’s a battle — we’re going to win — take no prisoners…"  [gold medal beat down]

FLOTUS talking crime Olympics.

John Edwards: On the Rooftop and Dreaming

Who hasn’t promised their mistress a rooftop wedding in NYC with the Dave Matthews Band playing?

New York Times:  For Edwards, Drama Builds Toward a Denouement

In the proposal, which The New York Times examined, Mr. Young says that he assisted the affair by setting up private meetings between Mr. Edwards and Ms. Hunter. He wrote that Mr. Edwards once calmed an anxious Ms. Hunter by promising her that after his wife died, he would marry her in a rooftop ceremony in New York with an appearance by the Dave Matthews Band.

Speaking of NYC, here’s DMB in Central Park:

UPDATE: Michael Turk sums all this up pretty well for the rest of us

Your Other WTF of the Week: Seriously?

Dumbest criminal to ever walk the streets, or just extremely addicted to Facebook updates?

The popular online social networking site Facebook helped lead to an alleged burglar’s arrest after he stopped check his account on the victim’s computer, but forgot to log out before leaving the home with two diamond rings.

Amazing.

Your WTF of the Week: So That’s What Poking Means

At least this gentleman gets bonus points for actually doing his own Facebooking.

Tony Phillips, a Republican candidate for mayor of Allentown, PA, "is considering bowing out of the race after a flirtatious-turned-salacious exchange between him and a professed married woman on his campaign’s Facebook page was made public," the Allentown Morning Call reports.

And why is Phillips "considering" bowing out as opposed to dropping out immediately?

Said Phillips: ”I just don’t know how damning this is, so I will have to wait and see."

Brilliant.

via Taegan

What’s the First Thing Jim Traficant Will Do When He’s Released From Prison?

Maybe this?

Maybe grab himself a new toupe ? His options, like his new freedoms, will be limitless.

HAPPY FRIDAY.

Your WTF of the Week: What Happened to Good Old Fashion Shivs?

Clinton’s former COS got her contraband on recently.

Betsey Wright, chief of staff under Gov. Bill Clinton and a long-time familiar figure in state and national politics, has been charged with 51 felony counts of attempting to take contraband items into the Varner Unit of the prison system, which houses Death Row.

Seriously, who does this? [box cutters are not toys]

Doug Heye Ain’t Scared of Chicks Who Rob People With Guns

No, seriously … he’s way more brave than we’d ever be.  Who knew Heye was a hero?  [saves the day]

Separation of Church and State [Troopers]

This young man is about 10 seconds away from being the most popular kid at school.  Not only can he brag about evading the police, he drives better than most Diplomats.

The editors here at FamousDC demand a raise in his allowance and a guest appearance on COPS.

Note: The reason for the police chase:  The kid didn’t want to go to church.

Drunk Drivers and Potheads, Rejoice

The WaPo’s Robert McCartney recently looked at how the recent Supreme Court ruling might affect court cases in Fairfax County, Virginia, writing that it will create a lot costly changes with little practical benefit, put a heavier burden on the state forensic lab and give defense attorneys a new weapon.

On the bright, though, McCartney notes this ruling could change up the way our justice system deals with drunken driving and marijuana use.

And again, there are members of Congress who should be paying attention.

Metro Opens Doors. It Just Can’t See Trains

Apparently the only thing falling apart faster than heath care is Metro. [typical]

“The train control system designed to prevent Metro crashes is malfunctioning across the railroad, suggesting that a technological failure at the heart of last month’s fatal crash may be widespread, according to officials and documents.

“At least one-half dozen track circuits on four of the five lines of the transit system have failed to properly detect the presence of trains. The safe operation of a transit system requires that everyone know the location of trains at all times.”

Awesome.

"In some instances, workers troubleshooting the problematic circuits have taken the unusual step of turning off those where problems are deemed more serious."

Given that these are the same guys responsible for the elevator and escalator “maintenance,” this is probably a good thing.

"Kubicek said Metro officials do not know what is causing the problems."

Jeez, even Pelosi knows where her health care revolt is coming from!

“When maintenance crews disable track circuits, they create ‘dark’ stretches of the subway. That means trains have to proceed one at a time through the affected section of track at a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour, which is creating delays.”

Wait, there are times when Metro isn’t delayed?

”It also means that controllers in Metro’s downtown operations center cannot "see" the train as it moves through the affected area and the safe operation of the train is entirely in the hands of the operator.”

Oh THAT’S reassuring. [cat nap]

…Because Most Brothels Have Bible Study

Clean-up on Aisle C St…

Paging anyone with an industrial size bucket of bleach. [code of silence = you didn't see her here]

Target Practice: POLITICO Lands Another Exclusive

If there’s a juicy news story, Politico seems to be all over it these days.

The American Conservative Union asked FedEx for a check for $2 million to $3 million in return for the group’s endorsement in a bitter legislative dispute, then flipped and sided with UPS after FedEx refused to pay.  [Mike Allen, again]

What can brown do for you?

Famous Last Words

Note to anyone who utters the phrase "I’m glad this isn’t on tape right now" – it probably is …especially when it deals with "Mayor for Life" Marion Barry.

The Washington Post’s editorial today suggests the DC Council should look into Marion Barry’s dubious earmarks.

But the best part of the Post’s piece actually comes from a Mike DeBonis article on Friday in the Washington City Paper (a must read if you care about all things Marion Barry).

From The Post :

That the rules fall short seems clear from a taped account — the person responsible says the recording was accidental — of a March meeting in which members of the council staff can be heard fretting when confronted with Mr. Barry’s unusual involvement in the operations of the nonprofits. Says Council Budget Director Eric Goulet: "We’ve moved beyond the ideal of how this should work. I’m glad this is not on tape right now . . . but the council member should not be directly making decisions about these grant agreements."

We are glad some things never change.

BREAKING: Reports of a Shooting in a Senate Office Building

Fox news is reporting shots fired on Capitol Hill in near one of the Senate buildings…

UPDATE: Brett Baier reports the incident is near the lower Senate Park. Police are not allowing anyone to exit the capitol premises.

UDPATE 2: Reports that one person is in police custody [tipster]

UPDATE 3: @syancyfox5: .. witnesses say police chasing white Mercedes followed by gunfire. Lots of emergency crews on scene.

UPDATE 4: WJLA has the story up.

Witnesses say a white Mercedes was traveling at a high rate of speed away from Union Station toward a Capitol parking area, where the vehicle crashed into a barricade. That’s when gunfire erupted, witnesses said.

D.C. Fire and EMS spokesman Pete Piringer said the wounded person was a 35-year-old civilian, who was shot by a U.S. law enforcement agency. Sources say it was U.S. Capitol Police.

UPDATE 5: @mkhammer RT @marcambinder: Robbery suspect shot by police on Capitol Hill. No need for panic. No remaining suspects at large. Roads reopened.

UPDATE 6: From the Capitol Police

Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 6:11 PM
Subject: Important Message from the US Capitol Police

The US Capitol Police were involved in a shooting at New Jersey Avenue and C Street, NW. The incident is contained and the security posture has not changed. This is an isolated incident unrelated to the security of the Capitol Complex. All buildings are open under normal operations.

18:11:04, 07/15/2009

UPDATE 7: Shooter dead.

UPDATE 8: Fox News update

UPDATE 9 : Politico: Police kill suspected Capitol Hill shooter

UPDATE 10: You can follow updates of the #hillshooter via Twitter Search

UPDATE 11: Shooting near Capitol in D.C. reported on Twitter first

When In Doubt, Have Your Mommy and Daddy Pay Off Your Mistress

We’ve heard of parents bailing their kids out of a few jams, but going so far as to paying off your child’s mistress?  [this keeps getting weirder]

Note to Congress: In case you hadn’t figured it out yet, you’ll get caught every time.  And then made a fool of.

Marion Barry’s Ex-Gal Speaks to the WaPo

This is the strangest damn interview we’ve every seen.

John Ensign’s Handwritten Apology Letter: At Least He Didn’t Tweet It

Who said writing a handwritten note was a lost art? [Dear X, My Bad.  God Loves You - and Hopefully Me.]

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